Franco's Successful Strategy for Suppressing the Rifean Rebellion in Alhucemas

In the early 20th century, marked by blood, death, and bullets, Europe's resources and population were exhausted. Amidst this tumultuous period, a visionary named General Jean-Baptiste Estienne proposed an innovative idea - the incorporation of armored cars into the army. His vision led to the development of the Renault FT Light Tank, a revolutionary armored vehicle that set the foundation for the armored vehicle industry.

This article focuses on Manuel P. Villatoro, who played a significant role in bringing the Renault FT Light Tank to Spain. In July 1916, the idea was presented to car manufacturer Louis Renault, and Renault, intrigued by the concept of a light tank, agreed to design a vehicle of this type.

The first Renault FT Light Tank, costing around 60,000 francs, arrived in Spain in March 1918. It passed successful tests in front of King Alfonso XIII, impressing the Spanish military with its potential. The war in Morocco against the Rifians forced Spain to acquire 11 more Renault tanks in 1921. An armored company was formed with these tanks and was transferred to the protectorate in 1922 to put an end to the rebellion.

In mid-March 1922, eight of these tanks had their baptism of fire in combat. The Renaults proved their worth during the Spanish Civil War, with the Republicans keeping the 1st Light Infantry Tank Regiment in Madrid, while the rebels seized the 2nd in Zaragoza. Although the latter became inoperable due to mechanical problems on the Huesca front, the Republicans used their FTs in the defense of Madrid. The war situation evolved, and in 1937, Poland sold 16 of its Renaults to Uruguay. These ended up with the Republican forces in Spain, reinforcing their tank regiment.

The Renault FT Light Tank was small in size and light in weight, with a length of 5 meters, a height of 2.1 meters, and a weight of 6.6 tons. It was armed with either a Hotchkiss machine gun or a 37 mm cannon, making it capable of delivering significant firepower. Its low cost and characteristics made it possible for large battalions of these armored vehicles to be used to attack enemy positions effectively.

The Renault FT Light Tank also made history by becoming the first tanks to participate in an amphibious landing. In 1926, 12 FTs, under the direction of then-commander Francisco Franco, were used in the landing that Spain carried out in Alhucemas to recover lost territory.

The Renault FT Light Tank, a testament to innovation and resilience, continues to be a significant part of Spain's military history. Its legacy serves as a reminder of the transformative power of ideas and the impact they can have on the battlefield and beyond.