Monday, January 31, 2011

How To Get More Troops In Mount And Blade

PAUL SENDRA, ALFEREZ LEGIONARY

Tizzi Assa, June 1923:

D. Pablo Sendra Font, Lieutenant Legionnaire (* 1901 +1923)

"... Gentlemen Legion, tomorrow we will save our fellow Tizzi Assa, tomorrow I enter the convoy or perish. Tomorrow will execute this feat, because our race is not dead yet ... "
(D. Rafael de Valenzuela Urzaiz his legionaries in Tafersit, 4 June 1923. One of the officers who heard the speech of their leader, was the lieutenant legionnaire, D. Paul Sendra Font).

Tafersit, is a big hole, in the Nador area, which forms a semicircle to which, from above, down three high-rise canyons with buttresses, forming an intricate terrain and deep ravines, through which , had to move troops (9). This area, in June 1923, was garrisoned by English troops in turn were besieged by Indian forces.

Vista Tafersit camp circa 1905

A first month of 1923, he fought very hard in the area Tafersit and Assa Tizzi hill. At these points, the Rif Kabyle, were surrounded with several positions and English positions to which had to supply, ammunition, remove and relieve injured, having to break the siege to the English forces to carry out such missions.

To lift the siege, was sent to English forces, among which were three flags of the Regiment, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel D. Rafael Valenzuela and Urzaiz. One of his officers, was a brave officer of 22, years which saw falling to his lieutenant colonel and that he tried to seize Riff (the commanders and officers, though dead, were worth money), advanced with 20 legionnaires to avoid abduction the body of his boss. They got it but this young Valencia, D. Pablo Sendra Font, be seriously wounded, expiring next morning as a result of his injuries.

First Steps (2)
Born in Valencia, 26 June 1901. He was the son of then Lieutenant Colonel of Artillery D. Francisco Sendra Piqué (as of December 30, 1935, had reached the use of Honorary Brigadier-General (7)) Font Vitoria and Valencia. He began his footsteps in the Army, entering as a volunteer in Artillery, December 20, 1916, where it would for 2 years, 8 months and 11 days, to join the Infantry Academy in Toledo on September 1, 1919. After successfully completing the curriculum successfully, was promoted to Lieutenant of Infantry employment on 11 November 1921. He lived a very short but intense military career as a year, 6 months and 24 days, fell fighting heroically in front of his legionnaires at the hill of Tizzi-Assa, a June 5, 1923. Was missing 21 days to age 22.

On December 20, 1916, entered the 2 nd Section of the Central School Shooting of the army, Gunner 2 nd volunteer, going to make military training in the Plaza de Cadiz, where he remained for the rest of the month and the following year, 1917, until he took the oath of allegiance to the Flag of Spain on August 1, 1918 in the Artillery Command of Cadiz.
opposition presented himself for admission to the Infantry Academy in Toledo in that after passing the entrance exams, was named student of the same on September 1919, going to Toledo.

During their training in classrooms Toledo, 28 February 1920, received the visit of General D. José Villalba Riquelme, then Minister of War, which saw to HM King Alfonso XIII of the brilliant training they received in the same students, why the monarch congratulated the Director of the same and the students cover, and congratulations on the service record of each, including the then D. Cadet Corps Pablo Sendra Font. After successfully completing his studies and exploitation, D. Pablo Sendra, was promoted to Lieutenant of Infantry employment on 11 November 1921, receiving his office in the courtyard in front of the statue of Charles I of Spain and V of Germany, and later for Infantry Regiment Constitution No.. 29, which could not be immediately incorporated to illness in the Plaza de Barcelona. Once the disease enters the body in Pamplona on January 5, 1922, which would target a few months since by royal decree of 21 April, is aimed at Legion of Foreigners in Melilla.

