A letter from the Front

The following letter is from James O’Beirne, Belturbet, Co. Cavan, to L. Johnstone, Belfast. Comrade O’Beirne is an IRA man with pre-Truce service and is a devout Catholic. In his letter he says:

Dear Comrade Johnstone:

Just a line to wish all comrades in Belfast a happy New Year and many of them, hoping all are well. I am glad to hear that you are getting plenty of support in Belfast for the Spanish Government to smash Franco and the Hitlers and O’Duffys. It will be a long, bitter struggle, but in spite of the thousands of fascists pouring into Spain from Germany, Italy and imperialist Italy, truth will prevail. Victory or death we stand for; Up the International.

Well, about 40 of us Irish and 100 or more of the British comrades were in action on the southern front since the 27th December. I came out sick two days ago (Jan. 1st). The village, which was our objective, has been captured after weeks of heavy fighting. Two of Franco’s aeroplanes were bombing and spitting machine-gun fire all the time, but later on we had four to oppose them. Frank Ryan is out here; I have just met him. Ralph Fox was with us. A great Comrade. He is now reported missing (since this letter his death has been confirmed.) The weather is lovely here since we came, hot as summer during the day, but cold at night.

During the day marching, seeking positions and cover, dodging Franco’s bullets and bombs from the sky. We have just captured their village and some war material, machine-guns, etc.

I saw three air raids on a village here and one town, many innocent children and people being killed by Franco’s bombs; many churches destroyed by Franco’s shells to blacken the Government. Tell Irish Catholics many priests out here support the Government. Those who love truth and justice stand up against Fascist tyranny.

I saw rain only once since I’ve come out here, nothing but grape and olive trees to be seen. It’s a great country. The people are very enthusiastic and affectionate, and are behind the Government to a man. No more news for the present, hoping to hear from you and the other Comrades.

Your fond Comrade,

James O’Beirne.