In most European states, the Navy is the service carrying the most traditions and customs, and particularly where uniform, insignia and personal equipment is concerned, the least likely to experience change.The Spanish Navy of the Civil War being no exception to this. Its uniform, for example, dated back the early years of the century after losses in the Spanish-American War devastated morale and fighting potential. Sailors tend to be highly specialised individuals trained to 'fight the ship' rather than point a rifle or throw a grenade.

Most writers, historians and wargamers (and many sailors!) believe that that's what marines are for. However,there are occasions when ratings and officers must serve ashore, as a guard, or in a landing party, or must board and seize another vessel. Again the Spanish Civil War required all of these activities of the sailors who fought in it.

The redoubtable Bueno gives less space to the combattant navies of the War than to some of the very small army and volunteer units,even those quickly eliminated from the battlefield.Yet the 'Marina Nacional ' for example played an important role on the takeover of the Basque lands, and the control and regulation of numerous seized ports. Events where an armed man who knows a deal about ships, tides and maritime installations is infinitely more valuable than a 'plough-boy'or 'goatherder '(Nelson's description of the army, not mine!). Bueno (p.74), shows a division of the Navy marching through San Sebastian in 1938; marching remarkably smartly too, since I can only make out six sailors out of step with their Alferez de Fragata, but then "sailors don't march" (Nelson again).

In terms of navy regulations a sailor undertaking any of the 'off-ship' activities mentioned above would wear the'landing rig' shown in the illustration ( front cover).This is based on Mollo's post Civil War guide (plate 73) and gives a clear indication of the additional gear worn.The sailor, a 'Marinero Preferente' by his yellow sleeve chevrons, wears the mid grey service dress most commonly worn for this work,though he could equally be wearing the 1905 white 'uniform de verano'.Cap band and 'necker' would be dark blue in both cases,trimmed white.On his left sleeve is his 'speciality', an emblem in a small oblong.Which could be the red propeller of a machinist,anchor of an artificer, or the red crossed torpedo tubes of a "torpedista"all on blue backgrounds trimmed red. Unlikely to be the crossed shovels of a stoker because 'black gangs' rarely emerged from the 'pits of hell' in which they served the ship...in any Navy.

This sailor is wearing two black leather ready usepouches on his black leather belt, carrying some fifty (some say sixty) rounds for the Mauser carbine slung. Grenades, if issued, would be in a canvas or leather bag, and the bayonet carried on a small leather frog on the left hip. Belt buckle buffed steel,embossed with crossed anchors.His trousers are tucked into brown leather (or more frequently for ratings, canvas) gaiters,buckled at the sides,boots black.His cap is the regulation navy blue issue, as on page 73 of Bueno, with white cover.If a steel helmet was worn, it would be either the 'Casco Modelo 1930' or a one of German origin.His cap tally shows him to be from the Cruiser "Canarias".The fact that he is not wearing a helmet may indicate his Commander's desire for the ship's role in activities ashore to be recognised.

Sailors of all navies notoriously hate 'landing rig',since it inhibits the free, rapid movement which distinguishes war at sea in confined spaces from the needs of the muddy battlefield.That this "Marinero" is from a cruiser is significant,since discipline and organisation would (in any Navy) be tighter and more demanding upon a large ship than on a smaller vessel,and full 'rig' more commonly worn. Many sailors called upon to perform 'extraneous duties' would be just as likely to be seen wearing only belt pouches and bayonet to distinguish them from those left aboard.