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number: 624
THE MADRID BOUND FOR THE SOUTH EXPEDITION VISITS BASE "ALFONSO XIII" IN MELILLA.
8 September 2009
Beatriz Gonzalo/Madrid.
The Madrid Bound for the South expedition members have had the opportunity to broaden their knowledge on the military history of Melilla during their visit on Base "Alfonso XIII" on 22nd August, as well as to learn to recognise some of the materiel used by the Army.
The HK rifle, the MG machinegun, a howitzer or fire calculation equipment were some of the elements on display on the base parade ground, where the group was received by the commander of the 32nd Melilla “Regulares” Group, Colonel González. Following the unit members’ explanations, the youths, could observe the operation of the materiel.
Before moving on to the practical exercise, the expedition members had begun their visit with a theoretical session by attending a talk by Lieutenant Colonel Bravo on the autonomous city’s past and its origins as a fortified city. The historic part of the visit was complemented in the 52nd Melilla “Regulares” Group and 32nd Mixed Artillery Regiment’s museum display rooms, which exhibit period uniforms, old recruitment books, models, along with works of traditional Moroccan arts and crafts such as carved wooden office furniture.
The aim of this visit, as the others undertaken on previous occasions by Madrid Bound for the South at military premises, is for the youths to know first hand the Spanish troops’ lifestyle and work undertaken. After visiting Base "Alfonso XIII", the Group continued Howard the Nador border crossing. Ahead of them, lie nearly 7,000 kilometres of touring co-operation projects promoted by the Madrid Autonomous Government in Moroccan territory.
