James Ryan Jenkins

The Spanish Civil War of 1936-1939 was ultimately a battle between the Spanish Republic and the Nationalist forces led by Francisco Franco. On an even broader scale it was known as the struggle between democracy and fascism. The Nationalists were assisted by Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, while the Republic received aid from the Soviet Union and International Brigades mainly composed of European and American volunteers. Therefore, although it was known as a civil war among Spaniards, many nations eventually found themselves immersed in the war. It soon became an international affair as well as an ideological battle for the soul of Spain.

The 2,800 young American volunteers who joined the war as part of the 15th Brigade, or more commonly known as the Abraham Lincoln Brigade, saw themselves as liberators to those who were being oppressed by the forces of fascism. They generously volunteered their time, their lives, and their ambition to the Republic, in hopes of combating the spreading forces of fascism. This is the story of James Ryan Jenkins, a 24 year-old American volunteer of the 15th Brigade who, in 1937, ventured to Spain all the way from New York City to fight for the Republic. However, in the early days of April 1938 at the Battle of Gandesa, Jenkins and several of his American and British comrades were captured by Nationalist troops. The following is Jenkins’ personal reflection of his experiences during his duty in Spain, as well as his time spent at a fascist concentration camp as a prisoner of war to the Franco regime.