| 16th Division | |
|---|---|
| 16.ª División | |
| Active | March 13, 1937–February 1939 |
| Country |  |
| Allegiance | |
| Branch |  |
| Type | Infantry |
| Size | Division |
| Engagements | Spanish Civil War: |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Manuel Mora Torres |
The 16th Division was one of the divisions of the People's Army of the Republic that were organized during the Spanish Civil War on the basis of the Mixed Brigades. It had an outstanding participation in the Battle of the Ebro.
The division was created on March 13, 1937, formed by the 23rd, 66th and 77th mixed brigades; [1] [2] its first commander was Ernesto Güemes Ramos. [3] Initially assigned to the IV Army Corps, in May 1937 it became part of the III Army Corps, on the Madrid front. [3] For several months the division was stationed there, limiting itself to garrison work and not intervening in relevant military operations.
In the spring of 1938, when the Aragon Offensive took place, the division was sent to try to reinforce the republican defenses. Meanwhile its 24th Mixed Brigade took part in the Battle of Lleida, in support of the 46th Division. Months later, the 23rd Mixed Brigade participated in the Balaguer Offensive. [4]
Subsequently, the division was assigned to the XII Army Corps, [5] in the Battle of the Ebro. The anarchist Manuel Mora Torres assumed command of the unit. [5] On July 28, the 16th Division crossed the river, heading towards Gandesa in support of the republican units that were already deployed there. The division was later located in the central sector of the Republican zone, under the command of Pedro Mateo Merino. [6] Along with the 35th Division and members of the 46th Division - reinforced with armored forces - it participated in the Republican assaults against Gandesa, which resulted in failure. [7] At the beginning of August it was assigned to the XV Army Corps of Manuel Tagüeña. On August 22, a nationalist attack against the 16th Division's positions caused their disbandment, [8] including the commander of the unit, who was promptly fired. [n. 1] A day before, the largest of the Mora militias signed an order that read: "Whoever leaves their post, they will suffer and the just punishment to which they are creditors will be applied, in whose application this Command will be inflexible." [9]
Later the division returned to the rear. In November, it participated in the failed Serós offensive together with troops from the 34th Division. [11] At the beginning of the Catalonia Offensive the division had a poor performance, giving up its positions in the Battle of the Segre. [12] According to Jorge Martínez Reverte, at that time the unit was very demoralized. [13] During the rest of the battle for Catalonia, the 16th Division played an irrelevant role.
| Date | Attached Army Corps | Integrated Mixed Brigades | Battle front |
|---|---|---|---|
| May-June 1937 | III Army Corps | 23rd, 66th and 77th | Center |
| December 1937 | III Army Corps | 23rd, 66th, 77th and 1st Cavalry Brigade | Center |
| June-July 1938 | XII Army Corps | 23rd, 24th and 149th | Reservation |
| August 1938 | XV Army Corps | 23rd, 24th and 149th [10] | Ebro |
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