The XIV International Brigade was one of several international brigades that fought for the Spanish Second Republic during the Spanish Civil War.
History and structure It was raised on 20 December 1936 with volunteers mainly from France and Belgium, under General "Walter" (Karol Świerczewski). This Brigade was the fourth of the international brigades, and it mixed veterans with new, idealistic volunteers. It was formally named the Marseillaise Brigade, after the French revolutionary song (and national anthem).
Units With subsequent consolidations and reorganisations, the XIV International Brigade included, among others, the following battalions:Hugh Thomas, The Spanish Civil War, Appendix III all or elements of the following units: Commune de Paris Battalion Domingo Germinal Battalion Henri Barbusse Battalion Louise Michel (I) Battalion Louise Michel (II) Battalion Marsellaise Battalion Pierre Brachet Battalion Primera Unidad de Avance Battalion Nine Nations Battalion ("Sans nom" or "Neuf Nationalités") Sixth of February Battalion (Franco-Belgian) Vaillant-Couturier Battalion
Engagements The brigade fought in the battles of Lopera, the Corunna Road,Thomas, Hugh. (2003). The Spanish Civil War. Penguin Books. London. p.480 Jarama,Thomas, Hugh. (2003). The Spanish Civil War. Penguin Books. London. p.572 and the Segovia Offensive.Thomas, Hugh. (2003). The Spanish Civil War. Penguin Books. London. p.668
After the Nationalist strategic victory in the Battle of Brunete (6–25 July 1937), heavy losses reduced the brigade strength from four to two battalions.Beevor (2006) p 285 However, the brigade lived on and was able to take part in the last Republican offensive of the war. As with all of the volunteer international brigades, the members of the XIV International Brigade faced a dark future after the eventual Nationalist victory.
See also International Brigades
References