Two unconnected battalions of French-speaking volunteers from France and Belgium in the International Brigades were referred to as the Louise Michel Battalion () during the Spanish Civil War. Both were named after Louise Michel, a militant involved in the Paris Commune of 1871 known as the "Red virgin of Montmartre". Both battalions mustered in November and December 1936.
The first battalion was an existing group of volunteers (see Centuria) who had been operating in Barcelona. This was absorbed into battalions being formed for the XI International Brigade.
The second was raised at Albacete from French-speaking volunteers. Towards the end of January 1938, it was merged into the Henri Vuilleman Battalion of the XIV International Brigade.
References
Further reading Hugh Thomas, The Spanish Civil War, 4th Rev. Ed. 2001. Antony Beevor, The Battle for Spain, 2006. Order of Battle website Associació Catalana Website