have straightened a corkscrew; it was that strong. It put new life into us. We had to be Well dug in by daybreak, or it was the end.

When dawn came, We saw our flanks were strongly held by Spanish troops. Almost immediately the battle began again.

Although We did not yet know it, the reason for the big Withdrawal on the previous day had been the recapture of Brunete by the Fascists. That meant they Were threatening to cut us off entirely. Some forces had retreated too quickly, and thus prevented word reaching us. Our Command had issued orders, which We had not received, ordering our withdrawal from offensive to defensive positions in the rear, Where We would have the advantage of height.

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