Defending the undefended

 Some battles are lost by moments of genius on the battlefield, some by events halfway across the continent.  Such it was.  The Munich Agreement made it clear the Western Democracies were not prepared to stop Hitler’s expansionism.  With men and material seeping away and no help in sight the Republicans are ground back over the Ebro and the fall of Catalonia would occur next year.  Walter Gregory, out since Jarama, was captured on the very last day.


We are heading along the ridge line and have some splendid views to see.  We are passing more remnants of the Civil War.  Fort de Milet was built by the Catalan Government in preparation for the expected Fascist offensive.  It is a collection of artillery positions, trenches, anti-aircraft shelter and water tank.  The collapse of the Republican Army in the Aragon offensive meant it was never used




Gareth was enthused.  ‘One of the best civil war sites locally. Very well preserved fort of artillery embrasures, trenches, and a few hundred metres away, an air raid shelter/tunnel. No signs off the main road but access easy on foot/bicycle. Lots of info boards and signs once on site in Spanish, Catalan and English.’



Less than 200m away is the Refugi Fort Milet. Gareth is equally happy with it.  ‘Very well preserved Civil War air raid tunnel for the soldiers of the nearby fort. Signposted off the fort access road.



It’s April.  It should be about 21oC during the day, but slips back to 8oC at night.  With that, it is time to rest ahead of tomorrow.










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