Bolt Action: Armies of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)byRJH Scales

Background to the ConflictThe Spanish Civil War was fought from 17 July 1936 to 1 April 1939 between theRepublicans, who were loyal to the democratically elected Spanish Republic, and the Nationalists, a rebel group led by General Francisco Franco. The Nationalists prevailed, and Franco ruled Spain for the next 36 years, from 1939 until his death in 1975.

The war began after a declaration of opposition by a group of generals of the Spanish Republican Armed Forces, under the leadership of Jos Sanjurjo, against the elected government of the Second Spanish Republic, at the time under the leadership of President Manuel Azaa. The rebel coup was supported by a number of conservative groups, including the Spanish Confederation of the Autonomous Right, monarchists such as the religious conservative Carlists, and the Fascist Falange.The coup was supported by military units in Morocco, Pamplona, Burgos, Valladolid, Cdiz, Cordova, and Seville. However, rebelling units in important cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Bilbao, and Mlaga were unable to capture their objectives, and those cities remained in control of the government. Spain was thus left militarily and politically divided.The Nationalists, now led by General Francisco Franco, and the Republican government fought for control of the country. The Nationalist forces received munitions and soldiers from Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, while the Soviet Union and Mexico intervened in support of the "Loyalist", or "Republican", side. Other countries, such as Britain and France, operated an official policy of non-intervention, although France did send in some munitions.The Nationalists advanced from their strongholds in the south and west, capturing most of Spain's northern coastline in 1937. They also besieged Madrid and the area to its south and west for much of the war. Capturing large parts of Catalonia in 1938 and 1939, the war ended with the victory of the Nationalists and the exile of thousands of leftist Spaniards, many of whom fled to refugee camps in southern France. Those associated with the losing Republicans were persecuted by the victorious Nationalists. With the establishment of a fascist dictatorship led by General Francisco Franco in the aftermath of the war, all right-wing parties were fused into the structure of the Franco regime.Design NotesThis unofficial supplement is my attempt at setting the myriad units and factions of the Spanish Civil War down into a hopefully fun playable, Bolt Action supplement for both the Republican and Nationalist sides of this fascinating conflict. I first became fascinated by it after reading George Orwell's famous 'A Homage to Catalonia', and I firmly recommend the book to those interested in the conflict or the military history of the Inter War period. The conflict is interesting as it sits at a cross roads between trench warfare of WW1 and fully mechanised warfare of WW2. It was widely used as a proving ground for all the major European powers to test their equipment, men and doctrine.
The Spanish Civil War is a difficult subject to cover purely because of the vast amount of differing equipment on both sides as well as shared equipment from both sides. I have tried to cover as much as possible but there will naturally be gaps, and I apologise for that. My intent is to make a fun playable list for the game not a 100% historical recreation; which wouldbe impossible. A good example is the amount of different Armoured Trucks used, especially by the Republican side; I lost count at over 20 variants! I have tried to replicate unit entries from other Bolt Action books to keeppoints cost consistent. Thislist is designed for Republican v Nationalist Spanish Civil War games, and whilst it can be used against other Bolt Action lists, there has been no attempt made at any kind of balance.

With that in mind, the format is slightly different to normal Bolt Action supplements, as there are units that were present on both sides of the divide as well as vehicles that were used by both sides. As such, I have included these units in a distinct portion of the list. They can be used freely within the normal construct of the selectors and the Army Special rules for each side will naturally apply.

Within the Reinforced platoon, I have tweaked the infantry force size from the 'standard' Bolt Action template. The War was a majority infantry affair, and I wanted toreflect that, hence the increase in numbers. Again, armoured cars have been increased due to the sheer number used on both sides. The Priests are there for flavour and to bring some distinction to the two sides, although I do not doubt that there was someinvolvement on the Nationalist side by the Roman Catholic Church.

Reinforced Platoon

1 Lieutenant First or Second2 Infantry Squads

plus:

0-4 Infantry Squads0-1 Captain or Major0-1 Medic or Nun0-1 Standard Bearer0-1 Political Officers or 0-1Priest (Dependent on side)0-1 Forward Observer0-1 MMG Team0-3 Anti Tank Infantry0-1 Cavalry Unit0-1 Sniper0-1 Anti Tank team0-1 Mortar0-1 Field Artillery, Anti Tank gun or Anti Aircraft gun0-2 Armoured Car/ Armoured Trucks0-1 Tank0-1 Truck

Thanks and Acknowledgements

My thanks go out to the contributors and editors of Wikipedia, large swathes of which have been plundered for the background material to the war, which I hope you find enlightening and entertaining. Heartfelt thanks to Warlord (especially Rick Priestly and Alessio Cavatore) for producing such a wonderful game.

However, main thanks go to the excellent 'Steve's Balagan' website (http://balagan.info) which has proved a superb resource onequipment and TOE.

I would like to reiterate that this publication is not official and in no way is intended to impinge on any of Warlords copyrights; this was produced mainly for my own consumption and enjoyment ofthe exercise. Finally, thanks to George Orwell for stirring my interest in the war and Antony Beevor for filling in most of the blanks in his excellent book.

Common Units

Infantry

Headquarters Units

Officer

The Spanish regular army effectively split in two at the outbreak ofhostilities. Whilst the vast majority of the Officer Corps went over to the Nationalist side, considerable amounts stayed loyal to the elected government of the Republic. This entry can equally apply to the leaders and officers of the various militia/paramilitary groups on both sides.

Cost:Second Lieutenant 35pts (Inexperienced), 50pts (Regular), 65pts (Veteran).First Lieutenant 60pts (Inexperienced), 75pts (Regular), 90pts (Veteran).Captain 95pts (Inexperienced), 110pts (Regular), 125pts (Veteran).Major 135pts (Inexperienced), 150pts (Regular), 165pts (Veteran).

Team:1 Officer and up to 2 further men.Equipment:Pistol, Rifle, Sub Machine Gun as depicted on models.Options: The Officer may be accompanied by up to 2 men at a cost of +7pts per man (Inexperienced), +10pts per man (Regular), or +13pts per man (Veteran).

