Fighting for Freedom in the Name of Garibaldi The Garibaldi Battalion in the Spanish Civil War October, 1936 to July, 1937 History and TO&E (CD)

Fighting for Freedom
in the Name of Garibaldi

The Garibaldi Battalion
in the Spanish Civil War
October, 1936 to July, 1937

History and TO&E (CD)

by Michele Armellini

THE GARIBALDI BATTALION AT THE DEFENSE OF MADRID

The idea of an "Italian Legion" which was to join the Spanish comrades in their fight against fascism was proposed among Italian political expatriates and dissidents already in September, 1936. By then, the first Italian units already existed in Spain, such as the Centuria Gastone Sozzi, and Rosselli's Italian Column, or Colonna Giustizia e Libert…, in Catalonia. However, the former was a predominantly communist formation and the latter had ties with Spanish anarchist organizations, while the new Italian legion was to have, at least officially, an all-party anti-fascist inspiration.

It actually turned out to be basically a communist unit, backed as it was by the Comintern, even if it was open to any sincere Italian anti-fascist volunteer.

The Italian Legion was officially established on October 27th, 1936. It was to be based in Madrid, but the main recruiting center was Albacete, were the volunteers arrived from Italy through France, and, since many were expatriates and/or migrant workers, from all over Europe.

On November 3rd, the Italian Legion was formally renamed "Garibaldi Battalion". With it, and with a German and a French Battalion (the Thaelmann and the Andre Marty) the second International Brigade was formed. The Brigade was numbered XII.

On November, 9th, the new Battalion was declared operative as it was stationed in Madrigueras. Actually, very little had been issued in the way of equipment, and even of armament. Company and platoon commanders, luckily, had been officers and NCOs in WWI. The commander, Randolfo Pacciardi, was a veteran, too. The Battalion had 520 men, and, in Command Decision terms, it was organized as follows:

Garibaldi Battalion (Trained, Morale 10), with:

1 infantry stand

4 Infantry Companies, each with 2 infantry stands

The troop quality rating is possibly low, but the men had had very little time for training together. In Command Decision terms, the usual SCW range penalty for Trained infantry (Effective Command Decision range 6"), must be applied; this also represents the fact that at this time, the battalion had only 8 LMGs and 4 MMGs. After the first engagement, the Morale should drop to 9, but the quality should be raised to Regular.

That first battle was the attack at the Cerro de los Angeles, the heights near Colmenares that provided the Nationalists with a prized vantage point, occupied by Moroccan dismounted cavalry. On November 12th, the attack was carried out by Lukacs's XII IB, and it was disorganized from the very beginning. Chain of command, support, intelligence, directions, and above all timings were all botched. The Garibaldi men spiritedly attacked, with scanty armor support (3 tanks) and together with the French and German units, but, not surprisingly, the attack was a failure. After a long approach march, the volunteers had to attack a walled compound, which the 45mm cannons of the tanks couldn't damage. It was already late in the afternoon, and soon the tanks were withdrawn; the Garibaldi followed suit. Probably the Garibaldi men lost a bit of their pluck, but they had their baptism of fire and learned how to work as single unit and the value of cooperation and preparation. That's the reason for the above changes to quality and morale ratings.

Throughout November and December, 1936, the Battalion was committed in several areas but always in the defense of Madrid. The International Brigades were seen as chosen shock troops, so they were seldom employed to hold a line; on the contrary, they usually led counterattacks.

In November, for instance, the Garibaldi was moved from the San Fernando Bridge area, and assaulted the Palacete hill towards what was going to be known as the "Red House". Here, the Garibaldi and the Thaelmann Battalions, at times, did not cooperate enough, in trying to dislodge Moor infantry from a fortified position covered by heavy MG fire. Often a position was conquered but could not be held, as the Tercio (probably the 4th Bandera) and Moorish troops counterattacked with heavy artillery support. On November, 23rd, during yet another assault on Palacete, the battalion suffered the heaviest casualties for a single day of combat until then, about 70 wounded and KIA.

