The fortifications of Vilamur

On March 9, 1938, in the midst of the Spanish Civil War, the French army

The quis began a major offensive that led to the collapse of the front

of Aragon and the entry of its units into the regions of Lleida. The

62nd Division, commanded by Acting Colonel General Antonio

Sagardía Ramos occupied Gerri de la Sal, Peramea, Enviny and Sort on the 13th

April. The same Division was in charge of the fortification of a large

area of El Pallars Sobirà taking advantage of the stagnation of the front du-

for months on the banks of the Noguera Pallaresa River.

Structurally, the Vilamur complex was formed by different elements

defensive elements, basically stone casemates plastered with

mortar, or formwork and with a concrete cover, they also had

chimney inside, which allowed the fire to be lit and withstand the

winter cold. These buildings had loopholes suitable for

automatic weapons fire. The casemates were connected by

a network of trenches dug into the ground. The ends of the section of

This defensive network was protected with parapets of plastered stones

with mortar, and were provided with loopholes for riflemen. Finally,

The defensive complex was complemented by a barbed wire fence mounted on iron stakes.

A company was in permanent service at the defensive line of Vila-

The military unit was commanded by two or three officers, and various

sergeants and corporals, essential to ensure discipline and activity

daily military life. Monitoring the status of armament and the sufficiency of

science of supply in this place, such as firewood for the fireplaces,

ammunition boxes, hand grenade storage and supply

within the military quartermaster's office, were the responsibility of these commanders.

The security of the Vilamur defensive line, during the months that it had

continuous presence of troops, was only affected once by attacks

of the Republican air force. Taking advantage of the fact that the area had an anti-

airborne, on May 22, 1938, coinciding with the start of the offensive of

its army over the territory of Lleida, nine Polikarpov RZ bombers,

Soviet-made, they carried out two services and bombed Sort,

entering through Vilamur. The attack resulted in three deaths and 11 injuries,

and the destruction of some houses in the town centre. On the same day, the

Polikarpov I-15 fighter squadron, which covered the service with the bombers-

in this sector, machine-gunned the positions in the south of Malmercat and the ca-

road at points near Vilamur

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