The Collector’s Encyclopaedia · Signatories · Nationalist Spain
Emilio Mola (1887–1937): Signature, Documents and Historical Profile
| Born | 1887, Placetas, Cuba |
|---|---|
| Died | June 1937, near Castil de Peones, Burgos (air crash) |
| Key roles | Director-General of Security (1930); organiser of the July 1936 uprising (“El Director”); commander of the Army of the North |
| Documents bearing his name | Military orders, letters and signed photographs of 1936–37 |
| In the collection | See current pieces in the collection |
Emilio Mola was the planner of the military uprising of July 1936, signing his secret instructions as “El Director”. He died in an air crash less than a year later, so his signed documents are rare.
Who Was Emilio Mola?
Mola was born in Placetas, Cuba, in 1887. He served in Morocco and became a general in 1924; in 1930 he was Director-General of Security. Removed from the army after the fall of the monarchy and reinstated in 1934, he became military commander of Pamplona and organised the uprising against the Republic. On 18 July 1936 he sent columns with Carlist requetés from Navarre towards San Sebastián and Madrid, and he set up the Burgos junta. The term “fifth column” is conventionally credited to him.
What Documents Bear Mola’s Signature?
His signature appears on military orders, proclamations, letters and photographs of 1936–37. Many proclamations circulated in printed form. Heads of state and senior officials did not sign everything issued in their name: printed and stamped facsimiles, secretarial signatures and signatures “by order” are common on routine documents. See original signature or facsimile.
What Should Collectors Watch For?
- Nothing can postdate June 1937.
- Printed proclamations are not autographs.
- Signed material is rare and needs strong provenance.
Death
After Franco became head of state in October 1936, Mola commanded the Army of the North. He was killed in an air crash in June 1937 while leading the offensive against Bilbao.
Collector’s Note
Mola’s short war means that few signed documents survive. A genuine one is a significant piece of Spanish Civil War history.
Related Entries and Pieces
Pieces in the Collection
Browse current pieces related to Emilio Mola in the Autographs & Militaria collection.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Mola called “El Director”?
He signed the secret instructions for the 1936 uprising with that name.
How did Mola die?
In an air crash near Burgos in June 1937.
Did Mola coin the term “fifth column”?
The term is conventionally credited to him.
Historical Responsibility Notice: this entry documents historical figures and artefacts for collecting, preservation, education and research. It does not endorse or glorify any ideology.
References & Further Reading
- Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana, Emilio Mola Vidal.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica, Emilio Mola Vidal.