Author Chris Hall previews his new book about the volunteers at home and in Spain…

Ninety years ago, a civil war broke out in a then little-known country. For thousands of British, Irish and Commonwealth people, the Spanish Civil War was their main focus for three years.

Over 2,500 ‘British’ (including Irish and Commonwealth) men and women fought in the International Brigades or served in the medical services of the Spanish Republic. Over 500 volunteers were to die in Spain.

Other ‘British’ volunteers served as mercenary pilots and in the revolutionary militias; some even served on the side of the rebel forces.

At home, thousands participated in ‘Spanish Aid’ activities, raising funds for food ships and medical supplies for Republican Spain. During the civil war, 4,000 Basque refugee children were supported by public donations. Picasso’s Guernica painting toured England to raise funds.

The cover of Chris Hall's new book, which will be published on 30 January.

My new book, ‘British Volunteers and the Spanish Civil War: “The Passionate Cause”, 1936-39’, is the story of these ordinary men and women, told in their own words, reflecting the whole gamut of emotions from ecstasy to despair.

Many volunteers went on to fight in the Second World War, and some became leading figures in postwar Britain. But for many volunteers, the Spanish Civil War was the ‘passionate cause’ and the outstanding episode of their lives. This is their story.’

The book concentrates as much as possible on the experiences of the volunteers told in their own words. The usual suspects appear in the book: Sam Wild, Fred Copeman, Jack Jones, Frank Ryan and George Orwell. You will also find some you may not have come across, such as John Loverseed, Jane Orme, Miriam and Maurice Clyne, Roland Penrose and Mary Elmes, to name just a few.

There are five sections. The first looks at the background to the Spanish Civil War, including what motivated people to volunteer and the journey to Spain. The next covers other military units and includes mercenary pilots, revolutionary volunteers, fascist fighters and men who served alongside Orwell.

The third and fourth sections look at the British Battalion of the International Brigade and humanitarian aid. In the closing section, we hear about the return of the volunteers and their involvement in the Second World War.

At the end of each chapter is a short biography of a volunteer or a married couple who both have a connection with the civil war. The book ends by examining how the volunteers are remembered today.

Several members of the IBMT sent me information about their relatives as well as rarely seen photographs, some of which appear in the book and on the front cover. Many thanks again to all who assisted me.

Chris Hall speaking at an event in North West England.

In my previous books, I have interviewed International Brigade veterans Maurice Levine, Bernard McKenna and Dave Goodman, as well as Stafford Cottman, a lifelong friend of Orwell.

I am perhaps most proud of this, my seventh book, because it covers all types of volunteering in the Spanish Civil War, from rattling a tin to risking – and sometimes losing – one’s life in battle.

Readers will find information and stories with which they are familiar; they will also discover something new about previously unknown men and women who resisted fascism in any way they could.

In its own small way, this book serves to bring their stories to light. By purchasing the book, you will learn more about these remarkable people, and, with royalties going to the IBMT, you will be supporting the Trust.

I dedicate this book to all those unknown volunteers who supported the Spanish Republic.

‘British Volunteers and the Spanish Civil War: “The Passionate Cause”, 1936-39’ by Chris Hall (Pen & Sword History) is published on 30 January 2026. Pre-order the book now.