The Spanish Holocaust

[Alex M]

I've just finished reading The Spanish Holocaust by Paul Preston , a very sobering read . Although it obviously concentrates on the atrocities committed by both sides a couple of things stood out that may be of interest to the group . In one passage an anarchist column is described as riding in a "black 35 seater charabanc decorated with skulls . The brigade had a skull embroidered on their caps and a metal skull badge pinned to their chests ". There is also a picture of a falangist militia column being led by a man in a white mono overall who would make a great company commander figure . Cheers Alex

[Sean Clark]

I have just bought this a couple of weeks ago. I've really enjoyed Paul Prestons books. I've read 2 or 3 others on the conflict.

He is often criticised for left wing leanings, but I don't think this comes across in an oppressive way. I think the war is one of the most interesting conflicts of history. I think I'll start it tonight.

[Alex M]

Yes Sean it is very interesting but quite harrowing throughout  . I think Paul Preston does write from a slightly left wing viewpoint but I think as long as you take that into account you can balance it yourself . As you say it's not oppressive. He certainly covers left wing atrocities in as much detail as he does those on the right . Let us know what you think when you've read it 

[Big Mike]

I am a little behind the curve (as always) and I am only just reading Antony Beevor's, The Battle for Spain. The massive death toll of the Civil War on the country is sobering indeed. A foretaste of the catastrophe that was to come to Europe and the world.
Nonetheless it has given me a new perspective on the terrible suffering of the Spanish people and their history of repression and exploitation by the establishment.
Our hobby has the power to educate and enlighten us.
Mike

[Sean Clark]

It does Mike. The Beevor book is excellent in my opinion.

Although atrocities were committed on both sides, those committed by the fascists were something like 10 times those committed by the socialists, and most of those were by the anarchists.

Ive always been amazed at Francos longevity, outlasting all other fascist leaders. Prestons biography on Franco is next in my list I think.

[Alex M]

Sean you are right to highlight  that the vast majority of atrocities were perpetrated by the Rebel  forces .  Preston is at pains to point out that the difference between the two sides is that the facist atrocities were committed  as acts of  actual policy whereas the government actively  tried to stop the killings on its own side . The  Beevor book is an excellent overview of the war and I think you'll enjoy the Franco biography, Preston is definitely not a fan of Senor Franco though .

[Panzer21]

As I wrote elsewhere, Preston's biography of Franco is a remarkably balanced treatment for someone of his political leanings.
It is essential in understanding his strategy, which his allies / backers didn't. Having just read Coverdale it's clear neither the Italians nor Germans understood him or his motives.
It also explains how he held onto power until the 1970s.
Neil