The Alien Legion (2)
Arrives in Melilla on April 30, 1922, joining the Foreign Legion of Dar-Drius and after this he was assigned to the 2nd Company.
Their first mission came on May 8, when he left the flag, the head of which, was their commander, D. Francisco Franco Bahamonde, to make Chaif \u200b\u200bmilitary walk, returning safely. Another march of the same characteristics, took place the next morning, day 9. This time, Arkab Plateau which is returned to Dar Drius, without incident. His third mission, take a few days, especially not carried out until 18, when they framed in the general column D. Damaso Berenguer, Chaif \u200b\u200bmarched to the effects of implementing a position, which was conducted without incident and returned back to its base, being in that camp to play safety and service to the campaign until July 17 were relieved by the 2nd Bandera. That 17's

July, marched in military train Melilla until the 7th of next month, August. While in Melilla rest, he served for his job. On August 8, back in Dar Drius, he returned to carry out the services in this camp had mandated, safety and field until, as part of the column of General D. Alberto Castro Girona, took part in the occupation and fortification of Midar bitterness, and this time despite the lack of resistance encountered, his baptism of fire. Later, he returned to Dar Drius to 29 that becoming part of that column and under the same control, went for protection to a convoy to the positions of aloes of Midar, holding this time also, light shooting with the Rif. He returned to Dar Drius.


recruitment poster at the Third

September 22, his flag and D. Pablo Sendra in the 2nd Company next to it, leaving their commander D. Francisco Franco Tistutín direction and thus, by rail, to Melilla.
Drius returned to Dar on 23 October. Three days later, on 26, went into action again made war in the General Column Ruiz Trillo, this time to seize and occupy Tafersit and Buhafora. Just finished it two days later, on October 28, attends the occupation and fortification of various positions on the hill Tizzi-Assa, which would be featured in the leading position until the first of November was relieved his flag by the Infantry Regiment King's Immemorial, No.1, thereupon marched Bufahora camp.

Tizzi-Assa (2)
From now on, Tizzi-Assa, is already a name connected to Ensign Sendra and not be near the same but because military action always will related thereto.
On November 7, out to protect a convoy Tizzi-Assa and Benitez, Buhafora returning safely. On 25 this month, suffered a severe attack of Buhafora the English camp, by the Riffs, which was rejected. On December 1, back out the flag in support of the Harco friend in protecting a convoy Tizzi-Assa. Another convoy with the same destination is protected by the flag with Franco in front, holding fire with the enemy on the 18th and yet another convoy Cutro days later, on 22 December.

An "impasse" between 11 and 14 January 1923 that the flag is moved to Dar Drius camp to attend imposition of the Military Medal on 12, which had hitherto been commander of the Legion, D. Francisco Franco Bahamonde. After this event, the flag, he returned to Buhafora, where he focused on the protection of convoys, road building, relief forces in the forward positions, and until the 3rd May when the lieutenant D. Pablo Sendra Font, must begin to Melilla, where it will be admitted to hospital because in the military hospital until April 15, 1923 that are incorporated back to your flag in Buhafora, however, with his back to Melilla Flag 25 of the month, being encamped in Sidi Guariach until May 15 that left this time Tafersit. Once

Tafersit took part under the command of Colonel D. Agustín Gómez Morato gotten operations on 28, 29 and 31 of the mentioned May and held near-Assa Tizzi to overcome the stubborn resistance offered by the Rif to the passage of convoys in the outposts of the sector , measures which will be mortally wounded again on 5 June and evacuated to the hospital in Dar Drius, nothing could be done to save his life and died of wounds received on the 6th of that month. Was turning 22.

What happened in that Assa Tizzi-June 5, 1923? (4) According
published by La Vanguardia in Barcelona on June 7, 1923, the fighting Tizzi-Assa, were the result of ongoing hostilización rifeñas forces to the convoys that supplied those positions and they had serious problems to arrive at them. This news, read as follows (verbatim) (4), entitled "... From Morocco. Assa Tizzi operation. Details ... "

" ... Melilla 6, 15. In order to supply the Tizi sector positions Asa, rightly ordered to command an operation to beat the rebels tend to be concentrated in those ravines, often harassing. To this end organizaronse
various columns commanded by Colonel Fernández Pérez. Took part in the column commanded by Colonel Don Alberto Coronel, another column commanded by Colonel Gómez Morato, one commanded by Colonel Morales, a spare and another observation. One of them was commanded by Colonel Ruíz Portal.

you know that Monday afternoon mediated Colonel Fernández Pérez, led a vibrant speech, telling the soldiers:

"Today I am in charge of the columns that will operate tomorrow. First of all, I must inform you that tomorrow we will go to Tizi Asa. I have the assurance that we will go by the spirit that prevails among yourselves. Tomorrow is a day for Army and Spain. " Troops responded
cheering on Spain.
Then Colonel Fernández Pérez talking with officers, telling them that he had honored much in command of the columns that were going to operate.