Medic

Both sides naturally employed medics at the front line. Orwell's description of his throat wound is a superbly graphic example of front line medical care in the trenches.

Cost:15pts (Inexperienced) 20pts (Regular) 30pts (Veteran)Team:1 Medic and up to 2 further menEquipment:Pistol, Rifle or none as depicted on models.Options:The Medic may be accompanied by up to 2 men at a cost of +7pts per man (Inexperienced), +10ptsper man (Regular), or +13pts per man (Veteran).

Forward Observer

Artillery played a huge role during the conflict that at times resembled WW1 in its trench warfare and forward observation of the enemy was vital. Air power was developing during the conflict but as yet there was not the same degree of land/air cooperation as would develop in WW2. The Air observer is included as a method of allowing you to represent the air component and also paint some cool models!

Cost: Artillery Forward Observer 100pts (Regular), Air Forward Observer 100pts (Regular).Team:1 Forward Observer and up to 2 further men.Equipment:Pistol, Rifle or none as depicted on models.Options:The Observer may be accompanied by up to 2 men at a cost of +10pts per man (Regular).

Infantry Sections and Teams

Spanish Army/Popular Army Regulars

The Spanish regular army effectively split in two at the outbreak of hostilities. Whilst the vast majority of the army went over to the Nationalist side, considerable amounts stayed loyalto the elected government of the Republic. Spanish/Popular Army squads officially numbered 1 NCO and 8 men with an LMG support. Frequently, there were not enough LMG to go around and on the Republican side frequently not enough rifles!

Cost:RegularInfantry 40ptsComposition:1 NCO and 3menWeapons:RiflesOptions: Add up to 5 additional soldiers at +10pts each. One soldier may have an LMG at +20pts another loader becomes the loader.Special Rules:Conscripted. (Nationalist Only).

Machine Gun Team

There were a wide range of weapons used on both sides ranging from the French WW1 Chauchat and Hotchkiss up to the MG15, Maxim and MG34. This entry can be used to represent any mounted/wheeled medium machine gun from both sides.

Cost:35pts(Inexperienced), 50pts (Regular), 65pts (Veteran)Composition:3 men 1 firer and 2 loaders.Weapons:1 MMGSpecial Rules:Team WeaponFixed

Sniper Team

As with all 20thCentury conflicts, the sniper was a vital tool in reconnaissance and sowing disorder amongst the enemy; especially in a trench warfare environment such as the majority of the Civil War.

Cost:50pts (Regular), 65pts (Veteran)Composition:2men 1 firer and 1 spotter.Weapons:1 RifleSpecial Rules:Team WeaponSniper

Light Mortar Team

A vast array of light mortars were employed by both sides, some quite crude in design and dating from WW1.

Cost:24pts (Inexperienced), 35pts (Regular), 46pts (Veteran)Composition:2menWeapons:1 light mortarSpecial Rules:Team WeaponIndirect Fire - HE (D3)

Medium Mortar Team

A vast array of medium mortars were employed by both sides, this entry represents any of the applicable models used.

Cost:35pts (Inexperienced), 50pts (Regular), 65pts (Veteran)Composition:2menWeapons:1medium mortarOptions:May add a spotter for +10pts.Special Rules:Team WeaponFixedIndirect Fire - HE (D6)

Anti Tank Infantry

Improvised incendiary devices were used for the first time in the Spanish Civil War before they became known as "Molotov cocktails". This entry is used to represent any of the myriad number of different methods employed by both sides to stop armoured vehicles.Cost:14pts (Inexperienced), 20pts (Regular)Composition:1manWeapons:1 Molotov Cocktail, Improvised ChargeetcSpecial Rules:Forward Position. Anti Tank infantry count as Observers/Snipers for set up purposes (See pg 118 of the Bolt Action rulebook.)

Through the engine louvers! If an anti tank team assaults an enemy vehicle and the model manages to move intocontact with the target, resolve the hit with a penetration value of +4 (no other modifiers apply)

Cavalry

Both Republican and Nationalists employed Cavalry within their ranks as Reconnaissance elements. The Nationalists also used Moroccan Cavalry which are covered with specific rules.

Cost:54pts (Inexperienced), 72pts (Regular)Composition:1NCO and 5 men mounted on horsesWeapons:RiflesOptions:Add up to 5 additional soldiers at +9pts (Inexperienced), +12pts (Regular) or 15pts (Veteran) each. One soldier may have an LMG at +20pts.Special Rules:Intended as reconnaissance troops or light skirmishers, if they fought they did so dismounted. As such, cavalry may not charge into contact with an enemy unit whilst mounted. As Scouts, they do not receive the -1 penalty to their leadership roll when coming on from Reserve.

Artillery

Field Artillery

Both sides were supplied with an array of artillery by the Soviet Union in the case of the Republicans to Nazi Germany and the Italians supplying theNationalists. It spanned most widely used calibres and a few stranger ones. Veteran status reflects foreign 'volunteers' manning the equipment. It is a common error to think that the Condor Legion fought as infantry in the War. They (like their Sovietcounterparts) mainly provided support weapons crews and flew aircraft and later turned to a training role. The generic entries below represent these.

Light Artillery

Infantry Guns
Small man packed artillery pieces, lacking in explosive power. Usually WW1 vintage.

