HACIA LA GUERRA CIVIL 10. EL DESASTRE DE ANNUAL (5/5). MONTE ARRUIT

Introduction

The speaker introduces the topic and mentions that they will be discussing the previous video about the retreat from Annual and the arrival at Monte Arruit. They acknowledge that they may have rushed through the final part of the video and not fully explained the significance of the siege on Walter.

Retreat from Annual and Arrival at Monte Arruit

The speaker explains that after retreating from Annual, a group of survivors led by Lieutenant Conde de Rivera's cavalry regiment managed to travel approximately 70 kilometers to reach Monte Arruit, which was close to Melilla. They mention that as they advanced, nearby positions started falling, including those near Battle where the railway line was located.

Siege on Walter

The speaker highlights that during the retreat, Lieutenant Conde de Rivera's regiment defended against attacks by Abdelkrim's forces in an important position in Annual. They mention that many young soldiers, including Morales and Lee, were killed in this defense.

Communication via Biograph

The speaker explains how communication was established between different points using a device called a biograph. This device used mirrors to reflect sunlight and transmit messages in Morse code. Initially supported by a cellar, it later relied on Aena Dor and finally on Atalayón for communication with Melilla.

General Navarro's Column

The speaker discusses General Navarro's column consisting of around 1200-1300 men who joined him from various positions as they retreated towards Melilla. They mention that by July 24th, the railway line had already been cut off, making it impossible to supply any positions by rail.

Halt at Monte Arruit

The speaker describes how General Navarro's column reached Monte Arruit, a small base located about 35 kilometers from Melilla. They mention that as they advanced, the tribes and warriors of Abdelkrim surrendered or joined their forces. The speaker also notes that the positions near Battle were gradually falling.

Communication via Biograph

The speaker explains how communication was established using the biograph device, which allowed for reliable communication between distant points through the reflection of sunlight on mirrors. They mention that initially, a cellar was used, followed by Aena Dor, and finally Atalayón.

Joining Forces with Local Tribes

The speaker mentions that as General Navarro's column advanced, local tribes and even some indigenous police forces started joining their ranks. This resulted in an increase in their numbers as they made their way towards Melilla.

Abandonment of Positions

The speaker explains that many smaller positions, including blockades and small garrisons consisting of only a few dozen soldiers, were abandoned as they retreated towards Melilla. Some individuals managed to reach Melilla on foot in small groups despite crossing enemy lines.

Conditions at Monte Arruit

The speaker describes Monte Arruit as a small base with basic masonry walls built between 1912 and 1916. It had three barracks for troops but lacked amenities such as water within the position itself. There was a well nearby, but it became contaminated when a soldier fell into it while trying to reach it.

Lethal Cantinas

The speaker mentions that two cantinas (buildings) were located outside the main walls of Monte Arruit. These cantinas became lethal because the Rifians could target them without being hindered by the position's walls. This led to several days of relentless attacks on the besieged soldiers.

Defense of Artillery Pieces

The speaker explains that as they entered Monte Arruit, the rear guard attempted to defend the artillery pieces that had been abandoned by their custodians. Captain Arenas and a few brave soldiers stayed behind to protect the pieces but were unable to survive the onslaught from the Rifians.

Conclusion

The speaker concludes this part of the discussion, highlighting the events leading up to and including the siege at Monte Arruit. They provide an overview of the conditions and challenges faced by General Navarro's column during their retreat from Annual.

New Section

This section discusses the events leading up to the arrival at Monte Arruit and the challenges faced during the march.

Arrival at Monte Arruit

• The Rif fighters were aware of the ammunition and supplies left behind by the Navarre column, so they quickly rushed towards Monte Arruit.

• Despite leaving behind a significant amount of equipment, around 1,200 men managed to enter Monte Arruit.

• In addition to the two existing sections, more than 3,000 men gathered at Monte Arruit in hopes of being rescued by Spanish troops.

New Section

This section describes the difficult and dangerous march from Anual to Monte Arruit.

Challenging March

• The march from Anual to Monte Arruit was arduous, covering a distance of 70 kilometers while constantly under enemy fire.

