Unidad documental simple 1 - Photocopy of a diary of Thomas Hayes

76 pp. (38 sheets)

Photocopy of a diary of Thomas Hayes, Tralee, county Kerry, former Legionnaire in ‘D’ Company of Irish Brigade, with first page stating ‘From Dec 12th to ? Thomas Hayes, 54 Upper Rock Street Tralee. Diary of every happening from day to day from above date from Tralee to Spain to join Irish Brigade of General Franco’s Army.’ Records daily entries on experiences including leaving Tralee on Saturday 12 December 1936 for Spain, life on board the German ship, S.S. Urundi, noting on Tuesday 15 December, ‘In bed all day very sick… Weather is bad… A lot sick one man broke leg other scalded when ship swayed’, also noting land sighted, trip to Salamanca and the ensuing reception on Saturday 19 December 1936, stating ‘Thousands to meet us here. Eat grand dinner & after had a party. Were made drunk on wine’, followed by arrival at Cáceres and meeting with General Eoin O’Duffy, noting on Monday 21 December, ‘Addressed by General O’Duffy. Told us we were going up the line to Madrid shortly after xmas’. Also records receipt of uniform and rifle, writing first letter home on 3 February 1937, and inspection visit by General Franco, stating ‘Sat Feb. 6th 1937 at Cáceres Barracks inspection of Irish Brigades & marched past General Franco making the salute. He said he was very pleased with The Irish Brigade’. A lso records the capture of Malaga by Franco, receipt of payment, noting on Sunday 14 February 1937, ‘Monday received new pair of boots & got 15 pesetas’, moving towards front lines in Madrid and casualties in cross-fire with friendly troops, noting on Thursday 18 February, ‘Upon sight the Spaniards opened fire on the leading company led by Capt O’Sullivan & Lieut. T. Hyde, resulting in the loss of the latter & Daniel Tuiete, Tralee, R.I.P. & some Spanish officers & men amounting… to about 5 dead & about 4 wounded’. In addition, records battle in Ciempozuelos and lives lost, and reaching Madrid, visit from General O’Duffy noting on Saturday 17 April 1937, ‘He gave a great speech & he told us we were going home to Ireland forthwith & we were disbanded’, return to headquarters in Cáceres to get cleaned up, and the final journey home noting ‘June 21st 2 P.M. set feet on Irish soil. Left Dublin at 9 P.M. Landed in Tralee 3.15 A.M. Tuesday. Big reception in Dublin – Split with O’Duffy’.

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Available digitally on the University of Limerick Digital Library at https://doi.org/10.34966/uldl.0eky-g975.