FRANCISCO FRANCO'S MOROCCAN WAR DIARY 1920-1922

This book, published for the first time in English, is the personal contemporary account written by General Franco when he was a Major and second-in-command of the Spanish Foreign Legion fighting in Morocco between 1920-1922. It is his record of service in this unique Spanish formation's first campaign. The formation was raised in 1920 and was soon in action against the Moor insurgents led by Abd-el-Krim. The Legion rapidly became known as a tough and effective fighting force, often being used in the most difficult and dangerous operations. Franco was already the outstanding junior officer in the Spanish Army - by the age of twenty-three he was the youngest captain, decorated three times with the Cross of Military Merit. He left Africa at the end of 1922 and was promoted Lieutenant-Colonel in 1923, becoming the Foreign Legion's commander. In 1926 he became the youngest general in the Spanish Army. This diary gives a vivid account of experiences of a Spanish Foreign Legionary officer under the command of Colonel Millan Astray. The diary includes Franco's views of the importance for the Spanish officer to serve in the African Theatre so as to gain an understanding of the essentials of soldiering. The translator/editor has included extensive footnotes on the units, individuals and locations mentioned in the diary.