HE University of Alicante Democracy Archive revealed his identity 1,760 Spanish Republicans who was arrested Bouarfa concentration camps (Morocco) and Columbus-Bechar (Algeria), thanks to the painstaking work of two members of the advisory board, the expert historian, Juan Martinez Loyalwith the support of flour mercedes. Both saved documents International Red Cross visiting the fields in (Geneva) summer 1942, provided by digital copy Documentary Center of Historical Memory (Salamanca).
This list can now be consulted in a new section of the website Republican exile in North Africa by name Trans-Saharan forced labor camps. “This is an open project that is enriched with new materials every day,” says Martínez Leal. In fact, since the website launched in 2020, this section of the AU Democracy Archive has not stopped adding new content. Reference to internet publication on this subjectImportant for both researchers, family members and those interested in this lesser known Republican exile in general, but especially for the state of Alicante.
Bouarfa and Colomb-Béchar fields were the nerve centers of his project Trans-Saharan railway constructionThe Vichy French collaborationist government came to concentrate the 12 Foreign Workers’ Companies (GTEs), the vast majority of which made up of Spanish republicans. Both populations were about 140 km apart on either side of the border separating French Algeria from French protectorate Morocco. HE imprisonment in these two camps and the rest of the region in a compulsory regime, on a miserable salary, in harsh conditions work, mostly Gather and shovel (Break stone, dismount and move to place sleepers) in unbearable weather conditions of extreme heat and burning sand, very bad food, ill-treatment, punishment and humiliation by armed guards.
Analysis of data from the documents of the International Red Cross Archive allows us to know the origin of internees, With the strong presence of those born in the state of Alicante, followed by Murcia, Madrid, Malaga and Valencia. Information is also available on occupations or trades declared by prisoners; Among them are non-specialized trades. agriculture and any trade mechanical (swivels, plumbers, etc.). And although they are in the minority, it is also worth pointing out the existence of non-manual processes, for example journalists, doctors, artists, musicians, etc.
Allied landings in North Africa began in November 1942. Operation Torch; however, the liberation of the camps did not come until a few months later.
Republican exile in North Africa
Page Republican exile in North Africa exists as a purpose save memoryto deepen and spread the knowledge of one of the most forgotten exiles, the Spanish republicans, in the territory of North Africa, From the end of the civil war in March 1939 to 1962. “We are talking about the life and destiny of some. 15,000 SpaniardsMany men, but also women and children, sometimes families who gave up everything to save and rebuild their lives,” as the page states, “desiring to be a meeting point for what is happening today.” Family descendants of expatriates and researchers from both shores of the Mediterranean “. An idea underlined by the director of the Democracy Archive, Emilio RosilloNoting the importance of continuing to add testimonies and stories of struggle, survival, life and hope, “It’s important that they know we haven’t forgotten them.”