International Brigades in Spain 1936–39
The civil war fought in Spain between 1936 and 1939 was one of the most bloody and bitterly fought military campaigns of the 20th century.
Both the loyalist Republican troops and the Nationalists under General Franco used foreign volunteers to supplement their own forces. In the case of the Republicans the Comintern organised the International Brigades, eventually recruiting over 40,000 people. The International Brigades were the Republican forces elite and as such were stationed at the toughest sectors and often led the most desperate attacks.
Ken Bradley details the history, recruitment, composition, organisation, uniforms and equipment of these brigades.
Ken Bradley was born in 1944. He has a long-standing interest in many aspects of militaria but his particular passion is reserved for the English and Spanish Civil Wars. He has researched in depth the International Brigades involved in the Spanish Civil War and has visited almost every one of its battlesites. He is also a member of the Sealed Knot.
Mike Chappell retired in 1974, as RSM of the 1st Battalion The Wessex Regiment (Rifle Volunteers), after seeing service in Malaya, Cyprus, Swaziland, Libya, Germany, Ulster and home garrisons. He began painting military subjects in 1968 and has gained worldwide popularity as a military illustrator. Mike has written and illustrated many books for Osprey.