education, especially in military subjects, and to l1elp to promotion from 
the ranks those who deserve it. 
At all times, the Commissar sets a personal example to the Volun- 
teers of the rank-and-file. In action, he is found where his personal 
example and influence is the most decisive. “First to advance and last 
to retreat” — the slogan of the Commissars — has been sealed in the 
life—blood of many of the ablest and best men of the Spanish Republi- 
can Army. 
The Brigade Commissariat, office of the Brigade Commissar, was 
established by Barthel, first Commissar of the Brigade after Copic took 
over military command. Aitken, Nelson and Doran in turn have con- 
tributed to its further development and brought it to its present state 
of efficiency. 
The Brigade Commissariat publishes daily at mimeographed bulletin 
Our Fight, giving a news-digest in English and Spanish, and articles 
of special interest to the Brigade. When time and opportunity permit, 
it also publishes a printed journal under the same title. 
The Commissariat has a special department of propaganda directed 
towards the enemy and also a Sound-Truck for that purpose. It main- 
tains a library, a photographic department, and recently, it has begun 
the organisation of musical and drama groups. Special effort is given 
by the Commissariat towards eradicating illiteracy among Spanish sol- 
diers. 
The Commissariat co-operates with the civilian population and main- 
tains the most harmonious relationship with them. When occasion per- 
mits, joint fiestas are organised in the villages. The Sound-Wagon is 
often put to use to give concerts. It is worthy of mention that the Bri- 
gade distributed over 22,000 pesetas worth of gifts to the children, last 
Christmas, with money raised through voluntary contributions by the 
men. 
It is impossible to give within this limited space a full description of 
the manifold functions of the Commissariat. Its work never ceases; in 
action or at rest, the political, physical, cultural, educational and recre- 
ational needs of the men are always provided for — factors that are 
all-important in maintaining the morale of the troops at their maximum 
military efficiency. 
S. M.

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