Puig Major, also sometimes called Puig Major de Son Torrella, is Mallorca’s highest mountain with a height of 1,445 m, and is the crowning summit in the Serra de Tramuntana. The top of this mountain is off limits as a military zone. Thus, the neighboring peak at Puig de Massanella is considered Mallorca’s highest accessible peak (1,364 m). Special permission for mountaineers to have access to the peak of Puig Major is sometimes granted, though, upon application from the Acuartelamiento Aéreo Puig Major (Air Barracks) by telephone (971.637.000). Permission procedures may take a few days, however, but patience may be rewarded.
The building seen on top of Puig Major is a military radar tower, built and installed by the Americans in 1958. Some considerable secrecy is involved as to the nature of the military installations and whether responsibility rests with the Spanish and/or the US Forces. Perhaps you know more than I do.
In 1934, plans were drawn up to build a funicular up to the top of Puig Major. As far as I know, the platform for the bottom station was built and is in place to this day. Further construction was halted though, first because of the Guerra Civil, and later, on Franco’s orders. At that time, the military installation did not yet exist. After 1958, a road was built leading up to the radar tower, and the need for a cable car construction became obsolete.
The photo (top) was taken near Alaró, Mallorca, Baleares, Spain. The date: February 17th, 2010. The time was 13:37:22. The aerial photo (centre) was taken from the Internet, thanks to Wikipedia. The photo (bottom) was also taken from the Internet. My thanks go to diariodemallorca.es.
Just seen your blog about the Puig Major. This piece of real-estate provides the most stunning views possible of Mallorca and as a military area it is prohibited access. There should be a campaign to free it from the grasp of the military given that nowadays methinks it is not a huge secret.
It was sited there by the Americans as it gives a radar picture from Gibraltar to Malta which was no doubt useful years ago. Today satellites do it better.
However I’m not suggesting pulling down the domes, let them have their space but let us – the people – have access to this fantastic mountain top.
In the many years I have lived here I have been amazed at the apparent lack of action, better said acquiescence, of the population who are being denied access to one of the most wonderful parts of their island.
Does anyone else feel the same way ?
I agree that Puig Major is a fantastic place. I think that almost all the people with a wish to see this island would like to take a trip to the top once in their time here. New plans could be drawn up to build a funicular up to the top of Puig Major and a bit of old ski lift equipment from mainland Spain or France would fit the bill. This could be a great draw and make some money for the investers and the island. Not all people wish to go in the caves but even if they do like to visit the caves and other attractions this trip to the top would be high on the list of things to do. Going in a car to the top is not easy for some drivers and I think that coach tours would like a venue at the base of the funicular, with good parking, shops and cafe etc. The idea from the past may work in todays market.
Agree totally with the above comments. It is a travesty that the highest peak on the island is off limits. High time there was a campaign to open it up.
I had the pleasure of being stationed at Puig Major from 1959-1962 with the USAF. I helped install the radars, a search and a heightfinder. I lived in Palma during the time and commuted to the radar site in a 1959 Renault Dauphine. I’d like to return some day and visit the site.
Hi Frank,
The radar you installed must be as old as the Renault Dauphire and there are very few of those old cars still working. I lived in England and studied design at art school in the 60′s. One day in 1965 I missed the bus to and so I hitched a lift to the school. The man who helped me was driving a new Renault Dauphine. The car was so fresh and new it was great to have a lift and I can still recall the man showing me how fast it would take the corners. He made a good pitch for the car and told me about the new design ideas in the construction. He also told me that he was the UK manager for Renault Dauphines.The light monocock construction made the car’s power to weight ratio good and the climb up the Puig Major must have been good fun.
Frank if you need a lift to visit the site, I will be pleased to offer one but it won’t be in a Dauphine.
Hi Steve,
I paid $850 for the Renault in 1959 and sold it for $450 in 1962. Going up the mountain, I had to double-clutch to get the car down to 1st gear. (did not have synchromesh transmission) Somehow the car provided good service for the 3 years I spent in Spain!
Hi Frank,$400 for three years motoring, fantastic! That’s the good old days and also the lost art of double de clutch, the young would think that’s a ‘Rap group’. Some local motoring clubs may what to run a ‘hill climb’ up the Puig Major , now that would be something to go to see or watch on the television. One class of car could be the ‘Dauphine Class’. Then, may be, you could give out the prizes. Have a nice day.
Frank,
I am currently working on a newspaper article about the Puig major and the americans who were there stationed. Could you please let me now your e-mail address?
Thanks!
Pedro,
my e-mail address is fstrimper (at) aol.com
I lived in Mallorca from 1963 – 71 (civilian), met several of the guys stationed at Puig Major. Does anyone recall Carl Head? His is the only name that I recall.
I as a military brat in 1960 dad was USAF staioned in Londondon South Ruislip. he went on TDY to Puig Major. Mom and i went to Mallorca summer of 60. Spent few days in Soller.
Now retired i live in Port de Soller have a fried in spanish Military and visit the old base once a month.
