The Outposts and Their Defenders

For Whom the Bell Tolls

This flow traces the coordinated attacks on the enemy posts, the unequal outcomes, and the casualties that make retreat urgent.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Positions Identified Positions Identified from "For Whom the Bell Tolls". Mapping the Defenses Two posts Jordan learns of a guard post at the sawmill and another at a roadmender’s hut below The bridge.

Positions Identified from "For Whom the Bell Tolls". Mapping the Defenses Two posts Jordan learns of a guard post at the sawmill and another at a roadmender’s hut below The bridge.

Mapping the Defenses Two posts Jordan learns of a guard post at the sawmill and another at a roadmender’s hut below The bridge. The positions protect the road and can alert nearby forces. A synchronized attack His orders assign one post to Pablo and the other to El Sordo’s men. Both attacks must begin with the wider bombardment.

Forces Assembled Forces Assembled from "For Whom the Bell Tolls". Dependability Over Numbers Limited fighters El Sordo estimates that only a few additional men can be trusted.

Forces Assembled from "For Whom the Bell Tolls". Dependability Over Numbers Limited fighters El Sordo estimates that only a few additional men can be trusted.

Dependability Over Numbers Limited fighters El Sordo estimates that only a few additional men can be trusted. Jordan and Pilar know that every assignment will stretch the available force. Tactical arrangement Pablo’s return supplies several recruits and horses. The outposts can now be attacked, but there are few reserves if either defense holds out or an alarm is raised.

The Attacks Begin The Attacks Begin from "For Whom the Bell Tolls". Simultaneous Assaults Waiting for the signal Jordan insists that neither group move before the bombs fall.

The Attacks Begin from "For Whom the Bell Tolls". Simultaneous Assaults Waiting for the signal Jordan insists that neither group move before the bombs fall.

Simultaneous Assaults Waiting for the signal Jordan insists that neither group move before the bombs fall. Once the bombardment begins, Pilar’s people and Pablo’s recruits attack their assigned positions. The bridge team works Jordan and Anselmo neutralize the bridge sentries while the outpost fighting unfolds. The coordination keeps the demolition tied to the start of the offensive.

The Sawmill Fight The Sawmill Fight from "For Whom the Bell Tolls". Resistance at the Mill A hard position The sawmill defenders use its structures and stored sawdust as cover.

The Sawmill Fight from "For Whom the Bell Tolls". Resistance at the Mill A hard position The sawmill defenders use its structures and stored sawdust as cover.

Resistance at the Mill A hard position The sawmill defenders use its structures and stored sawdust as cover. Fighting continues while Jordan works beneath The bridge, suggesting that the post has not been taken quickly. Casualties Pilar’s group loses Eladio and Fernando is badly wounded. The fight exacts a high price even as the bridge operation succeeds.

The Roadmender’s Post The Roadmender’s Post from "For Whom the Bell Tolls". Pablo’s Withdrawal Fighting on the road Pablo reports that his group took its post but then faced a motorcyclist, ambulance, truck, and tank.

The Roadmender’s Post from "For Whom the Bell Tolls". Pablo’s Withdrawal Fighting on the road Pablo reports that his group took its post but then faced a motorcyclist, ambulance, truck, and tank.

Pablo’s Withdrawal Fighting on the road Pablo reports that his group took its post but then faced a motorcyclist, ambulance, truck, and tank. His men are killed during the subsequent fighting. A surviving leader Pablo escapes and reunites with the others. His survival preserves a possible retreat plan, but the cost leaves only a small, battered group to continue.

During the first reconnaissance

The evening before the operation

At the first bombardment

During the bridge demolition

After the bridge has fallen