Cost:32pts (Inexperienced), 40pts (Regular), 48pts (Veteran)Composition:3menWeapons:1 light howitzerOptions:May add a Gun Shield for +5ptsSpecial Rules:Team WeaponFixedHowitzerLight shell - HE (D3)Indirect Fire

Light Howitzer

Cost:44pts (Inexperienced), 55pts (Regular), 60pts (Veteran)Composition:3menWeapons:1 light howitzerOptions:May add a Gun Shield for +5pts, may add up to 2 loaders for +5pts each.Special Rules:Team WeaponFixedHowitzerHE (D6)Indirect Fire

Medium Howitzer

Cost:68pts (Inexperienced), 85pts (Regular), 102pts (Veteran)Composition:3menWeapons:1 medium howitzerOptions:May add a Gun Shield for +5pts, may add up to 2 loaders for +5pts each. Special Rules:Team WeaponFixedHowitzerHE (2D6)Indirect Fire

Heavy Howitzer

Cost:92pts (Inexperienced), 115pts (Regular), 138pts (Veteran)Composition:3menWeapons:1 heavy howitzerOptions:May add a Gun Shield for +5pts, may add up to 3loaders for +5pts each. May add a spotter for +10pts.Special Rules:Team WeaponFixedHowitzerHE (3D6)Indirect Fire

Light Anti Tank Gun

Cost:40pts (Inexperienced), 50pts (Regular), 60pts (Veteran)Composition:3menWeapons:1 lightanti tank gunOptions:May add a Gun Shield for +5ptsSpecial Rules:Team WeaponFixedMedium Anti Tank Gun

Cost:70pts (Inexperienced), 85pts (Regular), 100pts (Veteran)Composition:3menWeapons:1 medium anti tank gunOptions:May add a Gun Shield for +5ptsSpecial Rules:Team WeaponFixed

Light Anti Aircraft Gun

Cost:36pts (Inexperienced), 45pts (Regular), 54pts (Veteran)Composition:3menWeapons:1 light automatic cannonOptions:May add a Gun Shield for +5pts, may add up to 2loaders for +5pts each. Special Rules:Team WeaponFixedFlak

Vehicles

Tanks

T26 mod 1933.

The Soviet supplied the T26 to the Republican side in quantity and they formed the backbone of their armoured force. The Nationalists had nothing likeit in terms of armour and fire power. However, they did capture large amounts of tanks and pressed them back into service. The T26 supplied was the Mod 1933 variant with a 47mm light anti tank gun and hull mounted machine gun.

Cost:56pts (Inexperienced), 70pts (Regular), 84pts (Veteran) Republican; 65pts (Inexperienced), 79pts Regular (Nationalist).Weapons:1 turret mounted light anti tank gun, 1 hull mounted MMG.Damage Value:7+ (Tankette)

FT-17/18

At the beginning of the war, the Nationalist andRepublican forces each possessed only five Renault FT light tanks, although these were soon reinforced with imported materiel.

Cost:28pts (Inexperienced), 35pts (Regular)Weapons:1 turret mounted MMGOptions:Upgrade the gun to a low velocity light antitank gun for +30ptsDamage Value:7+ (Tankette)Special Rules: One Man Turret.Combining the roles of Commander, Gunner and Loader and squeezing the unfortunate fellow into a one man turret means its hard to do different things at once! To represent this it is always necessary to make an order test when issuing an Advance order, even if the tank is not pinned.

Slow...pitifully slow. The FT17/18 is aSlowtank as defined by the rules and in addition we do not permit it to make a double speed run moveat all. It can still be given a Run order (thereby avoiding the 'One Man Turret' rule) but moves at basic speed only.

Low Velocity Light Anti Tank Gun. The Puteaux SA18 counts as a light anti tank gun but with an armour penetration of +3 instead of theusual +4.

Schneider CA1

The Schneider CA 1 (originally named the Schneider CA) was the first French tank. They saw service at the beginning of the war. They were deployed in the fighting near Toledo and Zaragoza. All were either knocked out or unoperational by late 1936.

Cost:60pts (Inexperienced), 80pts (Regular)Weapons:1 hull mounted light howitzer covering the front and right arcs. 1 hull mounted LMG covering left and front arcs, 1 hull mounted LMG covering right and front arcs.Damage Value:7+(Tankette)Special Rules: Slow

Vulnerable. Because of the poor construction and exposed fuel lines with tendency to catch firethey earned the unfortunate nickname 'Mobile Crematoriums'. Apply the damage rule for Flamethrower vehicles on pg.51 of therulebook.

Armoured Cars/Armoured Trucks

'Bilbao' Armoured Car

Although initially intended to perform as an anti-riot media for the Guardia de Asalto, the 1936 military uprising against the Republic forced them into field service as a fighting vehicle, thus filling the Republican armour gap until the first Russian tanks were delivered. As with most vehicles in the conflict they were used by both sides.

Cost:35pts (Inexperienced), 50pts (Regular)Weapons:1 turret mounted MMGTransport:Up to 5 menDamage Value:7+ (Armoured Carrier)Special Rules: Recce

One Man Turret.Combining the roles of Commander, Gunner and Loader and squeezing the unfortunate fellow into a one man turret means its hard to do different things at once! To represent this itis always necessary to make an order test when issuing an Advance order, even if the armoured car is not pinned.

Improvised Armoured Vehicles

The war saw both sides constructing improvised armoured vehicles from the little resources that were availableto hand. They would put the A-Team to shame with their Heath Robinson contraptions. This entry is designed to vaguely represent these strange machines.

Cost:28pts (Inexperienced), 35pts (Regular)Weapons:1 turret mounted MMGDamage Value:7+ (ArmouredCarrier)Options:May add 1 pintle mounted LMG covering left arc and 1 pintle mounted LMG covering right arc at the cost of +15pts each. May include a transport capacity of up to 5 men at the cost of +20pts and 10 men at the cost of +30pts.Special Rules:

One Man Turret. Combining the roles of Commander, Gunner and Loader and squeezing the unfortunate fellow into a one man turret means its hard to do different things at once! To represent this it is always necessary to make an order test when issuing an Advance order, even if the armoured car is not pinned.

Slow.

