I Fought for Canada in Spain 
By LIEUT. WM. KARDASH

WHEN the first news of the International Brigade 
defending Madrid reached me, my desire to go 
to Spain began to grow. To give my service, and life, 
if necessary, for the cause of progressive mankind, 
was the most noble act I could perform. To prevent 
the slaughter of human lives in the world, to save pro-
gress and democracy from ruin and dark years of re-
action, inspired and strengthened my desire to go to 
Spain.

Born and bred in Saskatchewan in a small farming 
community, I learned, from my boyhood, of the poverty 
and hardships in Canadian farm life. Ever since I 
can remember, I worked on my father's farm. He 
wanted me to become a teacher, but he lacked the means 
to realize his ambitions. At the age of 14 years, in 
1926, I started my public activities as an organizer for 
the Wheat Pool of Saskatchewan. What free time I 
had, I devoted to reading and study. That is how I 
became acquainted with, and took an active interest in, 
public affairs. 

A feeling rose in me that the fight in Spain was of 
great concern to the people of my country, and that 
the greatest service I could render it, was to go to 
Spain and help defeat fascism. 

I reached Valencia on a boat on May 26th, 1937. 
We were to leave the next day for the Tank Base.

There were forty-three tanks in the camp. Some 
of them had been in action at Jarama and Guadalajara, 
where the Italian troops established a record for speed. 
They retreated so fast that it was difficult at times 
for the Government troops to catch up with them.

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