Sabénse the following details of the operation. At midnight they stood in motion the forces, arriving at daybreak the old Hamuda position, occupying the position of each column had been appointed.

commanded by Colonel The Morato Gómez was the one who was leading the convoy to Tizi Asa, going also to prevent the rebels occupy the ravines, the column of Colonel Morales.
Primeramente la columna mandada por el coronel don Alfredo Coronel, llevando las harkas amigas, un tabor de regulares y fuerzas del gum, subió sin seria resistencia a la loma situada al este de Peña Taurda (Peña Tahuarda), constituyendo así el flanco derecho de la extensa línea de combate.

La columna del coronel Gómez Morato, que llevaba a la vanguardia dos banderas del tercio al mando de su teniente coronel señor Valenzuela, dejó a la izquierda el campamento de Buhafora, atravesando los barrancos y llegando hasta Peña Taurda (Peña Tahuarda) sin tiros.
La columna del coronel Ruíz Porta, siguió el camino antiguo del poblado de Buhafora, entablando contacto con el enemigo. This column was carrying assault vehicles, artillery and infantry. The column of Colonel
Morales was divided into two parts: one went to Sidi Sidi Talhha and Hague. Half column advancing on the plain between the gully and ravine Fersit Buhafora.

The convoy entered Benitez's position at eleven-thirty. First
much harassed the enemy, and raging fire after seeing that the enemy was rushing to occupy the heights that were leaving our forces in their advance. To the forces of the enemy, the regular forces attacked the bayonet. At times many of projectiles fell in all directions on our forces. Then the regular commander Melilla, M. Frías, for being injured all his officers had to carry the bayonet under the command of fourteen soldiers, fighting with great heroism. At all times, our troops, possessed of enthusiasm, cheering for Spain.

When the convoy was near Benitez forces intervened third, helping the regulars and making it easier to access the convoy.
A large group of rebels, located in the ravine about Benitez's position, set back our forces.
battalions San Marcial and Princess behaved excellently, showing great spirit. At times, the enemy, lacking weapons, fought with stones. Major Cold

pulled a wounded soldier while trying to remove the cartridge to another soldier who had just expired. Cold commander was shot twice, wounding him less severe. Lieutenant Colonel Valenzuela died in the attack with the bayonet against his legionnaires. He died on the fifth assault after haranguing his legionnaires. Valenzuela at these times, had his hat in his hand, holding his pistol in the other .... "

Moments later, the brave lieutenant D. fall Pablo Sendra Font, who with his speech in front of his section, consisting of twenty legionaries, prevented from taking the body Rif Lt. Colonel Commander of the Legion, D. Urzaiz Rafael Valenzuela and resulting official said very seriously wounded in that fight, injuries as a result of which, Finaria the next morning on 6 June in Dar-Drius nursing. Cae

Ensign Sendra (1)
Titled "... Another glorious episode ..." the newspaper "The Rif Telegram" of June 9, 1923, was known as Legionnaires died Ensign D. Pablo Sendra Font, leading a section, so brave, to defend the body lifeless, inert, Teniente Coronel Valenzuela Bravo, in avoidance of the Rif it to them. As narrated a legionnaire wounded in that battle, the events took place as follows (verbatim):

"... One of those injured in the third, in the battle of day 5, we have referred a new episode, in which covered with glory, the brave lieutenant of the Third Sendra and twenty legionaries at your service.
came to pass the act to which we refer to, at times by the Supreme minbar blaze of glory in the heroic lieutenant colonel in the Third, Valenzuela, fell mortally wounded, by the generous offering of his life on the altar of the Fatherland . Dead
the brave leader and the four porters, also of the Legion, who had come to collect the body of glorious Valenzuela, the Rif, arrogant, tried to seize the sacred remains of the heroic English soldier, and then a lieutenant of the Regiment, Lieutenant Sendra, commanding a section of twenty sailors, like him, brave as he, bold not hesitate to move forward, with sublime courage, to fight face to face with the rebels were not achieved its goal of taking the body of the heroic leader of the Legion.
The rebels outnumbered, they had to leave that place, seeing that other legionnaires came to that was sacred, because there estban the remains of Valenzuela.
Alongside this body were also the Sendra second lieutenant and twenty legionaries, New Martyrs of the Nation ... "

