Battle of the Ebro
1938 · Bend of the lower Ebro, around Gandesa (present-day Tarragona Province, Spain) · World · Modern
The Republican offensive was checked at Gandesa, and after nearly four months of attrition the army withdrew to the east bank of the Ebro in November.
Belligerents
Spanish Republican People's Army
- Commanders
- Modesto, Rojo
- Strength
- c. 80,000–100,000
Nationalists (with German and Italian air support)
- Commanders
- Franco, Yagüe
- Strength
- More than about 90,000, with continual reinforcements
Background
In spring 1938 the Nationalists reached the Mediterranean, cutting the Republican zone in two. The Republican government hoped to turn the tide with a large-scale offensive and to hold out until the situation in Europe changed and outside intervention could be won.
Course of the battle
- Crossing the EbroOn the night of July 25 the Republican army crossed the river at several points and quickly advanced to the outskirts of Gandesa.
- Checked at GandesaThe Nationalists held Gandesa, opened dam sluices and sent their air force to bomb the pontoon bridges, and the offensive stalled.
- Mountain war of attritionWith superior artillery and air power, the Nationalists fought again and again for the hilltops in the river bend.
- Withdrawal to the east bankIn mid-November the Republican army withdrew east of the Ebro, and the battle ended.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 1938 |
|---|---|
| Place | The bend of the lower Ebro, around Gandesa (in present-day Tarragona province, Spain) |
| Result | The Republican offensive was checked at Gandesa, and after nearly four months of attrition the army withdrew to the east bank of the Ebro in November. |
| Winner | Nationalists |
| Casualties | Combined casualties are estimated at around 100,000, with figures varying widely between sources. |
| Territorial change | The Republican main army was all but destroyed, and the Nationalists went on to take all of Catalonia in early 1939. |
Impact
The largest and longest battle of the Spanish Civil War, it sealed the Republic's final defeat.
See the world in 1938 on the map →