Miscellaneous Trucks

Cost:33pts (Inexperienced), 41pts (Regular)Weapons:NoneDamage Value:6+ (Soft Skin)Transport:Up to 13 menTow:Light or Medium howitzer; Light or Medium AntiTank Gun; Light Anti Aircraft Gun

Tractor/Artillery Mover

Cost:11pts (Inexperienced), 13pts (Regular)Weapons:NoneDamage Value:6+ (Soft Skin)Tow:Any howitzer; Light or Medium Anti Tank Gun; Light Anti Aircraft GunSpecial Rules: Slow

The Forcesof the Second Spanish Republic

Background

TheSecond Spanish Republicwas the government of Spain from 14 April 1931 until its dissolution in 1939 by a military rebellion led by General Francisco Franco and Emilio Mola.The Second Spanish Republic was proclaimed when King Alfonso XIII left the country following municipal elections in which anti-monarchist candidates won the majority of votes, and the Spanish population celebrated the beginning of the Republic and social pressure made the political regimechange. Its government went into exile on 1 April 1939, when the last of the loyalist Republican forces surrendered to rebel forces (calling themselves Nacionales) led by Generalsimo Franco among others at the end of the Spanish Civil War.The governmentin exile of the Second Spanish Republic had an embassy in Mexico City until 1976 and was formally dissolved the following year.1931 ConstitutionOn 28 January 1930 the military dictatorship of General Miguel Primo de Rivera (who had been in power since September 1923 was overthrown. This led various republican factions from a wide variety of backgrounds, including old conservatives and socialists, to join forces. The Pact of San Sebastin was the key to the transition from monarchy to republic. Republicans of all tendencies were committed to the Pact of San Sebastian in overthrowing the monarchy and establishing a republic. The restoration of the royal Bourbons was totally rejected by large sectors of the populace who vehemently opposed the King. The pact,signed by representatives of the main Republican forces, allowed a joint anti-monarchy political campaign. The 12 April 1931 municipal elections led to a landslide victory for republicans in the urban areas, although pro-monarchists won in the rural areas, which were quite wider that the first ones. However, the victory of the republicans in the big cities was considered as a tool to show how the politic ideas of the Spanish people had changed. Two days later, the Second Republic was proclaimed, and King Alfonso XIII went into exile. The king's departure led to a provisional government of the young republic under Niceto Alcal-Zamora. In June 1931 a Constituent Cortes was elected to draft a new constitution, which came into force in December.The new constitution established freedom of speech and freedom of association, extended suffrage to women in 1933, allowed divorce and stripped the Spanish nobility of any special legal status. Initially it also largely disestablished the Catholic Church, a trend thatwas somewhat reversed in 1933. The controversial Constitutional articles 26 and 27 imposed stringent controls on Church property and barred religious orders from the ranks of educators. Scholars have described the constitution as hostile to religion, withone scholar characterising it as one of the most hostile of the 20th century.The constitution established legal procedures for the nationalisation of public services and land, banks, and railways. The constitution provided generally accorded civil liberties and representation, a major exception being the rights of Catholics.The 1931 Constitution was formally effective from 1931 until 1939. In the summer of 1936, after the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War, it became a dead letter after the authority of the Republic was superseded in many places by revolutionary socialist and anarchist juntas.The Republican Constitution also changed the symbols of the country. TheNational Anthem was changed, and the Tricolour, with three horizontal red-yellow-purple fields, became the new flag of Spain. Under the new Constitution, all of Spain's regions had the right to autonomy. Catalonia and the Basque Country exercised this right, with Andaluca, Aragn, and Galicia engaged in negotiations with the government before the outbreak of the Civil War. The Constitution guaranteeda wide range of civil liberties, but it failed to agree on key points with the convictions of the conservative right, which was very rooted in rural areas, and with the desires of the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church.19341935 period and miners' uprisingThe majority vote in the 1933 elections was won by the Spanish Confederation of the Autonomous Right (CEDA), led by Jos Mara Gil Robles, a coalition of centre-right and far-right parties. CEDA set up a coalition with the Radical Republican Party led by Alejandro Lerroux, which had come second in the elections. The Socialists came third. With Lerroux as head of Government, the new coalition Executive suspended most of the reforms of the previous government.The inclusion of three CEDA ministers in the government that took office on October 1, 1934 led to a general strike and a rebellion by socialists and anarchists in Asturias on October 6. Miners in Asturias occupied the capital, Oviedo, killing officials and clergymen and burning theatres and the University. This rebellion lasted for two weeks until it was crushed by the army, led by General Francisco Franco, who in the process destroyed large parts of the city. This operation earned Franco thenickname "Butcher of Asturias". Another rebellion by autonomists in Catalonia was also suppressed, and was followed by mass arrests and trials.The suspension of the land reforms that had been attempted by the previous government, and the failure of the Asturias miners' uprising, led to a more radical turn by the parties of the left, especially in the PSOE (Socialist Party), where the moderate Indalecio Prieto lost ground to Francisco Largo Caballero, who advocated a socialist revolution.1936 electionsOn7 January 1936, new elections were called. Despite significant rivalries and disagreements the Socialists, Communists, and the Catalan and Madrid-based left-wing Republicans decided to work together under the name Popular Front. The Popular Front won theelection on 16 February with 263 MPs against 156 right-wing MPs, grouped within a coalition of theNational Frontwith CEDA, Carlists, and Monarchists. The moderate centre parties virtually disappeared.In the following months there was increasing violencebetween left and right. This helped the development of the fascist-inspired Falange Espaola, a National party led by Jos Antonio Primo de Rivera, the son of the former dictator, Miguel Primo de Rivera. Although it only received 0.7 percent of the votesin the election, by July 1936 the Falange had 40,000 members.Assassinations of political leaders and beginning of the warOn 12 July 1936, Lieutenant Jos Castillo, an important member of the anti-fascist military organisation Unin Militar Republicana Antifascista (UMRA), was shot by Falangist gunmen. In retaliation the following day, 13 July, UMRA members assassinated Jos Calvo Sotelo, leader of the right-wing opposition and the most prominent Spanish monarchist who, describing the government's actionsas Bolshevist and anarchist, had been exhorting the army to violence, declaring that Spanish soldiers would save the country from communism if "there are no politicians capable of doing so".The Right blamed the government for Calvo Sotelo's assassination.Although it is sometimes considered the catalyst for the further political polarisation that ensued, the Falange and other right-wing conspirators, including Juan de la Cierva, had already been conspiring to launch a military coup d'tat against the government, to be led by senior army officers. When the antifascist Castillo and the pro-fascist Calvo Sotelo were buried on the same day in the same Madrid cemetery, fighting between the Police Assault Guard and Fascist militias broke out in the surrounding streets, resulting in four more deaths.Three days later (17 July), the coup d'tat began more or less as it had been planned, with an armyuprising in Spanish Morocco, which then spread to several regions of the country. Franco's move was intended to seizepower immediately, but his army uprising met with serious resistance, and great swathes of Spain, including most of the main cities, remained loyal to the Republic of Spain. The leaders of the revolution (Franco was not commander-in-chief yet), instead ofdeclaring the coup a failure, initiated a slow and determined war of attrition against the Republican government in Madrid. As a result, an estimated total of approximately 500,000 people would lose their lives in the war that followed.

