The Spanish Civil War began in February 1936, The elections of that month had returned a left wing government, which triggered a "Nationalist" military coup led by General Francisco Franco. Initially it was only partially successful. with major cities like Madrid and Barcelona remaining in the hands of the elected government, ("Republicans") and a long. bloody and bitter armed struggle resulted, lasting until April 1939.
Officially. other European nations followed a policy of non-intervention, but Hitler put German forces at Franco's disposal, and the Italian leader Benito Mussolini also aided the Nationalist cause. Russian leader Stalin sent arms to the Republicans, but these were no match for the weaponry, including bomber aircraft, that Franco could rely upon. The Republican resistance was brutally ended, and Franco ruled Spain until his death.
This conflict is sometimes viewed as a prequel to the Second World War, and it certainly served as a proving ground for the Axis forces. It was also notable for the creation of a volunteer force known as the International, formed purely from would-be defenders of democracy, which fought alongside the Republicans.
Among these idealistic volunteers were about 30 North Riding men. Only 21 of them survived to return to their homeland, one of whom was Herbert Havelock Riding, who seems to have been born in Stokesley, though his parents were residents of West Hartlepool.
Herbert. or "Avie" as he was generally known, set out for Spain in 1937, returning to England with the rest of the British contingent of the International Brigade in December !938. "Avie" also fought in the Second World War as a member of he Pioneer Corps. Happily, he survived that conflict too, and later retired to New Zealand.
We have no details of his military service, but we are informed that he married no fewer than 5 times. His photo, although regrettably of poor quality, with more than a hint of Errol Flynn about it, perhaps provides a partial explanation of the attraction felt by the ladies!!