Book launch: The Fighter Fell in Love

On Saturday 14 May the IBMT, in cooperation with the Marx Memorial Library, hosted a launch event for ‘The Fighter Fell in Love’, the Spanish Civil War memoir of International Brigader James R Jump, which was published by The Clapton Press late last year. A complete film of the event (above) is available to watch on the IBMT’s YouTube page here.

Professor Sir Paul Preston, leading historian of the Spanish Civil War and IBMT Founding Chair, was the featured speaker at the event. In his talk he spoke of the merits of Jump’s memoir, expanding on the points he made when writing the book’s foreword.

The other speakers included the author’s son, Jim Jump (IBMT Chair), and grand-daughter, Meirian Jump (MML Archivist and Library Manager). They spoke of James R Jump’s life before and after his experience in Spain – the subject of the memoir – including their personal memories of him as a father and a grand-father.

The talk concluded with actress and IBMT President Marlene Sidaway reciting a selection of excerpts from the memoir. Attendees then enjoyed refreshments and reconvened to hear a musical performance by London-based artist Maddy Carter.

James R Jump was a reporter when he joined the International Brigades in 1937. Having learnt Spanish in school, his skills as a translator were highly valued. He served at the 15th International Brigade’s  training base in Tarazona de la Mancha and then at Brigade headquarters in Albacete. In May 1938 he joined the British Battalion’s machine-gun company and saw action that summer at the Battle of the Ebro, where he was mentioned in despatches for bravery. He came home with the rest of the Battalion in December 1938. 

‘The Fighter Fell in Love’ is available now from The Clapton Press here.

Posted on 24 May 2022.