At about this time, the Battalion formed its MG company, which was absolutely needed for this type of combat; LMGs were also issued, still in limited numbers. Furthermore, 16 grenade launchers were issued. Since these weapons were short-ranged and quite inaccurate, and also considering the shortage of LMGs, in Command Decision terms they just contribute to the standard infantry firepower.

Also, in this period the commissars could form a second-in-command stand similar to some Soviet formations, allowing the Battalion HQ to develop into a pure command stand. The battalion had about 650 men. This was the TO&E:

Garibaldi Battalion (Regular to Experienced, Morale 9), with:

HQ, with:

At the end of November, 1936, the Battalion replaced the Galan Brigade on the Pozuelo front, were it was engaged in defensive combat for the first time. The enemy attacked with armor and air support, but several assaults, from November, 30th to December, 4th, were beaten back. At this time, the Garibaldi could organize a real supply support section (add a support stand to the HQ). It also acquired its well-known veteran status (Rate as Veteran after this battle). However, this was accomplished at the price of heavy losses.

On December, 13th, 300 new volunteers arrived from Albacete, some with prior military training. The veterans by now were less than 350. On December 15th, some Spanish veterans from the Prieto and Pasionaria Battalions, too, were added. The Battalion was reorganized again, but at this time there was a shortage of rifles and LMGs. Most of the new recruits were grouped in the third company and, not surprisingly, most of the weaponry went to the other three companies.

After this date, the XII Brigade was as follows: December 15th, 1936

XII International Brigade (Veteran, Morale 9 save if otherwise noted), with:

HQ (Experienced, Morale 8), with:

Brigade Trains (Experienced, Morale 8), with:

Garibaldi Battalion, with:
HQ, with:

3 Infantry Companies (1st, 2nd, 4th), each with 2 infantry stands
1 Infantry Company (3rd) (new recruits, Trained, Morale 9), with 2 infantry stands

MG Company, with 2 MMG stands

Thaelmann Battalion, with:
HQ, with:

4 Infantry Companies, each with 2 infantry stands

MG Company, with 2 MMG stands

Andre Marty Battalion (Experienced, Morale 8), with:
HQ, with:

3 Infantry Companies, each with 3 infantry stands

MG Company, with 2 MMG stands

Gramsci Field Gun Battery (Experienced, Morale 8), with:

Brigade Cavalry Squadron, with:

The 3rd Company in the Garibaldi Battalion will have the range penalty and a referee could also bar it from firing at Extended Range at all, to represent the shortage of weapons and ammo.

An important addition was the all-Italian support battery, including experienced artillery soldiers, and directly under command of the XII Brigade.

With this organization the Brigade took part in the December, 20th counteroffensive. The Garibaldi Battalion was engaged at Boadilla del Monte. Each battalion had the support of a T26B tank company. However, the attack ran into well-prepared defense positions, the tanks were hit by ATGs, and the attack was suspended with casualties and no gain. On December, 27th, the Battalion received new replacements.

On December, 30th the Brigade was moved to the calmer area of the North-eastern approaches to the capital, the same plateau were the battle of Guadalajara would be fought in March, 1937.

So by January, 1937, the Garibaldi Battalion had been reorganized as per the following TO&E:

Garibaldi Battalion (Veteran, Morale 9 save if otherwise noted), with:
HQ, with:

4 Infantry Companies, each with 2-3 infantry stands
MG Company, with 3 MMG stands

Note how losses in the HQ and among the best officers reduced again the HQ effectiveness. The supply section had a minimum of motor transport capability. The new recruits had acquired some experience and had by now been blended throughout all the companies, also because by now there were enough weapons to go by. The MMG Company had about 15 medium to heavy MGs.

Throughout the winter, however, the battalion had been engaged on the Madrid and Jarama fronts, suffering heavy casualties. All the companies were understrength at this time, so, at any given time, they may include 2 stands instead of 3.

In January, the XI and XII International Brigades were reorganized. The Garibaldi was separated from the Thaelmann Battalion which was replaced by the Poles of the Dombrowski Battalion. The French-Belgian Andre Marty Battalion completed the XII International Brigade.