Army SpecialRules
'Quantity is a quality of its own!'For every 2 Inexperienced Workers Militia Units that are purchased a third is available free of charge with full equipment.

'Leadership by Committee'

The Anarchists, Communists, Socialists and other progressiveLeft Wing groups that made up the Republican Workers Militias were prone to in fighting and disagreement. To reflect this, any Workers Militia when required to take their first Order test must do so at -1 to their leadership value. This only applies tothe first Order test required to be taken.

In addition, if a Republican Order dice is drawn first on any turn, it must be replaced and another drawn. The results of the second draw stand even if Republican again.

'To the Barricades'

The planned coup dtat was stifled by Workers Militia acting quickly to block Nationalist Army units in the major cities. The Republican player may place up to 3 barriers no longer than 6 and 1 thick anywhere on his half of the table. These barricades count as light cover.

Poorly equipped

All Workers Militia units suffer an additional -1 to hit at long range due to the shoddy nature of their weaponry.

Infantry

Headquarters Units

Political Officer

Political Officers were entrenched at every level within themilitary of the Republican forces to instil the correct ideology and help to maintain discipline.

Cost:15pts (Inexperienced), 30pts (Regular)Team:1 Political Officer and up to 2 further men.Equipment:Pistol, Rifle, Sub Machine Gun as depicted onmodels.Options:The Officer may be accompanied by up to 2 men at a cost of +7pts per man (Inexperienced), +10pts per man (Regular). May also be a Commissar (as per Armies of The Soviet Union) for +30pts.Special Rules: 'No further!'If a Green unit within 6 (12 with Banner rules) of the PoliticalOfficer rolls for its Green Special rule then the result may be rerolled.

'Not One Step Back' If Commissar option taken - as per Armies of the Soviet Union. Both special rules apply but both cannot be taken in the same turn.

Standard Bearer

Frequently seen with Trade Union, Anarchist, Communist or Militia Banners.

Cost:25pts (Inexperienced) 40pts (Regular) 60pts (Veteran)Team:1 man and up to 2 further men.Equipment:Pistol, Rifle, as depicted on models. Options: The Bearer may be accompanied by up to 2 men at a cost of +7pts per man (Inexperienced), +10pts per man (Regular), or +13pts per man (Veteran).Special Rules:Keep the Red Flag Flying!A Standard Bearer that is within 3 of an Officer doubles that Officers' leadership range to all units, this includes Political Officers.

Infantry

Workers MilitiaRepresentatives from Trade Unions, political parties and normal members of the populace all flocked to defend the Constitution of the Republicfrom what they saw as the illegal act of Fascists. Taking up arms in early 1936 they were vital in halting the early progress of the attempted coup. Cost:InexperiencedInfantry 35ptsComposition:1 NCO and 4 menWeapons:RiflesOptions:Add up to 15 additional soldiers at +7pts each.Special Rules:Workers Militia areGreenandPoorly Equipped

'Committed to the Cause'. If Workers Militia are upgraded to Regulars upon taking their Green roll, roll again. On another 6 they are upgraded to RegularFanatics. You can only use a Political Officer to reroll the first roll.

The International BrigadesThe cause of the Second Republic resonated around the globe and young men and women volunteered via their local Left leaning political parties or TradeUnions to go to Spain and fight what they saw as the further encroachment of Fascism. Germany and Italy had fallen and it was time to take a stand. The International Brigades were setup along nationality lines with most major nations contributing some mento the cause. Amongst the best known of the Brigades were the American'Abraham Lincoln'Battalion, the CanadianMackenzie-PapineauBattalion and the British Brigade. They were frequently diehard Communists and Socialists and often faced an uncertain future if returned to their own countries, especially the Germans and Italians that served with the Brigades.Cost:RegularInfantry 55pts.Composition:1 NCO and 4 menWeapons:RiflesOptions:Add up to 7 additional soldiers at +10pts (Regular). One soldier may have an LMG at +20pts another man becomes the loader. One unit per Reinforced Platoon may beTough Fightersat a cost of +1pt per man.Special Rules:Tough Fighters if option taken.A Long Way from Home. Upon taking their first casualty fromranged fire, the Brigadistas roll a die and apply the following table:
1 - Downgrade to Inexperienced
2 Take an additional pin
3 - No effect
4 - No effect
5 - BecomeFanatics
6 - Upgrade toVeteranstatus. On a further roll of 5-6, becomeFanaticsin addition

You can only use a Political Officer to reroll the first roll.

The Assault GuardsThe Guardia de Asalto (Assault Guard), usually shortened to Los Asaltos or just Asaltos, were the blue-uniformed urban police force of Spain during the Spanish Second Republic. It was the urban analogue to the green-uniformed Guardia Civil which patrolled the countryside. The Assault Guards were special police units created by the Spanish Republic in 1931 to deal with urban violence.Cost:RegularInfantry 50ptsComposition:1 NCO and 4 menWeapons:RiflesOptions:Add up to 5 additional soldiers at +10pts each. One soldier may have an LMG at +20pts another loader becomes the loader. The NCO and up to 3 men may take an SMG at +3pts each.

Special Rules:'NotTrusted'. Orwell in Homage to Catalonia talks about how the Assault Guards were loathed by the Anarchist and Socialist Militia as they viewed them as pawns of the Communists (told you there was infighting!) especially after the repression of the Anarchist and Marxist parties by the Communists and the subsequent street fighting in Barcelona.

If a Workers Militia unit is within 6 of an Assault Guards unit, it must always take an orders test to execute any action even if not pinned. If this orders testis failed the unit goes Down and takes a pin marker.

Vehicles

Tanks

BT-5

They first saw action in the Spanish Civil War at the Battle of Guadalajara. A battalion of BT-5s fought on the Republican side, and their 45mm guns could easily knock out the opposing German and Italian light tanks.

