The Spanish Civil War was the curtainraiser to World War II and involved a complex collection of forces, particularly on the Republican side. This title illustrates how diverse the Republican forces were, drawn from loyal elements of the Spanish army that rejected the appeal of the rebel generals, a wide range of volunteer regional units and political militias, and supported by volunteers from many other countries, including Great Britain, France and Germany, in units known as the International Brigades. The wide range of equipment and uniforms worn by these troops is revealed, as is, the organization of militias into conventional brigades and divisions. Featuring specially commissioned full-colour artwork, this second part of a two-part study depicts the fighting men of the Republican forces and examples of their foreign comrades.
Introduction: historical background/ Chronology of major events, 1931-39/ Republican Troops: organization, orders of battle; uniforms, weapons, equipment/ People's Militias: FAI, CNT, UHP, POUM/ the People's Army/ International Brigades - Regional troops: Basque forces, Catalan forces/ Security troops: Guardia de Asalto, Cuerpo de Seguridad/ Republican Navy/ Republican Air Force/ Select bibliography/ Plate commentaries/ Index
Alejandro de Quesada is a Florida-based military history writer, an experienced researcher, and collector of militaria, photos and documents. He runs an archive and historical consultancy for museums and films as a secondary business. Alejandro has written over 100 articles and over 25 books, including several for Osprey, and is a leading authority on Latin American subjects.
Stephen Walsh studied Art at the North East Wales Institute and has worked as a professional illustrator since 1988. Since then he has illustrated a variety of books and games including Settlers of Catan. His projects for Osprey include such diverse subjects as the battle of Otterburn, the Chinese army from 1937 to 1949 and the US Home Front in World War II.