By 1936, the Spanish military hierarchy had accepted that the traditional concept of mass mounted action was in decline, but that the importance of cavalry for reconnaissance, screening, exploitation and pursuit remained as yet unchallenged --an opinion bolstered by experience in the Rif Wars. Spain's characteristic terrain also played its part in ensuring a continued role for the arme blanche.

Cavalry can traverse greater distances than men on foot and in a country with a poor road network, mounted units found it easier to manoeuvre in the mountainous and other difficult terrain that Spain had in abundance.

Prior to the General's Revolt in 1936, the Peninsular army deployed a fully fledged cavalry division of 3 brigades each of 2 mounted regiments. In support were a motorcycle battalion, an armoured car Grupo and a battalion of horse artillery with three batteries of 75mm guns. In addition, there were four cavalry regiments available at Army Corps level, each of 4 sabre and one machine gun squadrons. A cavalry squadron was attached to the headquarters of each infantry division. In Africa there were 5 Tabores of Moorish cavalry, each with 3 Moorish sabre squadrons and one Spanish-manned machine gun squadron.

The Spanish cavalryman was essentially a versatile mounted infantryman, trained for dismounted action as well as the sabre charge. The cavalry squadran was equivalent to an infantry company in firepower if not numbers, each cavalry troop approximated a rifle platoon having three light machine guns. There was a mounted machine gun squadron and a support squadron with 40 60mm mortars; and later during the conflict this was bolstered by anti-tank and anti-aircraft guns (the dual purpose Italian Breda M35, 20/65 AA/AT gun being the most popular).

Upper Hand

Without doubt, the Nationalists had the upper hand in the mounted arm from the outbreak of the Revolt. The whole or greoter part of seven cavalry regiments, one squadron of mounted Guadia Civil and of course all five cavalry Tabores of the Army of Africa sided with Franco. Whilst the Republic retained the majority of the cavalry depots, 3 cavalry regiments, eight squadrons of mounted Guardia Civil and two squadrons of mounted Guardias de Asolto. The advantoge gained early on by the Nationalists was not surrendered during the Civil War. The regular and para military mounted units were supplemented by several independent squadrons of Falangist and Navarese militia.

In both armies, the infantry brigades and divisions maintained their own cavalry squadrons where possible. Mules often had to substitute in these units which were called upon to perform a multitude of duties: from escorting headquarters or artillery forward observation posts, to shepherding prisoners, patrolling the open battlefield, and providing forward picquets.

In the security role, cavalry and atmoured cars would patrol unsecured areas or escort convoys. The extended battle lines of a front that stretched over 2,500 miles gave opportunity for cavalry units to infiltrate the enemy's lines,to gain intelligence, raid rear areas or seize vital positions in advance af a major offensive. At Jarama, four squadrons of Moorish cavalry rode across the river deploying into line despite heavy fire, and took shelter in a ravine on the enemy-held bank. Here they dismounted and having cleared the overlooking crests, established a line of machine guns which allowed bridging operations to be completed and reinforcements to cross, all the while fending off heavy Republican counter-attacks.

In the Field

In the field, cavalry manoeuvred in open formations. The troop was divided into sections of three or more squads each of one to two groups. Each group had three to four horsemen. Over open ground the squads would have a separation of about 50 yards. Where contact was expected, sections would 'over watch' each other's movements forward. The machine gun squadron provided covering fire when and where it could. The Nationalists often attached light armour to provide mobile machine gun support to help facilitate the cavalry achieving its objective.

The Moorish cavalry were coming up slowly. The cloud of dust they raised was irnpressive. It seemed as the hosts of a Roman emperor were arriving...When they were within range of our artillery, they charged. Our light battery fired rounds of shrapnel which exploded in the air, about the leuel of the saddles. About a third retreated, decimated. The others aduanced in disorder. They had mounted mortars and among them we saw two machine gun tanks which swept our lines.
Ramon Sondor
Communist 5th Regiment, Madrid 1937

Alfambra is famous for the scene of the most devastating cavalry charge of the war--6th February 1938, during operations to reduce the Sierra Palomera pocket. The noon-time charge was made near Argente by Gen. Monasterio's cavalry division. Formed in two lines, close order, each of brigade of two regiments (about 500 sabres each), approximately 100 mounted 'foragers' were in advance for security, and a third brigade followed closely behind in reserve. Italian Fiat CR32s flew continuous ground support missions. The result was an entire Republican division routed, with the capture of all its artillery, machine guns, and even field kitchens.

In an advance, cavalry operated as the advance guard. US observer Col. Willoughby noted that he Nationalists spearheaded their advances with one cavalry squadron moving in bounds, followed by a company of tanks and motorised 65mm artillery. Two squadrons would accompany the tanks, advancing parallel to the road. When the leading squadron was engaged by the enemy, it dismounted and held position allowing for the 65mm guns to deploy. The tanks would attack frontally whilst the supporting squadrons would mount an attack on the enemy's flanks and rear.

Should that fail, the cavalry would then let the infantry finish the job whilst they up blocking positions to prevent reinforcement and devastate any retreating forces.

Overall, the Nationalists made the greatest use of cavalry throughout the conflict. they increased the effectiveness of their mounted forces for specific operations and tasks by adding light armour, armoured cars, and motorized infantry and artillery, thereby creating powerful mobile forces--a blitzkrieg fueled by oats.

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