Certificate for the Medal for Participants in the National Revolutionary War in Spain 1936–1939

One of the turning points in European history was the Spanish Civil War, which lasted from 17 July 1936 to 1 April 1939. This conflict was marked by deep ideological, social, and political tensions between the ruling right-wing factions and left-wing groups. The latter received support from the Soviet Union, which supplied weapons and personnel, including Pavel Batov (1897–1985)—a veteran of World War I and the Russian Civil War (1919–1920). Under the pseudonym Pablo Fritz, Batov fought against the Francoist rebels on the Republican side from December 1936 to August 1937. He served as a military advisor to the 12th International Brigade, commanded by Máté Zalka (1896–1937), and later as the commander of the Teruel Front. The experience Batov gained in Spain played a key role in his later military career, particularly during World War II, when he commanded various military units engaged in decisive operations, such as the Battle of Stalingrad (1942–1943) and the Battle of Kursk (1943). In April 1945, his 65th Army, part of the 2nd Belorussian Front, captured Szczecin and took part in the Berlin offensive. For his service in the Spanish Civil War, Batov was awarded the Medal for Participants in the National Revolutionary War in Spain 1936–1939, issued by the Soviet War Veterans Committee. In 1976, General Batov donated a collection of his personal memorabilia, including this remarkable medal (MNS/H/75/1), to the National Museum in Szczecin. The accompanying certificate of authenticity and remembrance contained a dedication, expressing his recognition and appreciation for the institution’s role in preserving culture and history. Anna Lew-Machniak