They Shall Not Pass: The British Battalion at Jarama - The Spanish Civil War

by Ben Hughes

In 1937 a group of idealistic British volunteers sailed from England to fight thedark threat of dictatorship in Spain. In the olive groves of Jarama they achieved the first victory against Franco’s army. It was Fascism’s first defeat. Hardly remembered today, it was possibly the crucial military turning point of the 20th century. For the first time, Ben Hughes reconstructs the battle in a vivid blow-by-blow account, and considers its fascinating aftermath. This near forgotten struggle, which took place in February 1937 south of Madrid, proved for the firsttime that fascism and its ilk, which up until then had steamrollered all opposition from the Rhineland to Addis Ababa, could in fact be stopped.
 
Although the Spanish Republicans would eventually lose the Civil War, their efforts, and those of the International Brigades who fought alongside them, paved the way for the more celebrated victories that followed. Without them, 20th century history would have followed a very different course. This lively account fromthe author of Conquer or Die! is sure to interest any reader wishing to learn more about this tumultuous period in world history.

Genres: History, Spain, Spanish Civil War, Spanish History, 20th Century

288 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Carlos Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant micro-history of the Battle of Jarama, one of the most important events of the Spanish Civil War, and perhaps the battle in which the British Battalion of the International Brigades had the greatest impact. In spite of describing the three main days of fighting in intense detail, Ben Hughes manages to give the anti-fascist volunteers the humanity and depth they deserve; the characters really stand out. A well-written book and a valuable contribution to preserving an important moment of history.

[Dropbear123 · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 rounding up for goodreads. If you have any interest in modern military history from the view of the men involved then it is worth reading imo. Short at 230 pages excluding notes. The first 180 pages cover the leadup to the battle, starting with who the volunteers were and their experience in Spain before the battle (signing up, the journey and the limited training). Then the battle itself is divided into various chapters covering a few hours each. The final 50 pages cover the experiences off the men during the rest of the Spanish Civil War, either in fighting at various big battles or as PoWs, as well as their lives after they returned home (mental health, what they did in WWII, whether they stuck with the Communist party etc).

Because the book is so focused on these particular men you don't need any prior knowledge of the war and the intro sets out why the battle was happening well enough. The maps (in the hardcover version I've read) are good and help to see what was happening and what the battlefield was like. The writing is very good and manages to be a mix of entertaining while still showing the brutality of the fighting with lots of quotes from the British volunteers. There is a list at the front of the book with the names, ranks and brief backgrounds of people who come up a lot in the book, which is very helpful.

[Kyle Mackenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

God help us the day that we stop getting histories of small actions. So many history books these days are big broad brush epics that fail to ever get down to an individual human level for more than a few sentences. This book does a masterful job of weaving together the recollections and memories of many veterans of a fascinating battle and conflict, one often overlooked or misunderstood today. Definitely worth a read if you have any interest in this area.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very graphic and moving account of the battle of Jarama, focusing on the involvement of the International Brigades. Ben Hughes has carefully cobbled together many different sources in this in-depth play-by-play of the decisive battle.

It is, however, very very graphic. Perhaps not to be read while eating.

[Mr. Kool-aid · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the first books I read that specifically focuses on the Spanish Civil War. I enjoy how Hughes gives you a background on the men of the British Battalion throughout their grueling three day battle. I would recommend this to any avid history reader and a must need for any 20th century genre reader.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

40 years before I saw the light of morning,
A comradeship of heroes was laid.
From all across the globe they came sailing,
The 15th International Brigade.

Viva la Quinta Brigada.
No Paseran the pledge that made them fight.
Adelante is the cry around the hillside.
Let us remember them tonight.