Massacre of Badajoz - The Taking of Badajoz

The Taking of Badajoz

The occupation of Badajoz occurred during the advance of the rebel army from Andalucía to the north of the peninsula. The assault on the city was vital for the Nationalists, as it would mean the joining of the Army of the south with that of Emilio Mola, which dominated the north.

Badajoz found itself isolated after the fall of Mérida several days before. The siege of the town was carried out by 2,250 Spanish legionarios, 750 Moroccan regulares and five batteries of artillery, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Juan Yagüe.

The final assault was made on the evening of August 14, after the city was bombarded from both land and air (by German Junkers Ju 52) for most of the day. Badajoz's recently re-occupied 18th century walls were defended by 2,000 Republican militiamen and 500 regular soldiers led by Colonel Ildefonso Puigdendolas.

After opening a breach in the walls to the east, at the Puerte de la Trinidad and Puerte de Carros, the Nationalist troops entered the city, and after bloody hand to hand fighting, Badajoz fell to the insurgents.