The XII International Brigade was mustered on 7 November 1936 at Albacete, Spain. It was formerly named the Garibaldi Brigade, after the most famous and inspiring leader in the Italian Independence Wars, General Giuseppe Garibaldi.

Structure Its first commanding officer was a Soviet advisor of Hungarian origin, Gen. "Pavol Lukács" (Máté Zalka), who went on to command the 45th Division of the Spanish Republican Army (he was killed during the Huesca Offensive), and its first political commisar was Gustav Regler.Thomas, Hugh. (2001). The Spanish Civil War. Penguin Books. London. p. 468

The brigade included, among others, the following battalions:Hugh Thomas, The Spanish Civil War, Appendix III EPR Order of Battle Website Associació Catalana Website

Garibaldi Battalion – Albanian, Italian and Spanish volunteers, led by Randolfo Pacciardi.Thomas, Hugh. (2001). The Spanish Civil War. Penguin Books. London. p. 468 André Marty Battalion – Franco-Belgian volunteers (named after André Marty). Dabrowski Battalion also known as the Dombrowski Battalion – exiled Polish volunteers Thaelmann Battalion – German and Austrian volunteers (named after Ernst Thälmann), led by Ludwig Renn.Thomas, Hugh. (2001). The Spanish Civil War. Penguin Books. London. p. 468 Figlio Battalion – Spanish volunteers Madrid Battalion – Spanish volunteers Prieto Battalion – Spanish volunteers

The Brigade fought in the battles of Madrid,Beevor, Antony. (2006). The battle for Spain. The Spanish Civil War, 1936–1939. Penguin Books. London. p. 179 the Corunna Road,Beevor, Antony. (2006). The battle for Spain. The Spanish Civil War, 1936–1939. Penguin Books. London. pp. 190 and 192 Guadalajara,Thomas, Hugh. (2001). The Spanish Civil War. Penguin Books. London. pp. 580–581 GuadarramaBeevor, Antony. (2006). The battle for Spain. The Spanish Civil War, 1936–1939. Penguin Books. London. p. 277 and Brunete.Beevor, Antony. (2006). The battle for Spain. The Spanish Civil War, 1936–1939. Penguin Books. London. p. 280

See also International Brigades International Brigades order of battle

References

Bibliography Beevor, Antony. The Battle for Spain. The Spanish Civil War 1936–1939. Penguin Books. London. 2006. Thomas, Hugh. The Spanish Civil War. Penguin Books. London. 2001.