Pedro Villaverde Petralanda 1915 - 1941

Born 7.6.1915 in Madrid
Died 14.11.1941 in Gusen

Biography

Pedro was the son of Victoriano Villaverde, a cabinetmaker, and Leandra Petralanda, both originally from Bilbao.  Pedro was born 7 June 1915, shortly after his family had moved to Madrid. During the Spanish Civil War, Pedro and four brothers fought for the Republic. In 1938, Pedro distinguished himself at the battle of the Ebro and shortly afterwards was promoted to sergeant in the 10th Brigada Mixta de Cabos de Infantería. In February 1939 he crossed the border into France and joined the 109th Compagnie de Travailleurs Étrangers. He worked fortifying the Maginot Line, passing through Faulquemont and St-Florentin before being captured in Delle and sent to the Frontstalag 140 of Belfort, and later to the Stalag XI B of Fallingbostel. On 27 January 1941, he arrived in Mauthausen concentration camp. He died in Gusen camp on 14 November 1941.

His widow, Aurora González, never knew the fate of her husband. On 18 November 1992, the Ministre des anciens combattants et victimes de guerre granted Pedro the mention of mort en déportation.

Elena Cerrolaza Villaverde, great-niece

Location In room