• The soldiers were exhausted, thirsty, and had limited food supplies.

• Despite facing these challenges, they pressed on towards Monte Arruit.

New Section

This section highlights the defense and sacrifices made at Monte Arruit.

Defense at Monte Arruit

• Captain Arenas and a handful of men defended the position until their death.

• They fought bravely to protect the abandoned artillery pieces.

• Captain Arenas was posthumously awarded Spain's highest military decoration, the Cruz Laureada de San Fernando.

New Section

This section covers life inside Monte Arruit and the difficulties faced by its occupants.

Life Inside Monte Arruit

• The morale inside Monte Arruit was low due to limited water supply and insufficient food provisions.

• Although there were some food stores (such as rice, flour, beans), it was not enough for all the soldiers.

• The lack of water was a pressing issue, and obtaining it was risky due to constant enemy fire.

New Section

This section discusses the duration of the defense at Monte Arruit and the subsequent surrender of other positions.

Duration and Surrender

• The defense at Monte Arruit lasted for 14 days, from July 29th to August 9th.

• Other positions, such as Célula and Nador, eventually surrendered to the Rif fighters.

• The officers left their troops unarmed and attempted to march towards Melilla but were massacred by the remaining Rif fighters.

New Section

This section explains the significance of the term "para que" used by the Rif fighters.

Significance of "Para Que"

• The term "para que" originated from the distinctive sound made by Remington rifles used by Spanish soldiers.

• It became a verb among the Rif fighters, referring to firing shots with those rifles.

• The use of "para que" indicated that they were constantly under fire within Monte Arruit.

New Section

This section describes the surrender and aftermath at Nador.

Surrender at Nador

• After surrendering, officers allowed their unarmed troops to march towards Melilla.

• However, they were ambushed and killed by remaining Rif fighters.

• Only a few prisoners survived while most were brutally executed.

Please note that these summaries are based on limited information provided in the transcript.

Arrival of Troops in Melilla

This section discusses the arrival of troops in Melilla, including cavalry regiments and battalions from Ceuta and the peninsula. The population in Melilla at this time was divided into two sectors - the Hippodrome sector to the south and the Alfonso 13 neighborhood.

Troop Deployment in Melilla

• Troops from various battalions, including cavalry regiments, arrived in Melilla.

• The city was divided into two sectors - the Hippodrome sector to the south and the Alfonso 13 neighborhood.

• The defense of Melilla was organized to prevent its fall, as it had a large civilian population and a significant military presence.

Threats to Melilla

This section highlights the threats faced by Melilla, including its proximity to Nador and Mount Arruit. The constant artillery fire and attacks on Spanish positions put Melilla at serious risk.

Proximity to Nador and Mount Arruit

• Nador is located near Melilla, with only about 20 km between them.

• The capture of Mount Arruit by Rif forces further endangered Melilla.

• Spanish positions were constantly under artillery fire and subjected to attacks.

Siege of Monte Arruit

This section focuses on the siege of Monte Arruit, where approximately 3,000 Spanish soldiers were surrounded. Despite attempts to provide supplies through air drops, they were unable to sustain their resistance due to limited resources.

Desperate Situation at Monte Arruit

• Approximately 3,000 soldiers were besieged at Monte Arruit.

• Attempts were made to supply them via air drops but proved insufficient.

• The soldiers endured constant artillery fire and were unable to sustain their resistance.

Surrender and Massacre at Monte Arruit

This section discusses the surrender of Monte Arruit and the subsequent massacre of Spanish troops by Rif forces. Only a few hundred prisoners, including General Navarro, were spared.

Surrender and Massacre

• The remaining soldiers at Monte Arruit surrendered and agreed to leave the position unarmed.

• However, the Rif forces did not respect the agreement and massacred most of the prisoners.

• Acts of vandalism and terrorism against Spanish troops were brutal and savage.

Conclusion of the Disaster in Melilla

This section marks the conclusion of the disaster in Melilla. General Berenguer takes charge of reclaiming lost territory, with General Sanjurjo playing a significant role in leading the reconquest.

