RUST, William.

Inquire · Offered by Peter Harrington

Britons in Spain. The History of the British Battalion of the XVth International Brigade. First edition, presented with "comradely greetings" to one Patrick Taylor on 4 July 2009 and signed on the half-title by three of the last surviving British veterans of the Spanish Civil War: Sam Lesser (1915-2010), Jack Edwards (1914-2011) and Lou Kenton (1908-2012). The International Brigades were volunteer units co-ordinated by the Communist International to fight for the Republican side during the Civil War. The XV International Brigade was specifically formed of English-speaking troops, and was notable for integrating African American troops in its units. Sam Lesser was among the first British volunteers to travel to Spain, where he took part in street fighting in the centre of Madrid. Lou Kenton spent almost two years travelling as a medical courier across the country, while Jack Edwards spent three years fighting in Valencia. A month before the presentation of this copy, all three men were awarded Spanish citizenship in London by the Spanish ambassador. The 4th of July 2009 marked the annual commemoration ceremonies of the International Brigade Memorial Trust.

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