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Anti-fascist lessons from Republican Spain
As the 80th anniversary of the decisive Spanish civil war battle of Ebro approaches, JIM JUMP recalls the heroism of the International Brigade and how European governments aided and abetted the victory of fascism
THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES: (Top left) Emily Thornberry unveiling the Battle of the Ebro plaque at the Marx Memorial Library in 2016 and the memorial to the British volunteers in the International Brigades in London
[Monument pic by Carlesmari/Creative Commons]
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JULY 25 this year marks the 80th anniversary of the start of the last great battle of the Spanish civil war — and what many now regard as the first battle of the second world war.
The Battle of the Ebro saw International Brigades, that great anti-fascist army of volunteers from around the world, “cover itself in glory,” as Ay Carmela, the famous battle-song declares.
Ninety British Battalion members lost their lives in the battle. They helped lead the Spanish Republic’s offensive across the Ebro on July 24 1938 and were on the front line for most of the next two months.
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Thousands of remarkable Britons left ordinary lives behind to join the struggle against Franco. Here is a snapshot of those who answered the call
![Richard Baxell speaking at the Marx Memorial Library in London [Pic: Karl Weiss]](https://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/sites/default/files/styles/desktop/public/2026-07/RichardBaxell22Jul23.jpeg.webp?itok=HCh8iPRb)
Driven by anti-fascism and anger at Britain’s policy of non-intervention, thousands volunteered to fight in the Spanish civil war. Historian RICHARD BAXELL reflects on their sacrifices and enduring significance
![Harry Pollitt (right) with International Brigade volunteer David Guest, who was killed at the Ebro in July 1938 [Pic: Marx Memorial Library]](https://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/sites/default/files/styles/desktop/public/2026-07/a-2_a_50b_Harry%20Pollitt_David_Guest.jpg.webp?itok=Ag0u-8n5)
ALEX GORDON applauds the leading role played by Harry Pollitt and the Communist Party in the fight against fascism in Spain and salutes the memory of the International Brigades
CJ ATKINS commemorates one of the most dramatic moments in working-class history