" In Memoriam "by the lieutenant and his Knights Legion Sendra (1)
also published in the newspaper Melilla above, signed by F. de las Cuevas, a remembrance in honor of Ensign section Sendra, fallen in defense of the body of the head of Third D. Rafael de Valenzuela Urzaiz, under the title "... The legend is revived, the honor guard of Valenzuela. A Section of Sendra Ensign, posthumous tribute of admiration .... " This tribute was (verbatim):

"... Legend revived as the heroic. In the flooded fields of light by the African sun, like burnished gold quarters, the third recording with the blood of its soldiers, emblems of glory for the Fatherland.
In the bloody and relentless struggle reaches the climax, sublime, which requires superhuman effort that drives the spirits and bodies to give life to the legend. A formidable barrier precludes the disclosure of brother with brother, and beyond it on high, a few handfuls of English, the vanguard of our honor and our right, yearning hope the help of those who, from the plain, they prooves of the elements that are essential to preserve their lives, and with them the honor of the nation and race.
These, move over hills and ravines breastfeeding your enemy, protected by the rugged terrain, sows death in our ranks, hoping to crown the wall, which he considered impregnable, with the bloody remains of our heroic soldiers. About
gold of the earth, blazing with light, the red of blood, gives the admiration of the heavens the flag of Spain, which folds whimsical covers the field of battle, like a carpet of golden cornfields dotted with poppies.
Resistance is formidable, a rain of lead doubles for the fighters, like hail to the stems of plants.
Where the metallic sound of bugles not reached the ears of the legions of Iberia, is heard by all, the vibrant voice of the Chief of the Legion that highlighting the strong and arrogant figure, among the amazement of friends and strangers, released as a roar of the cheers of the Legion rules, and offers value-filled chest and forehead sovereign August and full of ideals and noble thoughts, the Relentless reaps their lives, ignorant of the value of each.
His soldiers, as members of the body and parts of his own spirit, with the knife and steel, which is, hands clenched, formidable striker for war destruction, useful, fruitful work in peace, trample, destroy and wall collapse that hatred and ignorance wanted oppose our way of civilization, with the dark plan to sink into ignominy our reputation as a people and as a race.
The body on the ground, de Valenzuela, grows to the pupils of their hosts, such as giant cairn erected at the time, in the inhospitable land, the grandeur and pain in Spain. He is the protection of those who expect the highest yearning the elements they need to maintain our reputation spotless.
The fight fell, the convoy reached its destination, the objectives were met: the breasts are dilated at the time of triumph. The enemy wheel battered by ravines and canyons in search of protection that gives them away.
All the soldiers who fought under the flags of Spain, enthusiasm resulted in the debt of good children. Everyone reaches the satisfaction of accomplishment and glory, but those were the body of that soul in the land called Valenzuela, do not want to enter without honor in the regions of immortality.
Force Regiment waste arises Ensign section Sendra, which last tribute of admiration and support for his boss, is sacrificed full, complete, with his body, and proper military training in groups of four, are shedding the spirits of bodies, giving honor guard at his successful race for the indefinite spaces beyond life, to cry up on the threshold of Glory: Lieutenant Colonel Paso us!, the head of the Third Step of Death!, Step and adherence to Spain, his Army and the Legion !..."

