Unveiling the Life of General Miguel Campins
In the realm of literature, some stories are simply too compelling for a writer to ignore. Such is the case for Lorenzo Silva, who has taken it upon himself to chronicle the life of General Miguel Campins, a figure who, although secondary among the Africanist military leaders, played a significant role throughout the lengthy Moroccan War from 1912 to 1927. Despite his sacrifices during this tumultuous period, Campins met a tragic fate during the Spanish Civil War when he was betrayed by his own subordinates and executed under the orders of Queipo de Llano while commanding in Granada. His commitment to upholding order and legality ultimately led to his downfall.
Silva recounts how he was inspired to delve deeper into Campins' story after a presentation of his previous work, 'Recordarán tu nombre,' which focused on General Aranguren. Campins’ grandson approached Silva with the suggestion that he explore his grandfather’s life further. The author soon discovered a character that intrigued him immensely, not only due to the harrowing experiences Campins faced during the Moroccan conflict but also because of his intellectual pursuits, multilingualism, and contemplative nature regarding the events that unfolded around him. In 'Con nadie' (Áncora y Delfín), Silva presents a biographical novel that portrays Campins as an intellectual among military men, consistently seeking to minimize unnecessary bloodshed while striving to protect the lives of his soldiers.
The Human Cost of War
While many military figures were hardened by the Moroccan War, Campins emerged with a profound awareness of the value of human life. Silva contrasts Campins’ outlook with that of generals like Mola and Franco, who viewed Africa as a brutal training ground for their later actions in the Civil War. Campins, on the other hand, returned from Morocco with a clear understanding that a soldier's duty is to engage in combat only when necessary to defend their country, not to make political decisions. This perspective set him at odds with military leaders who emerged from the African conflict imbued with a disdain for human life and a misguided sense of societal redemption.
Silva emphasizes that the Moroccan War, despite occurring just a century ago, has been largely forgotten in Spanish society, even though it served as a precursor to the 1936 coup. The veterans of this war found themselves on opposing sides during the Civil War, creating a tragic rift among former comrades. This division is poignantly illustrated through Campins’ experiences in Granada, where he faced betrayal and deceit from those he once considered allies.
In his analysis, Silva draws a direct line between the colonial conflict and the formation of contemporary Spain. He argues that it was in Africa where the future architects of the Spanish Republic were morally and militarily shaped, ultimately leading to the establishment of Franco's 40-year regime. To overlook the significance of the Moroccan War is to ignore the laboratory where modern Spain was born, for better or worse.
Moreover, the intricacies of the 1936 coup in provincial cities like Granada are often overlooked. Silva meticulously recounts Campins’ efforts to navigate a chaotic political landscape while seeking to uphold legality and order amidst a personal crisis, as he was unaware of the whereabouts of his family during the upheaval. Despite facing misinformation and manipulation from those around him, Campins maintained a commitment to preserving human life and preventing violence. His diary reveals his learned avarice for the blood of his soldiers, questioning the motives of those who recklessly play with the lives of others. For three days, he succeeded in keeping Granada peaceful.
However, the tide turned when the rebels, under Queipo de Llano’s orders, dismissed him, leading to his arrest. As he isolated himself with a guard, the city erupted in violence, culminating in the brutal repression that claimed the life of Federico García Lorca among many others. Despite receiving a fair defense during his military trial, Campins was ultimately condemned to death in a process fraught with manipulation and false testimony. Notably, this was the only occasion documented where Franco intervened to save someone’s life, perhaps recognizing that executing someone who had consistently fulfilled his duty was excessive, even for him. Yet, Queipo de Llano, immersed in the barbarity of war, disregarded this intervention, underscoring the enduring echoes of that conflict which resonate powerfully even 90 years later.
As reported by elcorreo.com.
