Did you know that Welshmen and women volunteered in the internal Spanish fight against fascism during the Spanish Civil War (Guerra Civil Española, 1936 to 1939)?
As many as 33 young, brave Welshmen would be killed during the Civil War. The photograph depicting one individual actually depicts Harry Dobson, who perished during the Battle of Ebro River in July 1938. He was a Welshman serving with the International Brigades in the fight to uphold the democratically elected government that future dictator, Francisco Franco, was trying to overthrow.
The photograph showing multiple men bearing arms is a photograph of the Welsh Volunteers of the XV International Brigade before the same Ebro offensive where Dobson would be killed in 1938.
The last photo shows off Tom Jones (not that one); he would become known as “Twm Sbaen” (Tom Spain) and, thankfully, he would return home following the war.
Though Republican Spain fell to fascism, we should never forget the efforts of the brave men and women – no matter where they were from – who volunteered to defend democracy.
Image Credits: Richard Burton Archives (Swansea University) and the South Wales Coalfield Collection
DIGITAL Welsh Histories Magazine – January 2026
More from Welsh Histories
Welsh Histories is a Welsh history celebrating platform which looks to promote all aspects of Welsh history. Though we focus predominantly on native Welsh history, we do also share the non-native aspects from time to time. You can follow us on Facebook; Instagram or Twitter for more. You can also support us as a member of our Patreon community. A reader? We also have our very own Welsh Histories Shop where we sell our Welsh Histories Magazine. Diolch yn fawr iawn and keep enjoying Welsh Histories.
Niklas is the founder, owner, manager, editor, writer, video creator, voice over artist, and so forth, of Welsh Histories. He is passionate about the preservation of Welsh culture; the rejuvenation of the Welsh language and the promotion of Welsh history. Niklas currently resides in Pune, Maharashtra, with his beloved wife.