Cost:100pts (Inexperienced), 120pts (Regular)Weapons:1 turret mounted light anti tank gun, 1 co axial MMG.Damage Value:8+ (Light Tank)

Trubia Naval

Basque locally built tank that mainly saw combat around theBilbao and Asturias regions. Approx 15-20 used.

Cost:80pts (Inexperienced), 100pts (Regular)Weapons:1 turret MMG, 1 hull mounted MMG.Damage Value:8+ (Light Tank)Special Rules:Unreliable.The Trubia-Naval famously broke down on parade in front ofthe Basque President. When the production lines were overrun by Nationalist forces they found numerous examples that the Republicans had not sent to the front because of reliability issues.If the vehicle suffers one or more pin markers as a result of anenemy attack, it automatically suffers one further pin marker in addition.

Armoured Cars

BA-3/6/10

The BA-3/6 was a heavy armoured car developed in the Soviet Union in 1933, followed by a slightly changed model BA-6 in 1936. Supplied in large numbersby the Soviets to the Republican forces. The basic BA-10 design was developed from the BA-3/6 heavy armoured cars. It had an improved GAZ-AAA chassis and improved armour (up to 15mm at front and turret).

Cost:80pts (Inexperienced), 95pts (Regular)Weapons:1 turret mounted light anti tank gun, with coaxial LMG, 1 hull mounted LMG.Damage Value:7+ (Armoured Carrier)Special Rules:Recce

FAI/BA-20

The FAI(Ford-A Izhorskiy) armoured car was a replacement for the D-8 armoured car, used by the Soviet Union from the early 1930s to early 1940s. The BA-20 was an armoured car developed in the Soviet Union in 1934. It was intended to replace the FAI and its field trials were completed in 1935.

Cost:30pts (Inexperienced), 48pts (Regular)Weapons:1 turretmounted LMG.Damage Value:7+ (Armoured Carrier)Special Rules:Recce

UNL-35

The factories of Levante fabricated, under Soviet guidance, what was considered to be one of the best armoured trucks of the warthe UNL-35. These vehicles were based on the Soviet ZiS-5 truck, and were fabricated between early 1937 and March 1939 at a rate of no more than five per month. Also based on other chassis, such as Ford's model 817T, around 120 UNL-35s were manufactured.

Cost:55pts (Inexperienced), 60pts (Regular)Weapons:1 turret mounted MMG. 1 hull mounted MMG.Damage Value:7+ (Armoured Carrier)

