If You Tolerate This: The Welsh Brigadistas and the Spanish Civil War

In this programme, Francis Jones explores how Welsh volunteers joined the International Brigades to fight in the Spanish Civil War - uncovering the personal stories, political pressures and community loyalties that drew them into one of the defining conflicts of the 20th century.

When Spain’s democratically elected Popular Front government faced a military coup in July 1936, the crisis rapidly escalated into a full civil war, with the Nationalist forces eventually coming under the leadership of General Francisco Franco. Around the world, people saw the struggle as a stark fight between democracy and fascism. Thousands travelled to Spain to defend the Republic, joining the International Brigades organised with the support of the Communist International.

Britain’s policy of non-intervention meant that volunteers risked breaking the law by going to fight in Spain. Among them were just under 200 men from across Wales, most from the South Wales coalfield. The programme explores what compelled these ordinary people to take extraordinary risks: the political climate in Wales and the solidarity forged in their communities - a solidarity reflected in the efforts of people in some of the most impoverished parts of Britain to send money, clothing and food to Spain.

The programme also looks at the criticism that these men were not political pioneers at all, but adventurers seeking purpose and excitement - a charge that has been levelled at them in some quarters ever since.

And, nine decades later, it asks how their legacy is remembered in Spain today.