Emilio Mola Spanish military leader, general. Date of Birth: 09.07.1887 Country: Spain

Biography of Emilio Mola

Emilio Mola was a Spanish military leader and general who participated in the Spanish Civil War from 1936 to 1939. He was born in Cuba, which was then a Spanish colony. His father was a captain in the Civil Guard and the family moved to Spain after the country's defeat in the war with the United States in 1898.

Mola received his education at the Toledo Infantry School from 1904 to 1907 and graduated as a lieutenant. He served in various infantry regiments and participated in the colonial war in Morocco, where he distinguished himself in 1909. He was promoted to captain in 1912 after being seriously wounded in battle. After recovering, he served in the Serinyola Infantry Regiment and took part in battles in North Africa, including in the Tetuan region. He continued to excel and was promoted to major.

In 1915, Mola became the commander of the volunteer battalion "Alba de Tormentos" in Barcelona. He was later transferred to Madrid and then to Spanish Morocco, where he fought as part of the "regulares." In 1919-1920, he participated in numerous battles against Moroccan forces and was promoted to lieutenant colonel in June 1921. In 1927, he was promoted to brigadier general and appointed as the commander of the Larache forces in Morocco.

Mola's successful military career was marked by his bravery and achievements in North Africa. He received numerous awards and honors, including the Military Medal. He also gained recognition as a military theorist and published a book called "Experiments" in 1932, advocating for the reorganization of the Spanish army on a professional basis.

In 1933, Mola was granted amnesty and returned to the army, serving in the General Staff under General Francisco Franco. In 1935, he was appointed as the commander of the troops in Melilla and later became the overall commander of the Spanish armed forces in Morocco.

When the left-wing Popular Front won the parliamentary elections in February 1936, Mola was appointed to a peripheral position as the commander of the troops in Pamplona. During this time, he actively participated in a conspiracy to overthrow the Popular Front government. On June 5, 1936, he presented the plan for the uprising to other conspirators, which included the establishment of a "directorship" led by a president and four members, as well as the suspension of the constitution.

Despite conspiracy rumors spreading throughout the country, Mola was allowed to return to Pamplona. On July 17, 1936, the military uprising began in Spanish Morocco, and Mola's forces quickly gained control of significant parts of the country. He played a crucial role in organizing the military rebellion and also engaged in propaganda activities, publicly criticizing the Republicans.

In August 1936, Mola launched a new offensive in the north against the Basques, achieving significant successes. However, on June 3, 1937, Mola died in an aviation accident. His death led to speculation about Franco's involvement, but there is no concrete evidence to support this theory. After the war, Franco posthumously granted Mola the title of Duke.

Emilio Mola was regarded as an influential military leader during the Spanish Civil War. His strategic acumen and organizational skills contributed to the early successes of the Nationalist forces. His death was mourned by both his supporters and adversaries, leaving a lasting impact on Spanish history.