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The article discusses the participation of the British Battalion of the International Brigades, a foreign volunteer force, in the Spanish Civil War on the side of the Spanish Republic. It examines the backgrounds of several volunteers, noting that many were members of the Communist Party of Great Britain (CPGB). The author reflects on the participation of the British Battalion in the Battle of Jarama, Spain in February 1937. Several commanders of the British Battalion, including Wilfred McCartney, Tom Wintringham, and Fred Copeman, are considered.

Presents an analysis of the defeat of the Republicans during the Spanish Civil War by examining the interrelated international, political-ideological, military and economic factors. Events leading to the downfall of the Republic; Nationalist leader General Francisco Franco; Military aid given Franco by Germany and Italy; Formulation of the Non-Intervention Agreement; International response to this intervention, including Communist involvement; Establishment of the International Brigades; Factors which made their defeat inevitable, including an economic imbalance which favored the Nationalists.

The article discusses the romantic relationship of British military commander and Marxist Tom Wintringham and American journalist Kitty Bowler, examining the beginning of their relationship in Spain during the Spanish Civil War. It comments on suspicions that Bowler was a Trotskyite spy. The author notes Bowler's ejection from Spain and Wintringham's expulsion from the Communist Party of Great Britain (CPGB).

The article discusses newsworthy events that occurred in 2009. Several events are examined, including the granting of dual Spanish citizenship for British veterans of the International Brigades, the launching of a project by University College London to study the significance of slave ownership in the formation of Britain, and the death of John Ross, who was Australia's oldest man.