My grandfather was a member of the Civil Guard during the Spanish Civil War in a “red zone,” which belonged to the Republicans. During the Batalla del Ebro, his position shifted from el Bando republicano to el Bando nacional. Despite that, he was captured and put in prison by the Nationalists for 7 months in near Palau Sant Jordi, Barcelona. While in prison, his wife, who was pregnant with my father, moved to her sister’s house and gave birth to their child. He wasn’t able to be present when his son was born and was only informed through letters. He finally met his son 5, 6 months later.

 

Another grandfather, father of my mother, was an assistant of a high-rank officer of el Bando nacional throughout the Civil War. He worked as the chief and horsekeeper. An unfortunate incident during that time happened. The 4-year-old daughter of this officer got hurt by a metal utensil. The doctor didn’t give her a tetanus shot and she died due to infection. The officer didn’t know about his own daughter’s death until 10 days later when he went home to visit due to the war. In memory of her, they named the second daughter the same name.

 

Submitted by Antonio Alcalà

Edited by Paula Chang