The Forces of the Spanish Nationalists

BackgroundTheNationalist factionwas a major faction in the Spanish Civil War of 1936 to 1939. It was composed of a varietyof political groups that supported theSpanish coup of July 1936 against the Second Spanish Republic, including theFalange, theCEDA, and two rivalmonarchist claimants: theAlfonsists and theCarlists. After 1937, all the groups were merged into the Falange. The main leader (Spanish:Caudillo) of the 1936 coup, GeneralFrancisco Franco, would lead this faction throughout the war and later would become the dictator of Spain from 1939 to 1975. The nameNationalistsorNationals(nacionales), was mainly used by its members and supporters, while its opponents used the termsfascistas(fascists)orfacciosos(sectarians) to refer to this faction.FalangeThe Falange was originally a Spanish fascist political party founded byJos Antonio Primo de Rivera, son of the former Spanish leaderMiguel Primo de Rivera. The Falange was created with the financial assistance of Alfonsist monarchist funding. Upon being formed, the Falange was officiallyanti-clericaland anti-monarchist. As a landowner and aristocrat, Primo de Rivera assured the upper classes that Spanish fascism would not get out of their control like its equivalents in Germany and Italy. In 1934, the Falange merged with the pro-NaziJuntas de Ofensiva Nacional-SindicalistaofRamiro Ledesma Ramos. Initially, the Falange was short of funds and was a small student-based movement that preached of a utopian violent nationalist revolution. The Falange committed acts of violence prior to the war, including becoming involved in street brawls with their political opponents thathelped to create a state of lawlessness that the right-wing press blamed on the republic to support a military uprising. Falangist terror squads sought to create an atmosphere of disorder in order to justify the imposition of an authoritarian regime.With the onset of middle-class disillusionment with the CEDA's legalism, support for the Falange expanded rapidly.By September 1936, the total Falangist volunteers numbered at 35,000, accounting for 55 percent of all civilian forces of the Nationals.The Falangewas one of the original supporters of the military coup d'tat against the Republic, the other being the Carlists. After the death of Jose Antonio Primo de Rivera,Manuel Hedillasought to take control of the Falange, but this was usurped by Franco who sought to take control of the movement as part of his move to take control of the National faction. In 1937, Franco announced a decree of unification of the National political movements, particularly the Falange and the Carlists into a single movement, nominally still the Falange, under his leadership. Both Falangists and Carlists were initially furious at the decision, Falangists in particular saw their ideological role as beingusurped by the Catholic Church and their "revolution" being indefinitely postponed.Upon unification and seizure of leadership by Franco, Franco distanced the party from fascism, and declared "The Falange does not consider itself fascist; its founder saidso personally." After this announcement, the practice in the National faction of referring to the Falange as "fascists" disappeared by 1937, though Franco did not deny that there were fascists within the Falange. Franco declared that the Falange's goal was to incorporate the "great neutral mass of the unaffiliated," and promised that no ideological rigidity would be allowed to interfere with the goal. Under Franco's leadership, the Falange abandoned the previous anti-clerical tendencies of Jose Antonio Primo de Rivera and instead promoted neotraditionalistNational Catholicism, though it continued to criticize Catholic pacifists.Franco's Falange also abandoned hostility tocapitalism; with Falange memberRaimundo Fernndez-Cuestadeclaring that Falange's national syndicalism was fully compatible with capitalism.CEDAThe Spanish Confederation of Autonomous Right-wing Groups (CEDA) was a Catholicright-wing political organization dedicated to anti-Marxism. The CEDA was led by Jos Mara Gil-Robles y Quiones. The CEDA claimed that it was defending Spain and "Christian civilization" from Marxism, and claimed that the political atmosphere in Spain had made politics a matter of Marxism versus anti-Marxism. With the advent of the rise of the Nazi Party to power in Germany, the CEDA aligned itself with similar propaganda ploys to the Nazis, including the Nazi emphasis on authority, the fatherland, and hierarchy. Gil-Robles attended in audience at the Nazi Party rally in Nuremberg and were influenced by it, henceforth becoming committed to creating a single anti-Marxist counterrevolutionary front in Spain. Gil-Robles declared his intention to "give Spain atrue unity, a new spirit, a totalitarian polity..." and went on to say "Democracy is not an end but a means to the conquest of the new state. When the time comes, either parliament submits or we will eliminate it." The CEDA held fascist-style rallies, called Gil-Robles "Jefe", the equivalent ofDuce, and claimed that the CEDA might lead a "March on Madrid" to forcefully seize power. The CEDA failed to make the substantive electoral gains from 1931 to 1936 that were needed for it to form government which resulted in right-wing support draining from it and turning towards the belligerent Alfonsist monarchist leader Jos Calvo Sotelo. Subsequently the CEDA abandoned its moderation and legalism and began providing support for those committed to violence againstthe republic, including handing over its electoral funds to the initial leader of the military coup against the republic, General Emilio Mola. Subsequently supporters of the CEDA's youth movement, Juventudes de Accin Popular (JAP) began to defect en masse to join the Falange.CarlistsThe Carlists were monarchists and ardent ultra traditionalist Catholics who sought the installation of Carlist Pretender Francisco Javier de Borbn as King of Spain. The Carlists were anti-republican, anti-democratic and staunchly anti-socialist. The Carlists were so anti-socialist that they opposed both Hitler and Mussolini because of their socialistic tendencies. The Carlists were led by Manuel Fal Cond and held their main base of support in Navarre. The Carlists along with the Falange were the original supporters of the military coup d'tat against the republic. The Carlists held a long history of violent opposition to the Spanish state, stemming back to 1833 when they launched a six-year civil war against the state. The Carlists were strongly intransigent to any coalition with other movements, even believing that no non-Carlist could have honest intentions.During the war, the Carlists' militia, theRequetsreached a peak of 42,000 recruits but by the end of hostilities in April 1939 their overall strength had been reduced to 23,000.AlfonsistsThe Alfonsists were a movement that supported the restoration of Alfonso XIII of Spain as monarch followingthe founding of the Spanish Second Republic in 1931. They competed with rival monarchists, the Carlists for the Spanish throne. After the overthrow of the monarchy of Alfonso XIII, Alfonsist supporters formed theRenovacin Espaola, a monarchist political party, which held considerable economic influence and had close supporters in the Spanish army.Renovacin Espaoladid not, however, manage to become a mass political movement. In 1934, the Alfonsists led byAntonio Goicoecheaalong with the Carlists, met with Italian dictator Benito Mussolini to gain support for an uprising against the Republic, in which Mussolini promised to provide money and arms for such a rising.From 1934 to 1936, the charismatic Alfonsist leader Jos Calvo Sotelo spoke of the need for the "conquest of the state" as the only means to secure the establishmentof an ideal authoritarian, corporatist state. Sotelo made passionate speeches in support of violent counterrevolution and emphasized the need for a military insurrection against the Republic to counter the threats of communism and separatism that he blamedas being caused by the Republic. Sotelo was kidnapped and assassinated by political opponents (who were initially searching out Gil-Robles of the CEDA to kidnap) on 13 July 1936 which sparked fury on the political right and helped legitimize the militarycoup against the Republic.When the war broke out, Infante Juan, the son of Alfonso XIII and heir to the Spanish throne, requested the permission of Franco to take part in the Nationals' war effort by enlisting as a member of the crew of the cruiserBalaeres, which was nearing completion. He promised to abstain from political activities, but Franco refused, believing that he would become a figurehead for the Alfonsists who held a strong presence in the military.Army Special RulesAir SuperiorityThe Nationalists had the clear superiority in the air with their Italian and German machines, especially with the pilots of the Condor Legion and the state of the art machines they employed.Nationalist Air Observers may call in two Air Strikes per game instead of one.Well DrilledThe Nationalists as a whole were better trained and equipped than their Republican counterparts, largely due to the supply of weapons from Germany and Italy as well as having more pre War officers in their ranks.Nationalist units may reroll their first failed Order check. The second result stands.ConscriptedDespite having better training and equipment the remains of the SpanishRegular Army in the Nationalist order of battle were largely unpaid conscripts, especially later in the War. As manpower shortages took hold, and the veterans of earlier battles were killed or wounded and frequently the replacement conscript found himselfin an army whose political allegiance he did not share. Spanish Regular Nationalist infantry suffer from -1 leadership. Note, they remain Regular for the purposes of shooting.Support of the ChurchThe Nationalist cause has the unfettered backing ofthe Roman Catholic Church within Spain. The Nationalist player may include a Nun in their force for free. The Nun follows all the normal rules for a Medic but her range is limited to 3. An appropriate modelMUSTbe used. She has the following profile:Cost:Inexperienced InfantryTeam:1 NunEquipment:Rosary Beads. Special Rules:Support of the Church.

Headquarters Units

Priest

The Nationalist cause has the unfettered backing of the Roman Catholic Church within Spain and the Army and variousmilitias frequently had Priests accompanying their units. Cost:15pts (Inexperienced)Team:1 PriestEquipment:Rosary Beads. Options:May be upgraded to a Cardinal for +15pts.Special Rules:Bless me Father. The Priest allows all Nationalist unitswithin 3 to reroll their first morale check. A Cardinals range is extended to 6. A PriestMUSTbe represented by an appropriate model. (Basically an excuse for you to field some Monty Pythonesque Spanish Inquisition models...)

Caid

The Moroccan troops as part of the Army of Africa were commanded by Spaniards, but within each unit was an indigenous SNCO called a Caid, he operated much like a cross between a British Regimental Sergeant Major and a Russian Political Commissar and his role was to keep the Moroccan troops firmly under the command of their Spanish masters.

