Banner of the British Battalion of the International Brigades
British Battalion banner, designed and created by Phyllis Ladyman, James Lucas and Kath Weaver of the anti-fascist Artists International Association in 1938; 1245mm x 1069mm; painted and embroidered on silk and cotton. A carved pole with a clenched fist at the top was made by Betty Rea, also of the AIA. An earlier banner, produced in 1937 but without the battle names, was captured in Aragón in March 1938. This replacement was hurriedly sent to Spain immediately afterwards. It is now on display at the Marx Memorial Library in London.
The Spanish Civil War
Over 35,000 men and women from around the world served in the International Brigades. About 2,500 of them were from Britain and Ireland. They served mostly in the British Battalion, but some in the medical services and in other military units; 526 of them gave their lives.
Though General Franco ultimately triumphed – thanks to support from Hitler and Mussolini and Britain’s policy of appeasement towards fascism – the volunteers who went to Spain continue to inspire the world by their example of solidarity, courage and sacrifice.
¡No pasarán!
International Brigade Memorial Trust
The International Brigade Memorial Trust keeps alive the memory and spirit of the men and women who fought fascism and defended democracy in the Spanish Civil War of 1936-39. We also honour all those at home who supported the Brigades and who helped the cause of the Spanish Republic.
Find out more about the International Brigades and the work of the IBMT on our website, where you can also become a member and support the Trust in other ways: www.international-brigades.org.uk
Designed and printed by unionised labour. www.kavitagraphics.co.uk and www.rapspiderweb.co.uk
