Washington Battalion
The Washington Battalion was a largely American battalion of the International Brigades in the Spanish Civil War . However, brigadists from linguistic related countries probably also served in this battalion. It was named after George Washington , the first President of the United States of America . The battalion was set up in February 1937 in Albacete . The battalion became part of the XV. International Brigade . Mirko Markovics , a Yugoslavian-American, became the commander .
The Washington battalion fought with the Lincoln battalion from the second day of the Battle of Brunete at Villanueva de la Cañada and captured the city after hard fighting. The Washington Battalion and the Lincoln Battalion were used against nationalist positions at Mosquito Ridge (Villaviciosa de Odon) after the capture of the city of Villanueva de la Cañada . Both battalions, however, were unable to throw the nationalist troops out of their positions. During the attack, the American Robert Hale Merriman was in command of the Washington battalion .
The Washington Battalion was disbanded during the Battle of Brunete on July 12, 1937 due to losses of over 50%. It was merged with the Lincoln Battalion on July 14, 1937 to form the Lincoln-Washington Battalion. Later received the XV. International Brigade honored the Lincoln-Washington Brigade.
Individual evidence
- ^ Hugh Thomas : The Spanish Civil War , Verlag Ullstein, 1967, page 304