As General of the Infantry Brigade he remained faithful to the Republican government from the early days of the Spanish Civil War. He was appointed head of the Organic Division I, occupying the vacant position that existed after the failed coup of July 18. He commanded the forces that attacked Toledo and later fought in the Battle of Guadarrama. However, in early September his forces suffered heavy defeats in Oropesa and Talavera de la Reina that caused processing. Discharged in 1938, he returned to service as military commander for Barcelona.