Edited by Mark Derby
May 2009
$45
304pp, Paperback
240 x 170mm, B&W photos & illustrations throughout
ISBN: 978-1-877257-71-1
Kiwi Compañeros is the first-ever account of New Zealand’s role in the Spanish civil war of 1936–39, a war that became a ruthless rehearsal for World War Two and attracted volunteers from over 50 nations.
Historian Mark Derby draws on personal letters, military documents and previously unpublished photos to tell an all-but forgotten story of a range of extraordinary people, from fighter pilots, surgeons, nurses, academics, through to film-makers and journalists. Kiwi Compañeros records the actions of New Zealanders involved, including those who worked for the Spanish cause at home by raising funds, lobbying politicians, writing poems and spreading propaganda.
Kiwi Compañeros includes contributions from some of New Zealand’s leading writers and historians.
'This is a very readable account of what happened in Spain and what it was like to be there, and the effects back in New Zealand.' Oliver Riddell, Otago Daily Times
'Kiwi Compañeros is an important book which ought to prompt a lot more research into New Zealand history.' Scott Hamilton, Scoop Review of Books
'This excellent book fills a critical gap in our history.' Vincent Orange, Weekend Press
Mark Derby is a writer and historian who has worked for Te Ara (the online encyclopaedia of New Zealand), the Waitangi Tribunal and as South Pacific correspondent for Jornal Expresso, Portugal’s leading newspaper. He has also curated museum exhibitions, made historical documentaries and reviewed films for the Wellington community newspaper City Voice. He is chair of the Labour History Project and lives on Wellington’s south coast with his family.
