Bombardeos aereos en España : De la aviación nacional a la retaguardia republicana
Barcelona: Industrias graficas Seix y Barral Hnos., S. A., [1939]. First edition. Softcover. Quarto (9 1/2 x 6 1/2"). 71, [1]pp. Original illustrated wrappers and title page by Flo.
Published shortly after the end of the Spanish Civil War, this Nationalist work intends to justify the "more accurate and effective" aerial bombing of Republican held territory by Franco's air force, and condemns the "savage" bombings by the "Reds," accused of targeting civilians and thus waging a war of terror and destruction.
However, when the list of the most severely bombed cities during the Spanish Civil War is made, it appears that they are all located in the Republican zone, with the only exception of the Cordovan town of Cabra, whose bombing (the deadliest carried out by the Republican air force during the war) seems to have been the result of a terrible mistake* on the part of the Soviet crews of three «Tupolev SB».
Thanks to the spectacular advances of aviation in the 1930s, the aerial bombing of Spanish cities in the Spanish Civil War became a major if not decisive factor to Franco's victory. Since the Spanish military aviation in July 1936 was obsolete, this was only possible because both sides received help from foreign powers that provided their modern bombers. The Nationalists received Savoia-Marchetti 81 and 79 planes from Fascist Italy, as well as Junkers Ju 52 and Heinkel He 111 from Nazi Germany. The Republicans obtained the Soviet "Tupolev SB," less efficient than its fascist counterparts.
This book is profusely illustrated throughout with numerous photogravures.
Some rubbing along edges of wrappers. Minor age-toning and sporadic foxing along paper margin. Text in Spanish. Wrappers in overall good- to good, interior in good+ to very good condition. g- to vg. Item #43440
* On November 7, 1938, three "Tupolev SB" bombers bombed the town of Cabra, in the province of Cordoba. One of the bombs fell on the town's market, killing dozens of civilians. The aircraft dropped six tons of bombs. Most of the bombs exploded in the market and in the working class districts. There were between 101 and 109 civilians dead and 200 wounded. The Nationalist antiaircraft artillery was taken by surprise and reacted too late. The airstrike was carried out in the belief that Italian mechanized troops were stationed in the village. Once over the target, the pilots mistook the market's awnings for military tents.
Price: $650.00