INSURGENT NOV I 1938

Companys has thrown in the towel, the Catalan military command has ceased to exist. Catalan troops everywhere laid down their arms and just went home (automatic with the -2 modifier after OCT I). However, the central government has not yet capitulated, though Azana and Negrin have moved to Gerona, a step closer to sanctuary in France.

Nationalist mountain troops moved into La Seu d’Urgell (13:3225) and disarmed the Catalan garrison. Farther south, the Nationalists in an almost desultory fashion advanced into positions around Cardona (3326), Calaf, and Igualada (3426) abandoned by the Republicans when beaten back at Cervera. The only real combat action was at Sta. Coloma de Queralt (3427) where a hapless People’s Army division was evicted from their sector of the Pasionaria line. The Nationalists are within sight of Manresa and Terrassa and within less than 50 km from Barcelona. A Republican corps is entirely cut off in the mountains at Solsona (3226) and strongest remaining People’s Army contingent around Reus, and Montblanch (3428) is outflanked.

The main action was at Valencia, where a radio appeal by General Queipo de Llano for unconditional surrender, given in his famed, sherry-seasoned voice had fallen on deaf ears, whereupon General Varela had ordered an all-out assault. Most of the elite divisions and heavy artillery had been transferred from the Catalan front to join the Navarrese Corps, and the entire Insurgent airforce gave support. However, despite this concentration of strength the attack was beaten back (AR).

LOYALIST NOV I 1938

The demoralized People’s Army remnants in Cataluna, largely abandoned by their leaders and in untenable positions, took no action. The command in Valencia, well aware that supplies are running low and that their successful defense against a first assault had only postponed the inivitable, is still negotiating.