| 23rd December 1938 - 26th January 1939 |
THE CATALONIAN CAMPAIGN
Having cut the Republic into two the Nationalists now launched
an offensive against Catalonia. The attack on the forces defending
the Republican front-line was made by six Nationalist armies
on a front that stretched from the Pyrenees to South of the
River Ebro. It proved too much for the already exhausted Republicans.
They retreated towards Barcelona and, once Borjas Blancas
was captured on 4th January, the retreat became a rout. Tarragona
surrendered on 14th January and by 24th January the Nationalists
were within 3 miles of Barcelona. At this point the Government,
led by Juan Negrin, fled to Gerona. The Republican troops
in Barcelona continued to maintain a token resistance until
26th January, when the city finally surrendered.
30th December 1938
The Republican destroyer Diez was damaged by the Nationalist
cruiser Canarias off the coast near Catalon Bay. The Diez
was so badly damaged that she had to be beached to stop her
sinking. She was later towed to Gibraltar and remained there,
interned, until the end of the war.
5th February 1939
The Nationalists captured Gerona. |
