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One Madrileño’s memories of the Spanish Civil War: Adapting to stay alive

vikingfusion

By Natalie Allen

MADRID – Carlos Iradier, 88, was only 17 when the Spanish civil war began, but instead of fighting, Iradier volunteered to fix telephone cables around Spain.

Even at a young age, Iradier had been able to adapt to difficult situations in order for him to keep living his life in peace, according to his granddaughter, Celia Gonzalez.

Carlos Iradier in his 20s. The photo appears courtesy of Carlos Iradier, who posted it on his blog, el baúl del Bwana.

During the civil war, she said Iradier declared himself a Republican so that he would not be questioned or have his metal shop closed by the government simply because his beliefs contradicted those of the Republic. Once Franco had defeated the Republicans in 1939 and installed his fascist regime, Iradier adapted again, changing his affiliation to the Nationalists, or at least appearing to, Celia said.

Political opinions, or “saying what your political ideas were even if you did not really believe in them,” were necessary in order to live one’s life, Celia said. “That’s what many people had to do.”

After the war ended all surviving Republican soldiers were rounded up and sent to concentration camps. So, thinking swiftly, Iradier took off his Republican army jacket and asked someone if he could hold it for a moment. Of course, he never returned. He simply walked away from the mass of soldiers, looking back momentarily at everyone standing in line, Celia said he has related.

Later, during Franco’s rule, Iradier was arrested by the police during a demonstration at a university, she said. Franco’s police, Policia Armada, were infamous for violently repressing universities in the 1960’s and 70’s.

Today, Iradier writes a blog that includes many of his experiences during the war and during the Francisco regime, among other topics. would rather not openly talk or listen to his or any other stories about the war and Franco.  

To read about Carlos Iradier’s life and experiences visit his blog at http://elbauldelbwana.blogspot.com.es. 

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