In the Basque country, the Republicans managed to form a respectable force of 30,000 men between Basques volunteers, socialists, atheists, anarchists, republicans and communists. However, suffered from air support and motorized troops since the bulk of Soviet aid was earmarked for capital. That weakness was decisive. Junker 52 German bombers began the shelling of the city of Durango and destruction was almost total. It did not matter earthly concerns of Republicans, no anti-aircraft defense, were easy prey and got virtually no resistance. Control North and the establishment of Franco The next item was the town of Gernika, a map point of ridiculous value for the nationalists. As happened with Durango, the city was devastated.
In just three days, its 7,000 inhabitants were made prisoners and the city, delivered to the national power. At that time, the air raid practice was still new and the degree of destruction brought about by German bombers made a great commotion. The fact, condemned by all European nations, spurred Franco that on, did not consent to ruin any city that way. After the disaster of Guernica, the Republicans retreated lines to Bilbao, where they intended to be able to stop enemy pressure. A national offensive halted fact: The death of Emilio Mola, which occurred on 3 June.
The event is of very importance. Since that time, Franco remain the only and supreme head of the coup forces. The offensive was resumed from 11 June. One after another the big city's defenses were falling. Six days after the Basques, and impossible to see the defense, began to evacuate women and children who were sent to England.