Battle of Gandesa (1938)

The Battle of Gandesa took place in April 1938 during the Spanish Civil War.

This article is about the first battle of Gandesa of the Spanish Civil War. For the second battle, see Siege of Gandesa (1938).
Battle of Gandesa
Part of the Spanish Civil War
Date1-3 April 1938
Location
Gandesa, Catalonia, Spain
Result Nationalist victory
Belligerents
Spanish Republic
International Brigades		  Nationalist Spain
Kingdom of Italy Corpo Truppe Volontarie
Aviazione Legionaria
Nazi Germany Condor Legion
Strength
XV International Brigade
Casualties and losses
140 prisoners

Background

After the fall of Caspe, the Nationalists troops continued their advance towards Catalonia with the support of the Legion Condor and the Aviazione Legionaria. By the end of February the nationalists had reached the outskirts of Gandesa. The XV International Brigade had been retreating since the Aragón Offensive began, and the republican lines collapsed.[1][2]

The battle followed the decision of the XV International Brigade to dig in and hold the town of Gandesa in an effort to slow down the Francoist troops, which had been advancing steadily since the beginning of the offensive.[3]

Battle

The town of Gandesa was held by the XV International Brigade. The Nationalists attacked with troops of Mario Berti's CTV and Monasterio's Army Corps. Despite the prowess of the British troops, Gandesa fell on 3 April and 140 British and American members of the International Brigades were captured.[4] However, the resistance of the XV Brigade allowed the Republican troops to regroup and to withdraw some material across the Ebro River.[5]

Cultural references

This battle is mentioned in the song Jamie Foyers, where the fictional hero is killed.

See also

References
  1. Salas Larrazabal, Ramón (2006); Historia del Ejército Popular de la República, La Esfera de los Libros, Madrid; ISBN 84-9734-465-0.
  2. Hugh Thomas (1976); p. 859 (Spanish edition).
  3. Hugh Thomas (1976); p. 871 (Spanish edition)
  4. Hugh Thomas (1976); p. 862 (Spanish edition).
  5. Thomas, Hugh. (2001). The Spanish Civil War. Penguin Books. London. p.781

41°3′N 0°26′E


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