Anyone coming on visit let me know
Stu Randall
Stu,
I too was a part of the Americans that worked at the Puig Major site. I was Air Force enlisted stationed there from 1982-83. I worked in the Power Plant and ven, though I was only 18, had a part time duty to manage the Air Force liquor store on site. I remember American retirees living in the area that would come onto the site monthly to purchase their liquor and beer rations. They had ration cards, but I always tried to avoid punching them.
Just curious if you might be aware of any other retired Puig Major troops living in the area? I know in the mid 80′s my military supervisor (James Wharton) operated a bar in Palma with his British girlfriend. My other NCO (Anthony Trubiani) had an Austrian girl friend that used to live outside Deya. Nice girl, but I always remember she had a human skull on her night stand. She also lived in one half of a villa on the hill with the other half being lived in by a “retired” German U-Boat Captain.
When I was there, the CC was Capt Roderick (until he got into trouble) then Capt Thad Brumfield replaced him. Our Boeing contractors were headed by Mr Joe Bowmeister(sp).
A lot of good memories!
Please let me know if there are any others (like yourself) in the area. My wife and I will be staying in Soller next week and I would hate to visit and then find out I knew some people there.
Take care,
McKinley (Mac) Thompson
Denver
mckinleythompson at aol.com
Mac.. Don’t know if you remember me but I was also stationed at Soller (83-85). Tropo troop… I knew all those you mentioned above. Joe was actually a Govie AFTS guy… met him in 1974 on my first assignment at the Piug. He traveled between the Islands and Inojes (Zaragoza). Some great times while stationed there….
Gordon
Stu,
I live in Esporles, Mallorca. I’m working on a book about the Puig Major, specially when the USAF was there. I would like to have some information about the USAF men assigned to the base did in Soller, how they live, where they go …
Please e-mail me at: Pvidal_terrasa@yahoo.es
Thank you!
Pedro
Pedro,
Do you know anything of a competitive Hill Climb for cars run at Puig Major in 1965? I have a photo of an Iso Rivolta there, and it must have been a rare car on the Island
Alan
Stu,
I live in Esporles, Mallorca. I’m working on a book about the Puig Major, specially when the USAF was there. I would like to have some information about the USAF men assigned to the base did in Soller, how they live, where they go …
Please e-mail me at: Pvidal_terrasa (at) yahoo.es
Thank you!
Pedro
Mac,
I was stationed at the Puig from Feb 80 – Jun 82. Jim Wharton was my supervisor as well. I tried to extend my enlistment but Capt Roderick wouldn’t approve it. I wound up in the 5th MOB, Georgia. I’d go back there in a heart beat.
Joe
Joe,
please e-mail me at: pvidal_terrasa (at) yahoo.es or let me know your e-mail address.
Thank you.
Hey Joe,
glad to hear from someone that was there during the same time as me. 1982 was a rough year for us at Puig Major. Once Roderick was relieved of command for sleeping on Port of Soller trolley tracks and getting locked up overnight, Capt Thad Brumfield came onboard later that year…… Oddly enough, Pedro recently located (ret) Col Brumfield.
I too ended up in both the 1st and 5th Combat Comm units after assignments to McConnell AFB and Martina Franca, IT (another TRC-97 site).
Recent visit to Mallorca was awesome and the tour Pedro arranged to the Compound and even to the Spanish Radar Station up top was as if time had not changed at all.
Take care, and please help Pedro anyway you can to get his book about (us) to get published. I also would enjoy to see any photos you might locate of your time there.
Mac
mckinleythompson@aol.com
Mac,
I rec’d an email from Pedro and told him I’d help him out if I could. I have to dig for some old photos. Did you happen to know a Jaime Ladebushe (sp?) He retired there in Soller. How about Ssgt Chuck Smith (Smitty)? Really good people. I remember a lot of faces from the site but not too many names to go with them. Did you ever meet Roger, a Spanish Sgt ? He was quite the character.
When were you in the 5th Mob? I was there 82-83 and 89-99 when I retired.
Joe
I too am a military brat, My dad was stationed there from 4-60 to 4-63. He was MSsgt James W. Holsclaw. We lived in Cala Major, he would drive there or take train to Soller sometimes. I have been back to the island in 04. But did not have enough time to do or see everything. I had been to the base on the Puig Major but not the radar dome, off limits to kids & family. I have been trying to find info on the school that was started in 1960 for kids of the service men stationed there. Thanks for time.
Ralph.
Ralph,
Could you please let me know your e-mail address?
Thanks!
Pedro
Pedro,
My email is “rcholsclaw (at) yahoo.com”.
Ralph
Does anyone out there in Mallorca know where a town of Palermo, Mallorca, Spain is located if there is such a town?
Does anyone know of a Tolo Cabot or Stephen Lee Cabot or where they are?
Frank S Trimper
Hi Frank,
there is no place called Palermo anywhere in Mallorca or on the archipelago of the Islas Baleares. Perhaps you mean to say Palma de Mallorca?