Cost:30pts (Regular)Team:1 Caid and up to 2 further men.Equipment:Rifles.Options:The Caid may be accompanied by up to 2 men at a cost of +10pts per man (Infantry) or +12pts perman (Cavalry). Maybe mounted on a horse +5pts, gaining the Cavalry special rule.Special Rules: 'Not One Step Back'as per Armies of the Soviet Union Commissar entry. Can only apply to any Moroccan Regulares Infantry or cavalry unit.

Infantry

Nationalist Militia

Representative of the various CEDA, Carlist, Falangist and Alfonsist faction militias that were raised throughout the war.

Cost:Inexperienced Infantry 35ptsComposition:1 NCO and 4 menWeapons:RiflesOptions:Add up to 10 additional soldiers at +7pts each. One man may swap his rifle for a LMG at +20pts another man becomes the loader.Italian CTV

Mussolini not only aided the Nationalists with money and weapons but also raised a force of Volunteers consisting of a mix of regular army andhis infamous Blackshirts. As with any paramilitary force they were a mixed bunch in terms of quality.Cost:Regular Infantry 50ptsComposition:1 NCO and 4 menWeapons:RiflesOptions:Add up to 6 additional soldiers at +10pts each. The NCO may havea sub machine gun for +3pts. One man may swap his rifle for a LMG at +20pts another man becomes the loader.Special rules: UntestedAs per entry for Italian Blackshirts pg15 Armies of Italy and the Axis.

Moroccan Regulares

Hardened in the Rif War, Moroccan Regulares Infantry played a vital role in the Army of Africa commanded by Franco and were amongst the first troops to fight on mainland Spain against the Republicans. They were fearsome light infantry and cavalrymen.Cost:Regular Infantry 50ptsComposition:1 NCO and 4 menWeapons:RiflesOptions:Add up to 5 additional soldiers at +10pts each. One man may swap his rifle for a LMG at +20pts another man becomes the loader.Special rules:Close to homeRegulares performed superbly in the arid open countryside of Spain finding it much like their North African home. Regulares are allowed to make an advance move and if they do not shoot then the Regulares can turn their dice to Ambush.

Moroccan Regulares Cavalry

Cost:Regular Cavalry 72ptsComposition:1 NCO and 4 menWeapons:Cavalry CarbinesOptions:Add up to 5 additional soldiers at +12pts each. One man may swap his rifle for a LMG at +20pts another man becomes the loader. Special Rules: As Scouts, they do not receive the -1 penalty to their leadership roll when coming on from Reserve.

Cavalry Carbines count as pistols when mounted and rifles when dismounted.

Spanish Legion

Less well known than their French counterparts but similarly fierce and determined fighters, the Legion providedthe Army of Africa and the Nationalist cause with a backbone of veteran fighters.

Cost:Veteran Infantry 75ptsComposition:1 NCO and 4 menWeapons:RiflesOptions:Add up to 5 additional soldiers at +15pts each. One man may swap his rifle for a LMG at+20pts another man becomes the loader. NCO and up to 2 men may take submachine guns at a cost of +3pts.Special rules:Stubborn. Legionnaires dont give in easily, appropriate for a unit whose motto wasViva la muerte!(Long Live Death!). Legionnaires count as Stubborn. If forced to check their morale when reduced to half strength then they always test on their full morale value, ignoring any pin markers.

Tough Fighters

Vehicles

Tanks

Pzkw I

Initially designed as a training vehicle to familiarise crews with modern vehicles and tank doctrine, the Pzkw I nevertheless saw active combat during both the Spanish Civil War and WW2. At the outset of hostilities the Nazi government shipped 41 Pzkw I to the Nationalist forces in Spain and further tanks followed.

Cost:56pts (Inexperienced), 70pts (Regular)Weapons:2 turret mounted MMG.Damage Value:7+ (Armoured Carrier)Options: May replace both turret mounted MMGs with a light automatic cannon for +10pts.

Fiat 3000

Based heavily on the design of theFrench FT-17/18 the Fiat had a better engine and replaced the machine guns with a light anti tank gun. It was obsolete even before the beginning of the Spanish Civil War.

Cost:40pts (Inexperienced), 50pts (Regular)Weapons:2 turret mounted MMG.DamageValue:7+ (Tankette)Options: May replace both turret mounted MMGs with a light anti tank gun for +30pts.Special Rules:One Man Turret.Combining the roles of Commander, Gunner and Loader and squeezing the unfortunate fellow into a one man turret meansits hard to do different things at once! To represent this it is always necessary to make an order test when issuing an Advance order, even if the tankette is not pinned.
Slow

L33/35

TheL3/35orCarro Veloce CV-35was an Italian tankette that saw combat in the Spanish Civil War. Although designated a light tank by the Italian Army, its turret less configuration, weight and firepower make it closer to contemporary tankettes. It was the most numerous Italian armoured fighting vehicle and saw service almost everywhere the Italians fought but proved inadequate for modern warfare having too thin armor and weak armament of only machine guns. In Spain, L3s of the CTV were totally out-classed by the T-26 and BT-5 tanks provided to the Republican forces by theSoviet Union.

Cost:48pts (Inexperienced), 60pts (Regular)Weapons:1 hull mounted MMG.Damage Value:7+ (Tankette)Options: Variants may replace the single MMG with one of the following (all forward facing, hull mounted): Two MMGs for +10pts or HMG for +10pts, a flamethrower with co-axial MMG for +35pts.Special Rules:Slow, when upgraded with a flamethrower. Also, remember that flame throwing vehicles are more vulnerable to enemy fire; see pg51 of the rulebook.

Artillery

Anti Aircraft

Flak 36/88mm

Widespread production started with the Nazi rise to power in 1933, the Flak 36/88 variant was available in small numbers when Germany intervened in the Spanish Civil War. It quickly proved to be the best anti-aircraft weapon then available and wasalso used in the ground role.

Cost:180pts (Regular), 217pts (Veteran)Team:7 menWeapons:1 Super Heavy Anti Tank GunOptions: May add a spotter for +10ptsSpecial Rules:Team WeaponFixedFlakVersatile may also be fired as a light howitzer.