Right here stands a silent sentinel from a tumultuous past. This is the Nido de ametralladoras. It is a machine gun nest. This Nido de ametralladoras whispers tales of a city besieged. It tells a nation torn apart.
The Nido de ametralladoras is a stark reminder of the Battle of Madrid. This battle raged during the Spanish Civil War. Madrid became a crucial target after the July 1936 coup. Republican forces managed to keep control of the capital. The city then became a military objective for rebel troops. General Mola’s forces attacked from the north. Later, General Franco’s troops assailed from the southwest.
Between July 1936 and November, rebel forces gained support. Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy sent military aid and soldiers. The Republican government only received Soviet assistance at the start of the Madrid battle.
Possessing the capital meant controlling the country. Madrid held political, military, strategic, and economic importance. It was the Republic’s political heart and government seat. Columns from Pamplona, Valladolid, and Burgos could not penetrate the mountain passes during the Battle of Guadarrama. The front stabilized by August 1936. General Franco’s Army of Africa advanced from the south.
The battle saw the bombing of civilian targets. Barcelona had already experienced this. Many Spanish cities later suffered the same fate. It also occurred during World War II.
Emilio Mola planned to seize Madrid. He sent instructions to military officers. His plan involved attacking Madrid from Valencia, Zaragoza, Burgos, and Valladolid. The coup failed in some areas. It succeeded in others. Mola sent three motorized columns from Valladolid, Burgos, and Pamplona. These columns faced resistance. The advance on Madrid stalled by early August 1936.
In early October, rebel forces renewed their advance on Madrid. Mola wanted columns to converge from the north, west, and south. Republican resistance forced a change. Priority shifted to advances from the south. Republican resistance stiffened. Still, rebel troops advanced. These troops consisted of Moroccan regulars and legionnaires.
Reports surfaced of Soviet ships carrying military supplies. Stalin and the Comintern decided to support the Republic. They sent advisors and military equipment. The Soviets also organized volunteers. These became the International Brigades. The USSR’s support increased the PCE’s power.
The government prepared Madrid’s defense. It created the People’s Republican Army in October. This army aimed to unite militias under professional command. Militias showed combativeness but lacked training and experienced leadership. The Republic’s armed forces had disintegrated after the July revolt. Efforts began to rebuild them.
After liberating Toledo’s Alcázar, General Varela advanced on Madrid. On November 6, 1936, the government left for Valencia. It tasked Generals Miaja and Pozas with defending Madrid. A Defense Junta was formed. Miaja appointed Vicente Rojo as Chief of Staff.
The Defense Junta decided to resist. Madrid was divided into sectors. Commanders like Lister and Galán were assigned to different areas. General Miaja’s forces numbered 30,000. Varela’s troops initially numbered 20,000. The International Brigades increased the defense.
In early November, the front reached Madrid’s outskirts. Getafe and Cuatro Vientos airbases fell. Bombings intensified. The government evacuated to Valencia. The Defense Junta, led by Miaja, took charge. Miaja and Rojo organized defenses along the Manzanares River. They built trenches, machine-gun nests, and artillery positions.
Varela ordered the final assault on November 8. He advanced from Casa de Campo toward the Manzanares. Brigades led by Lister and Barceló slowed the rebel advance. Fighting continued in Casa de Campo. The XI International Brigade arrived in Madrid. They marched down Gran Vía. They established headquarters at the University City.
A stroke of luck aided the defenders. A lost Italian tank revealed the rebel plan. Rojo reorganized troops. Nationalist aviation bombed the Manzanares. Soviet aircraft contested the skies. The slogan “¡No pasarán!” boosted morale.
Today, the Nido de ametralladoras stands as a memorial. It reminds us of the fierce battle for Madrid. The courage of its defenders must never be forgotten. It is a reminder of a nation divided against itself.