(1) The Manchester Guardian (17th August 1936)

The Spanish civil war goes on with ever-growing ruthlessness. After the capture of Badajoz by men of the Spanish Legion and by Moors a great slaughter of the defenders took place. The rebel general thought that 2,000 was perhaps an excessive estimate of the number murdered, but he stressed to a journalist the danger of entering the town as the 'Moors are excited'. A very gallant defence of the town was put up against these long-service and highly trained soldiers.

Following the capture of Badajoz it is reported that a column of foreign legionaries and Moorish troops is pressing by forced marches towards Merida, about 30 miles east of Badajoz. A strong column of Government troops is stated to have arrived at Merida with the intention of marching on Badajoz. Government forces at Olivenza, about ten miles south of Badajoz, are reported to have surrendered.