Replace the Thaelmann Battalion with:

Dombrowski Battalion (Experienced to Veteran, Morale 9), with:
HQ, with:

4 Infantry Companies, each with 2 infantry stands
MG Company, with 2 MMG stands

The Garibaldi Battalion was committed on the plateau between Guadalajara and Siguenza in January, 1937, for a limited republican offensive. Both it and the Polish battalion gained a knowledge of the area that was going to be really useful in March of that year. The Poles suffered heavier casualties, including their battalion commander, Kochanek. The offensive was well-planned and featured the XII IB, a Spanish Brigade, two cavalry squadrons, a tank company, a heavy Spanish battery and air support. The initial assaults took Almadrones, then on January, 5th, the International Brigade got stuck in repeated assaults against Mt. San Cristobal.

On January, 11th, after a few days of rest, the XII IB was shifted again on the Jarama front, where it took part in an offensive towards Majadahonda and Villanueva del Pardillo, together with the Nannetti Brigade, against elements of the Reinforced Madrid Division and Falange units. The battles were often fought in thick fog and through broken terrain. The International Brigade was depleted and men were tired. The final objectives weren't taken. The Garibaldi was sent to the Escurial for a period of rest. During this time strength was built up again, by adding militiamen from the veteran Madrid Battalion to the depleted companies, and forming a fifth company as a mainly Spanish unit.

During the first days of February, the Nationalists attacked again on the Jarama front, towards Arganda, still attempting to complete the encirclement around Madrid. On February, 11th-12th they conquered a bridgehead across the Jarama, deploying across the river 9 battalions and 20 tanks, with air and artillery support. The Garibaldi fought against the Moroccan cavalrymen of the 3rd Brigade and the 2nd Melilla Tabor, pushing them back at the Pindoque bridge, but the Nationalists managed to secure their bridgehead. The XII IB was deployed around and in Arganda; the crossing was contained, but the enemy offensive reached a new height on February, 15th. However, by now the Republican front was well-manned: among the forces rushed to this area there were 4 IBs (XI, XII, XIV, XV).

On February, 17th, the Republicans counterattacked, and kept the initiative for a series of attacks that caused a serious crisis for the Nationalists. It was yet another very bloody struggle that lasted from February, 17th to 28th. The Pingarron heights were conquered and lost several times, but in the end they remained under control of the Republicans. Arganda and Morata de Tajuna were still free, and the all-important road to Valencia was still open.

The Garibaldi Battalion and the XII International Brigade at Guadalajara

During the bloody battles for Madrid and on the Jarama the Garibaldi Battalion had suffered heavy casualties. After that, it was brought up to strength with new volunteers and a number of Spanish soldiers.

These were grouped in a new company, the 5th. The other two battalions of the IB also had a sizable number of Spaniards in their ranks, probably as much as 30%. Just prior to the XII International Brigade's commitment to the Guadalajara front, the Command Decision organization was as follows:

March 9th, 1937

XII International Brigade (Experienced, Morale 8 save if otherwise noted), with:
HQ, with:

Brigade Trains, with:

Garibaldi Battalion (Veteran, Morale 9 save if otherwise noted), with:
HQ, with:

4 Infantry Companies (1st-4th), each with 2 infantry stands
1 Infantry Company (5th) (Spanish company, Experienced, Morale 8), with 2 infantry stands
MG Company, with 2 MMG stands

Dombrowski Battalion, with:
HQ, with:

2 Infantry Companies, each with 2 infantry stands
2 Infantry Companies, each with 3 infantry stands
MG Company, with 1 MMG stand

Andre Marty Battalion, with:
HQ, with:

2 Infantry Companies, each with 2 infantry stands
2 Infantry Companies, each with 3 infantry stands
MG Company, with 2 MMG stands

Gramsci Field Gun Battery, with:

Brigade Anti-tank Battery (Regular, Morale 8) with:

The artillery battery was still crewed by Italians and therefore it was closely linked to the Garibaldi. It is possible that another field gun battery, possibly equipped with 76.2L29 guns, was added to the Brigade; but it probably was only a temporary attachment. The Brigade should also have had an armored car reconnaissance squadron, but no source mentions it.

