SPANISH CIVIL WAR
Typewritten Letter Signed from John Rickman to 'Dear Bill', 1½ pages 4to on writing paper of the International Brigade, English Speaking, Albacete, Spain, 4 February 1937. The writer, a volunteer, writes of his travels to Albacete (the base for the International Brigade), nearby air raids, training and the food ('one of the greatest troubles').

'... While I was in [word obliterated] there were a couple of air-raids; they were not nearly so scaring as I had expected, but I think the bombs were fairly light. I was also surprised to see that only the house that was actually hit was damaged; the others not even having their windows broken, about six people were killed. ...'

Though Rickman warns of censorship, only the one word is crossed out.

'... I seem to remember dimly from my Warner & Martin that twice English armies have mutinied in Spain over the food, and the wine. Although we didn't do too well coming along, we now have got our own cooks, which makes a great difference as they at any rate do try not to be greasy. ...'
John Pascal Rickman died in April 1937 from wounds sustained in the Battle of the Jarama. He is buried in the churchyard at Powerstock in Dorset.

[No: 26142]