Burial of D. Pablo Sendra Font (1)
all and that his remains rest in the family vault in the cemetery in the seaside town of Vilanova i la Geltrú, Barcelona, \u200b\u200binitially, D. Pablo Sendra Font, 8 June 1923, received a Christian burial in Melilla with another officer fell heroically in combat Legionnaire June 5, Ensign Perea Saenz, chaired by Colonel of the Regiment of Melilla, Gómez Morato and Commander the Third D. Lucas Mercader. The media did eco burial and was released the previously lied and "Telegram from the Rif, as follows (verbatim):

" ... Yesterday morning at ten, took place in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery burial of Third lords lieutenants of Perea Saenz and Sendra, who died heroically in combat brilliant last day 5.
The funeral ceremony was presided over by the Colonel of the Regiment of Melilla, head of the column of shock, which has performed so valiantly in the past battles, Mr. Gómez Morato, and the commander of the Third Mr. Lucas Mercader, who came from the Benitez's position.
The coffins guarding the remains of those officers were involved in the national flag.
ofrendóles Legion crowns, with sentidísimas dedications.
At the time of burying the dead, Colonel Gomez Morato, made the following stirring words:
"I will discharge on behalf of the legion and the entire Army. I give you a bye on their behalf. Your memory will live forever in our memory. Have died gloriously, excediéndoos in fulfilling your duty, writing one of the most beautiful pages of glory in the history of the English Army. May God accept and come into the glory that though you deserve for your behavior. Viva Spain!, Long live the King, Long live the Legion! ".
After Colonel Gómez Morato trasladóse land to where the corpse was Francisco Vázquez Legionnaires speaking on the following lines:
"We buried a companion yours and know that we do so with the same warmth and feeling that we just did with your officers. Cry me: Viva Spain!, Live the King, Long live the Legion! ". It was an extremely exciting event ... "


family Pantheon Sendra, in Vilanova i la Geltrú (Barcelona), where the remains of the heroic legionnaire Alférerz D. Pablo Sendra Font

His remains were shipped to Barcelona on September 24, 1929 in Melilla, to receive final burial in Vilanova i la Geltrú, then a small seaside town on the Catalan coast in the province of Barcelona. (3).

Suffer Medal for Country pensioner for the Third of Foreign Ensign, D. Pablo Sendra Font (6)
D. Pablo Sendra Font, was awarded the Medal of suffering for the country as a result of injuries caused his death the next day after having participated in combat-Assa Tizzi the June 5, 1923. Even so, the concession, encountered any impediment to another as equating the case to another officer died as a result of his wounds hours later, apparently, the question was to be given this award if they survived or not at 24 hours following, which is demonstrated and finally being granted however. The dossier quoted (verbatim):
August 27, 1924
"... The Army Chief General of Spain in Africa, with letter of August 6, 1924, extended documented proposal Sorrows Medal for the homeland, maintenance for the deceased lieutenant th Inf D. Pablo Sendra Font. Considered
this proposal is that, belonging to the official expressed the Foreign Legion, was wounded by the enemy in combat Tizzi Aza (Melilla) on 5 joined in 1923, and died the next day. Having been described his injuries as serious.

is a case similar to the Infantry Captain D. Isidoro Quiroga Jorda, with RO of July 17 ppd º (past) has forwarded a report of the Supreme Council of War and Navy, because it is not clear if the captain died before or after 24 hours of being injured, for in the first case could not be granted an Medal that was proposed. For reporting in this regard the said Upper Body in the case of D. Argüello Brage also died in July.

In his view may be adjourned this matter until receipt of report requested in Quiroga Captain ... "

March 7, 1925
" ... this record, according to a note of August 27, 1924, was subordinated to report that, in the analogous case of Capt. Inf ª D. Isidoro Quiroga, issued by the Supreme Council of War and Navy, and as this August body, in view of history that undoubtedly exist in the same, reported the case in the sense that it came to giving Medal of Suffering for the Homeland pensioned by Quiroga stated that the captain was wounded at 10 am one day and died at 16 the next day, the Bureau understands that in this case should determine whether the lieutenant Sendra survived 24 hours at his wound, and tale indeed history proceeds to ask the Commander in Chief of the Army of Spain in Africa ... "

May 21, 1925
" ... The Army Chief General of Spain in Africa, written on May 21, 1925. Answer the RO of 12 last March saying that the ensign of Inf ª D. Pablo Sendra Font, who referred this matter, was wounded on June 5, 1923, between 8 and 9 in the morning and died in the infirmary of Dar Drius at 15 am the next day .... "

