3
year, the weather was frightfully 
cold, many of our comrades dev-
eloping rheumatism and severe chest 
colds for which we were unable 
to secure any medical treatment
whatever, seven of our comrades dying 
purely from lack of attention. The 
morning after our arrival we were 
taken down in the yard to breakfast 
which consisted of hot water with a 
few scattered breadcrumbs and a 
slight flavor of garlic. This turned 
out to be our morning meal for 
the following 12 months, (never varying) 
During the morning we were taken 
into the square and there given a
a few military commands consisting 
chiefly of left turns, right turns 
and bellowing "Franco" at the top of your 
voice, many of our comrades rec-
eiving severe beatings to compel them 
to carry out these orders. For dinner 
we would receive a small quantity 
of beans and 2 sardines, this menu