Buenaventura Durruti

Born in 1896; died Nov. 20, 1936. Prominent in the Spanish workers’ movement. Metalworker.

After 1920, Durruti became a prominent leader of the Spanish anarchists, directing their fighting organization. He was very popular among the workers. Durruti was sentenced to death on numerous occasions. On July 19-20, 1936, Durruti was instrumental in routing the fascist revolt in Barcelona and then commanded one of the columns on the Aragon front. In the first months of the civil war of 1936-39, Durruti led the revolutionary elements of the anarcho-syndicalists and supported the unity of the workers’ movement and the creation of a regular army. In November 1936 he participated in the defense of Madrid as the commander of the column of Catalonian anarchists. He was treacherously murdered from behind while positioning his column on the Madrid front.