Captain (now Major) Johnson, former American Army officer, join- *ed the Brigade Staff as Chief of Operations. Under his guidance, the trenches were deepened and ezvtended, dug-outs and strong-posts built. Finally, by an elaborate system of forward saps, connected up by new trenches, the Republican lines were pushed out further into Fascist territory.

The Political Commissariat resumed its work which had been inter- rupted by the heavy fighting in February. The creature as well as the

cultural comforts of the Volunteers were attended to. A monthly print- ed journal, a daily bulletin in English, French and Spanish, wall-news- papers, baths and clean clothing were among the varied results of its

work. A so»und—wagon relayed news and music through the trenches and broadcast propaganda to the Fascist lines, resulting in a steady trickle of deserters from F,ranco’s conscript levies.

Concerts and meetings were held. The Irish comrades organised an Easter Week Concert and a Connolly Commemoration, in which men of many nationalities participated — surely the most unique Commemora-

tions of their kind. Visitors from abroad came to see the Brigade that

had {played such an important role in the defence of Madrid, and to bring greetings from home. Among them were Ford and Minor from the United States, Pollitt and Professor Haldane from Great Britain. Trench warfare, especially in the rainy months of March and April, tested morale almost as severely as did the big battles of February. Mo- notony can often be as trying as heavy fighting. As the long vigil by the Jarama—— the longest on record, of any iunit, in the war—— dragged on, wall—newspa~pers recorded less the enthusiasms of young recruits and more the aynicisms of “old soldiers”. To this period belong songs such as “The Jarama Valley”. But, cynicism thus expressed was not

typical of the men’s feelings; rather was it" an outlet for the boredom of trench warfare. The majority realised that behind the lines were new

armies in the making, and that they must hold on until those came up.

True, some grumbled and groused. Some begged for leave; some took itwithout asking. But these were the exceptions -— victims of neg-

lected political work rather than conscious offenders. From February

to June, the XV Brigade maintained its vigil, chafing certainly at in- “activity, but its one yearning — action!

There was one welcome break in the monotony when, at the end of April, the Brigade was relieved and sent to Alcala de Henares for three day’s rest. Here the Volunteers celebrated May Day with an imposing

‘military parade and a public meeting. Then, back to the trenches; re- lief was not yet! i

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