Palermo is actually a town on the Island of Sicily, Italy
Was TDY in 71 after Nam at Puig Major, now living in Port de Soller. In 60 was military brat attended LCH Bushy Park, funny my Dad also went TDY to Puig Major in 60, we came over for summer vacation. still few guys living locally who served.
Stu/Dt Rock
Mr Randall,
I had an interview with Mr Ovideo Lozano some weeks ago for some information abut the book I’m writing. Could you please e-mail me at: pvidal_terrasa@yahoo.es
Thank you!
Pedro,
I knew Mr Lozano when I was at the Puig 80-82. Do you have an email address or some way for me to contact him.
I.d appreciate it.
Thanks,
Joe
Joe,
Just sent you an e-mail with that info.
Pedro
I was stationed at Soller RRL from 1974 till May 1976 and returned in Jun 83 until Oct 1985. My father-in-law (yep married a lady from Soller) was one of the original builders of the Contonment area shared by the Spainish Military and American Forces (USAF) at the base of Puig. Ovi and I go back 37 yrs years, Basic training, Tech School, and both had assigments to Soller in ’74.
I recently discovered that my son, Stephen, lives and works in Palma. He was taken to Spain 48 years ago by my ex-wife, Monta Rhea. They simply disappeared. Stephen and I will be reunited soon as I plan to travel to Mallorca within the nest several weeks.
Seen some familiar names from the Puig. Ovi, Jaime, Jim, Joe. Yes, I remember Roger the Spanish Sgt.
I have many pics of the site but all are on slides.
Steve,
Could you please let me know your e-mail? I live in Mallorca and I am writing a book about the history of the Puig Major and the USAF.
Thanks!
Pedro.
Pedro,
What is your connection with the site at thr Puig?
I was stationed there DEC 79 to MAR 81.
My first shift on duty at the top site was an experience, big snowstorm hit.
Steve,
I am a teacher in a Primary school in Palma.I know some vets from Puig MAjor: Jonathan French, Ovidio Lozano,Mc Kinley Thompson, Bud Isel.I am working in a photo bookabout the Puig MAjor from the early 50´s to nowadays.I´ben in the site several times and I do remember the snowfall because many people told me that( in the cantonement area there were some damages: the spanish motor pool and the sports pavillion had their roofs down).Just wanted to share pictures and information with you so I asked the e-mail.
Mine is: pvidal_terrasa@yahoo.es
Pedro
Pedro,
I was the Air Force Commander at the site from March 1977 – June 1978 and Ovideo Lozano worked for me during that time. Also, Joe Baumeister was the contract civilian who worked as the technical adviser for the radio systems. In addition to the snow storm mentioned above, we had a terrible storm in early 1978 that completely destroyed the roof of the gymnasium and did significant damage to the motor pool area. Several of our vehicles were damaged in the motor pool. However, Puig Major was a great place to be assigned and I have a lot of good memories about my time there.
David,
Could you please e-mail me at pvidal_terrasa@yahoo.es
I would like to e-mail you some info from that things you told me about the snow storm.
Thank you!
Pedro
David
)
So glad to have found you after all these years! We crossed the switchbacks one night, on the way to Palma. There were four of us traveling together. Awestruck, we stood on the side of the road and saw…………
A most interesting encounter!!!
Please e-mail me @ djjmckee@gmail.com
by the by, Bill Ronk III and I were married a few months after you left. Smitty may still be on the island today. I’d love to hear from you,
Darlene
I have photos from the annual Softball game between the Det @ Menorca and and Det @ Mallorca… Should also have pictures of the site and personnel.
Gordon,
Please e-mail me at : pvidal_terrasa@yahoo.es
Thank you!
Pedro
Gordon,
Please let me know your e-mail address.
Thanks!
That was a nice break in the routine.
Steve,
Were you at Det 3 1989th Comm Sq, USAF ?
Pedro
yes
Pedro, Hi – my name is Matt and I was the civilian in charge of the base at the time it was privately contracted. I negotiated the final treaty, turning the main property over to the Spanish. I even have some original plates and dishes from the cafeteria that the Spanish didn’t want. I worked for PA&E at the time. 1990-92. I’m looking to visit in the near future to see if it would be possible to negotiate an agreement for an American University to use the main compound for a study abroad mini campus.
_____
Matt,
Please e-mail me at: pvidal_terrasa@yahoo.es
Need some help for my book.
Thank you!
I was stationed there from 64 to 66 and got out there. Remember Bar Sirocco and Noreen. What a great lady. Sgt BJ Cliff was my boss. Don’t remember the names of my mates but lately I have been going back every year as my best friend Ramon Rullan is from Soller. It was without a doubt the best time of my life. I do remember Sgt Goucker because he sucker punched me one night when we were drunk in Plaza Gomila. Was in Mallorca last summer, too crowded now, too many cars and Germans. I have some pictures but not many.
Mr Bowman,
Can you let me know your e-mail address, please? Or e-mail me at
Pvidal_terrasa@yahoo.es
Thanks!
My e-mail is:
gubbematt (at) gmail.com
mateo