Transcibed from written and oral records at the Imperial War Museum in London this book allows survivors of the British Battalion of the International Brigades to tell their stories, give their views and opinions in their own words.
Brave men all, to me they were real heroes, who went to Spain to fight for the democratically elected Spanish Government against the military coup led by Franco and the forces of religion and reaction, supported by fascist Germany and Italy and the 'non intervention' of the rest of Europe. These men and women who were not all Commumists and came from all walks of life, probably represent the last real idealogical protest movement that we are ever likely to see. Thousands went from all over the world and although they did not win the military war their bravery against often overwhelming odds is the stuff of legend. Of the approx 2200 Brits who voluntered more than 500 paid the ultimate price and many others were badly wounded.
Not the best or only book about the men and women who fought this starter for WW2 but original and unique as the author makes very few comments and leaves the talking to the veterans, who, except the odd one or two, are no longer with us.
Live history so to speak and the reasons and motivations of these brave people should never be forgotten.
Before all the right wing nutters come creeping out of the woodwork, yes I am well to the left and yes I am inclined to see things through not rose tinted glasses but bright red ones.