A Spanish battalion is mentioned by some sources as attached to the XII International Brigade. This was common practice by now, and for example the XI IB had, for the battle of Guadalajara, not one but three Spanish battalions attached: the Teruel, Spartacus and Primero de Mayo Battalions. However, very little is known about the Spanish unit with the XII IB; a reasonable organization for an experienced battalion would be:

Spanish Infantry Battalion (Regular, Morale 8), with:

While a fresh battalion would have 3-4 infantry companies with 3 stands each, but it would be rated as Trained.

Although not officially attached to the Brigade, at least one tank company fought in close cooperation with it. Normal tactics was to parcel out one tank platoon per battalion for close support.

Tank Company (Regular, Morale 8), with 3 T26B tanks

The Garibaldi Battalion at this time was one of the best units available to the Republicans; seasoned, disciplined veterans who were confident in their leaders. Also, as the men were aware they were being committed against Italian fascist forces, their motivation was at its peak. The commander, Pacciardi, was still recovering from a wound, so he had been sent on a political mission. The battalion was under command of its new commissar, Ilio Barontini.

The battle of Guadalajara, since it featured a pitched fight with Italian troops on both sides (the Garibaldi against the Blackshirts), understandably became very famous, so it is described here in greater detail.

The drive of the CTV (Corpo Truppe Volontarie, Volunteer Troops Corps, the Italian expeditionary force) towards Guadalajara, with Madrid as the final objective, seems to have taken the Republicans by surprise. As the Blackshirts' onslaught was driving through the few, scantily equipped militiamen on the plateau, it quickly became clear that the Republic's survival was at stake. Since the Nationalist forces weren't also attacking on the Jarama front, the Republicans could shift the best reserves in Madrid to the Guadalajara area. These reserves included the XII International Brigade.

On March 10th, 1937 the Garibaldi Battalion, supported by Pavlov's tanks, stopped the 2nd Fiamme Nere (Black Flames) Blackshirt Division cold in its tracks at the Torija woods. In four days of fighting, with the brunt primarily borne by the XI and XII International Brigades and by Lister's units, the Blackshirts were forced into a defensive stance. Bad weather, the Republican Air Force, the Russian T26B tanks' supremacy and the lack of adequate preparation on the fascists' side had contributed to this result. On March, 14th, the Garibaldi Battalion led the attack of the XII Brigade on the Palacio de Ibarra, a key strongpoint, and after fierce fighting it forced the Blackshirt garrison, the 535th Indomita (Indomitable) Cohort (or Bandera), 2nd Legion, 1st Division, to surrender.

During that week, the political commissars carried out a great propaganda effort, using loud-speakers and leaflets to plead with the Blackshirts to surrender. In striking contrast with the volunteers serving with the International Brigades, the Blackshirt enlisted man had low morale, no real motivation, "no hate for the enemy"; he also had no faith in, nor much to gain from a victory. So, once the Blackshirts were sure they weren't going to be executioned as soon as they surrendered, there were some desertion cases. They preferably gave themselves up in the hands of the Garibaldi men, trusting them as fellow countrymen.

Finally, on March, 18th, the XII International Brigade, together with the El Campesino Brigade, the 70th Brigade and tank support, broke the Blackshirt lines and advanced on Brihuega. The Garibaldi Battalion advanced along the Torija-Brihuega road; but the main thrust was brought to bear by fresher Spanish units. The attack on Brihuega was a well-conceived all-arms operation, backed by artillery, air and armor support, while the enemy defenses were weak, disorganized, and poorly led. Not surprisingly, they collapsed.

The Guadalajara victory wasn't really decisive in itself, but it certainly crushed (at least for a while) the Blackshirts' morale, while boosting that of the antifascists, and especially the Italian ones, such as the men in the Garibaldi Battalion.

