SPANISH ARMY VS REBELS MOROCCO
Years: 1916-1917 | Est. deaths: 2 000
Published prior to 2013
From www.balagan.org.uk: Spanish forces took the mountain top village of El Biutz 9-10 km to the west of Ceuta (Preston, 1995). The rebels had been massing in the hills, and El Biutz was their main stronghold as it dominated the road from Ceuta to Tetuán. Although the village was defended by entrenched machine guns and riflemen, the Spanish launched a frontal assault up the hill in the early hours of 29 Jun 1916, led by the 2nd Tabor of Melilla. As the attack progressed more Tribesmen poured down the back of the hill behind the Spanish catching them in a cross fire. The Spanish forces took heavy casualties, including the commander of the leading company of Regulares. Captain Francisco Franco assumed command of this company, broke through the enemy encirclement and played a significant part in taking the village. Sometime during the action Franco was shot in the stomach, but continued to direct his men. Franco was subsequently promoted to Major as a result of his actions (28 Feb 1917, with effective from 15 Jun 1916) and posted back to Spain.