British Republican volunteer Ambulance drivers, ES

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During the Spanish Civil War of 1936–1939, almost 2,500 men and women left Britain to fight for the Spanish Republic.

This book examines the role, experiences and contribution of the volunteers who fought in the British Battalion of the 15th International Brigade, asking who were these volunteers? Where did they come from? Why did they go to Spain? And how much did they actually help the Spanish Republic?

The author begins with an analysis of the composition of the British contingent, before turning to an examination of the motivations of the volunteers. The volunteers’ experiences within Spain are traced, from the first few who fought with the militia units in the defense of Madrid in the late summer and autumn of 1936, to the creation and development of the International Brigades in early 1937.

Finally, some of the more contentious issues surrounding the role of the volunteers in the British Battalion in Spain are tackled.