June 14, 1925
" ... Having that Official survived more than 24 hours at his wound, the Bureau, giving reproduced herein, as stated in its letters of 27 August and 7 March last, understands that it can be granted the medal for which it was proposed, with the pension of 30 pesetas for the two days prior question, and compensation of 875 pesetas (25% of the salary he enjoyed), a total of 905 pesetas, as understood in the case c) of Article 5 of the Act July 7, 1921 (OJ No 151), suggesting not pass this file to the Military Board, under the agreement on June 25, 1924 in the Infantry Commander D. Felipe Figueroa and others wounded by the enemy proposed for that medal ... "

Other officers wounded in fighting on June 5, 1923 and at that time (5):
Lieutenant Colonel Chief Aviation, D. Alfredo Kindelan Duany. Wounded in the neck to mid-morning on June 7 while flying as an observer, in a plane piloted by Captain Llorente. Captain
Carrillo, in a hard landing, was slightly wounded in one foot. Captain
Navarra, D. Mariano Peña, admitted to the Hospital of Docker in Melilla. Ensign of the Third
, D. Santiago Tenorio, admitted to the Hospital of Docker in Melilla. Military Practitioner
, D. Pedro Rodriguez, entered the Hospital of Docker in Melilla. Commander
Frias, entered the Red Cross Hospital of Melilla. Regular captain
Melilla, D. Sampedro, entered the Red Cross Hospital of Melilla. Regular captain
Melilla, Giménez, entered the Red Cross Hospital of Melilla. Regular captain
Melilla, Canillo, entered the Red Cross Hospital of Melilla. Regular captain
Melilla, Larrea, entered the Red Cross Hospital of Melilla. Lieutenant
Santos admitted to the Red Cross Hospital of Melilla.
Segalerva Lieutenant, joined the Red Cross Hospital of Melilla. Lieutenant
Roa, entered the Red Cross Hospital in Melilla. Lieutenant
Perea, entered the Red Cross Hospital of Melilla. Lieutenant
Carbonell, joined the Red Cross Hospital of Melilla. Lieutenant
Rivas, entered the Red Cross Hospital of Melilla. Lieutenant
uploading, inputting the Red Cross Hospital of Melilla. In critical condition. Lieutenant
Royo, entered the Red Cross Hospital of Melilla.
Lieutenant Torres, entered the Red Cross Hospital of Melilla. Fallen
Nador, seriously injured. Fallen
Lahan, wounded serious. Lieutenant
Cea, Indian police, seriously injured. Regular captain
Alhucemas, Chacón, seriously injured. Regular captain
Alhucemas, Fernández Cordón, seriously injured. Regular Lieutenant
Alhucemas, Vara del Rey, seriously injured. Regular
Alhucemas Ensign, Velarde, seriously injured. Regular
Alhucemas Ensign, Toll, was seriously wounded. Regular
Alhucemas Commander, Velasco, dead.

Note:
The Road D. Ensign Services Pablo Sendra Font scored his last name appears as Sendra and in the cemetery of Vilanova i la Geltrú (Barcelona), the stone covering the vault where it rests, appears the name Sendra. At press time, appears as Sendra.

Sources:
(1). "The telegram from the Rif", Journal stranger to politics, defender of the interests of Spain in Morocco, no. 7991, Melilla, June 9, 1923,
(2). "Road Services Infantry, 7 th Branch, Services, vicissitudes, fittings, campaigns and actions that have been found, for the Lieutenant of Infantry Regiment of Foreigners, D. Pablo Sendra Font. (Archivo General Militar de Segovia).
(3). ABC, Madrid, morning edition, pg. 30, Madrid, Wednesday, September 25, 1929.
(4, (5)). "La Vanguardia, Barcelona, \u200b\u200bJune 7, 1923.
(6). "Road Infantry Services" for the Third Infantry Lieutenant Foreigners, D. Pablo Sendra Font, Archivo General Militar de Segovia.
(7) "Gaceta de Madrid", no. 3 pág.92, Madrid, January 3, 1936. Poster
Enlistment in the Legion and color lithograph of the same, obtained through the Windows image search on the internet.
(8). Photograph of the Pantheon Sendrós family where the remains of the heroic Lieutenant Sendra, made by the author, Hans Nicholas i Hungerbühler.
(9). "June 1923, cries Spain. Head falls Legionnaire ", by Javier Martí, published online.

Nicholas Hans i Hungerbühler