After the battle proper, the XII IB was committed to the half-hearted pursuit of the retreating Blackshirts until March, 24th 1937. At that time the Brigade was moved to Guadalajara for a much-needed period of rest. By now, about 30% of the men in the Garibaldi Battalion were Spaniards. Most had already had previous combat experience before the battle of Guadalajara, they fought well, and after that struggle were to be considered proven veterans after guadalajara.

On April, 5th, the Garibaldi Battalion was committed again in the area of Morata de Tajuna, together with the Dombrowski and Lincoln Battalions, in a surprise attack. No artillery preparation was employed, but each battalion had the support of a tank platoon. Notwithstanding the surprise, the attack made little headway. The Nationalist were well dug-in, their artillery reacted quickly, and only a few trenches were taken, by the Garibaldi men. Until April, 17th, the Battalion fought near Casa de Campo. During all this time, the Battalion was organized as follows:

Garibaldi Battalion (Veteran, Morale 9 save if otherwise noted), with:
HQ, with:

5 Infantry Companies, each with 2 infantry stands
MG Company, with 3 MMG stands

The added motor transport is very likely to be vehicles captured at Guadalajara. The assault platoon already had just a handful of motorcycle scouts on March, 10th, when they proved an extremely useful asset; now they have formed a reconnaissance patrol. The infantry companies are still comparatively small.

On April, 18th, the Battalion was sent to Valdeavero, a rear area, for the reorganization that was to give birth to the Garibaldi International Brigade. On May 1st, 1937, the Garibaldi International Brigade was officially formed (even if it wasn't operative until June-July of that year). The original Garibaldi Battalion was its backbone. Italian volunteers from the Italian Company of the Dimitrov Battalion, from the Rosselli Column, and from many other units were gathered in this formation. Many new volunteers also joined in. By June-July, 1937, the Brigade had 4 infantry battalions, an engineer company, an anti-tank battery, and all the needed brigade services, all including only Italian and Spanish soldiers.

Of course, the latter gave a sizeable contribution to the Brigade, accounting for about 40% of its strength. As the war continued, the flow of new Italian volunteers dwindled. Nevertheless, by October, 1938 there were still many Italians in the Garibaldi Brigade. At this time, the remaining foreign members of the IBs were withdrawn and sent home, in a desperate attempt to win international support to force the Italian and German units to do the same. This didn't happen. Many of these Italian veterans went into exile again or were interned in France, others made their way home somehow. And many of them, a few years later, provided invaluable experience to the many Italian partisan formations which were fighting against fascism once again, and again under the name of Garibaldi. Thus Rosselli's motto about the fight for freedom was made true: "Today in Spain, tomorrow in Italy".

Sources

Attanasio Sandro, Gli Italiani nella guerra di Spagna (1974)
Conforti Olao, Guadalajara: la prima sconfitta del fascismo (1967)
Coverdale John F., Italian Intervention in the Spanish Civil War (1975)
Kurzman Dan, L'assedio di Madrid (1980, Italian translation of Miracle of November, Madrid's Epic Stand, 1936)
Lazzarini Mario, Italiani nella guerra di Spagna (1994)
Lopez Alvaro, Il Battaglione Garibaldi - Cronologia (1990)
Longo Luigi, Le brigate internazionali in Spagna (1956)
Martinez Bande Jose Manuel, La lucha en torno a Madrid (1968)
Pacciardi Randolfo, Il Battaglione Garibaldi (1938-1945)
Pesce Giovanni, Un Garibaldino in Spagna (1955)
Puppini Marco, In Spagna per la libert… (1986)
Ranzato Gabriele, La guerra di Spagna (1986)
Rosselli Carlo, Oggi in Spagna, domani in Italia (1938)
Thomas Hugh, The Spanish Civil War (1961)

and, for Command Decision info and special rules for the Spanish Civil War:
Novak Greg, The Quick Gamer's Guide to the Spanish Civil War (Command Post Quarterly review, issues 7&8, 1994)

More Garibaldi

Garibaldi Bttn (SCW): Introduction

Garibaldi Bttn (SCW): Uniform Illustrations

Garibaldi Bttn (SCW): History and TO&E (CD)

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