Domingo Rey d'Harcourt

Domingo Rey d'Harcourt (1883 – February 7, 1939) was a Nationalist commander during the Spanish Civil War.

Domingo Rey d'Harcourt
Born1883
Pamplona, Spain
DiedFebruary 7, 1939 (aged 55–56)
Ponts de Molins, Catalonia
AllegianceSpain Kingdom of Spain (1900–1931)
 Spanish Republic (1931–1936)
Spain Nationalist Spain (1936–1939)
Service/branchSpanish Army
Years of service1901–1939
RankColonel of artillery
Commands heldTeruel Garrison
Battles/warsSpanish Civil War

He had risen to Colonel of artillery, and joined the military rising against the Republican Government that became the Spanish Civil War.

During the Civil War Rey d'Harcourt was the commander of the Nationalist garrison of the city of Teruel during the Battle of Teruel. Heavily outnumbered, Rey d'Harcourt made a last stand in four key points of the city; the Civil Governor's Building, the Bank of Spain, the Convent of Santa Clara and the Seminary. Republican Radio Barcelona announced that Teruel had fallen, but Rey d'Harcourt and the remnants of the 4,000 man garrison still held out.[1] With no water, few medical supplies and little food he was finally forced to surrender on January 8, 1938.

Despite his heroism, his surrender was criticized by many in the Nationalist high command.

He was jailed for treason against the Republic first in Valencia and then in Barcelona. During the Nationalist Catalonia Offensive he was taken towards the French border and was killed by his guards along with forty-two other prisoners of the Battle of Teruel, including Anselmo Polanco, Bishop of Teruel.[2]

References edit

  1. ^ Hugh Thomas, pp.507-508
  2. ^ es:Domingo Rey d´Harcourt