Reclaiming Lost Territory

• General Berenguer takes charge of reclaiming lost territory in Melilla.

• General Sanjurjo, along with his legionnaires, plays a crucial role in leading the reconquest.

• Despite initially ranking low academically, Sanjurjo's successful military career allows him to rise through the ranks.

Role of General Sanjurjo

This section focuses on General Sanjurjo's role in leading the reconquest. He is joined by Millán Astray, commander of La Legión (The Legion), which had been established less than a year prior.

Leadership by General Sanjurjo

• General Sanjurjo leads the reconquest efforts alongside Millán Astray.

• Millán Astray commands La Legión (The Legion), known for its discipline and resilience.

• Francisco Franco Bahamonde, brother of aviator Ramón Franco Bahamonde, serves as one of the commanders in La Legión.

The transcript is already in English.

Journey to Melilla and Support for Bullfighting

The speaker discusses how a general named Berenguer was sent to Melilla, and the people of Spain, including Catalonia, had a strong passion for bullfighting. They organized events to raise funds for the poor in Melilla.

General Berenguer's Journey to Melilla

• General Berenguer traveled to Melilla by ship and handed over control there.

• This marked the beginning of his responsibilities in the region.

Passion for Bullfighting

• Bullfighting was considered the national sport of Spain.

• The enthusiasm for bullfights was immense across the country, including Catalonia.

• The plazas (bullrings) were always filled with fans supporting this traditional spectacle.

• Fundraising events were organized where capes were used in the middle of the plaza to collect funds for helping impoverished Spaniards in Melilla.

Investigation by General Picasso

General Picasso, a war hero, initiated a thorough investigation into the events surrounding Melilla. His meticulous investigation revealed corruption and degradation within the Spanish military.

General Picasso's Commission of Investigation

• General Picasso conducted an impeccable and efficient investigation into the situation.

• The investigation involved thousands of pages of witness testimonies.

• It provided clear insights into what transpired not only at the general headquarters in Melilla but also exposed widespread corruption within the military during 1921.

Corruption and Degradation in Spanish Military

The speaker highlights how corruption had infiltrated both the regime under restoration and specifically affected preparations leading up to Annual.

Prevalence of Corruption

• The state of corruption allowed unethical practices such as selling defective horses.

• Horses with lung problems were sold as healthy ones for bullfighting purposes.

• Large sums of money were exchanged under the table, while the horses were in perfect condition.

Casualties and Losses

• The speaker mentions that over 10,000 men died during the Annual disaster, with some estimates suggesting up to 13,000 casualties.

• Approximately 20,000 soldiers were present in Melilla at the time, including indigenous police and regular troops.

• It is estimated that between 8,000 and 8,500 Spanish soldiers lost their lives in the Annual disaster.

Indignation and Consequences

The aftermath of Annual led to widespread indignation and investigations into the military elite. This period also saw political parties using the disaster to attack the monarchy.

Reaction of Society

• Initially, there was a patriotic fervor among the people in response to Annual.

• However, as more information about what happened emerged, society became increasingly outraged by the corruption and mismanagement that had taken place.

Investigations into Military Elite

• Political parties critical of the monarchy seized upon this opportunity to investigate and accuse members of the military elite.

• Two years later, a coup d'état took place in Spain led by General Primo de Rivera as one of the consequences of Annual.

Conclusion and Call for Engagement

The speaker concludes by mentioning upcoming videos on General Picasso's investigation report and how it opened society's eyes. They encourage viewers to engage with likes, subscriptions, comments, and explore related content on their YouTube channel.

Future Videos

• The next video will delve into General Picasso's investigation report (Expediente Picasso) regarding its consequences after Annual.

Viewer Engagement

• Viewers are encouraged to like, subscribe, and comment on the video.

• The speaker expresses gratitude for the respectful and informative comments received so far.

• They also mention other content available on their YouTube channel, such as the series on the origins of Catalan nationalism and interviews.

Timestamps have been associated with bullet points as requested.