Malcolm Dunbar
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Ronald Malcolm (Michael) Loraine Dunbar[1] (29 February 1912 – July 1963)[2] was a chief of staff of the XV International Brigade in the Spanish Civil War,[3] and later worked in the Labour Research Department.[4]
Early working life
Dunbar was born on 29 February 1912 at Belle Vue Lodge in Paignton, Devon; son of Sir Loraine Geddes Dunbar, a banker of independent means, and his wife Lady Liola Violet Dunbar. He was educated at Repton School, Derbyshire (1925–1930), and Trinity College, Cambridge[5] (1930–1933), graduating with BA Hons. Whilst at Cambridge, Dunbar is reported to have been part of an elite set that included the infamous double agent Kim Philby.[6]
Following his graduation, Dunbar worked as journalist and photographer. He was commissioned by some of the leading ballet companies of the day – positions often facilitated by his mother. It was whilst working with Ballet Rambert that he met and forged a life-long friendship with the famous ballerina Thérèse Langfield. During this time, Dunbar showed an interest in left-wing political ideas and a dislike for fascism, marching against Oswald Mosley's British Fascists in east London, in October 1936.
Spanish Civil War
Following the outbreak of civil war in Spain in July 1936, Dunbar left London to join the anti-fascists on 5 January 1937. Once in Spain, Dunbar undertook two weeks training before being sent to the front line. He first saw action at the Battle of Jarama on 12 February 1937. As a new recruit, Dunbar had enlisted as a 'soldado' (private) but by 15 February he had been made group leader of the battalion. He continued in this role until his arm was injured in an attack against the Fascists in mid-January 1938.
Dunbar recuperated from his wound at Colmenar, Quintanar, Alcazar and Murcia before moving to Benicàssim by 22 February. There, Dunbar was elected partially responsible for the English-speaking front at the military hospital Villa Ralph Fox in Benicassim. He remained at the villa until 10 March, when he returned to Albacete. Finding the 16th Battalion quartermaster unable to command his men, Dunbar took the opportunity to return to the Jarama Front. After the quartermaster returned, Dunbar was attached to the battalion HQ in the capacity of interpreter. After another three weeks, he was sent back to Albacete and the officer school.
Dunbar was appointed as chief of staff for the 15th International Brigade during the Battle of the Ebro in July 1938. Dunbar was demobilized in December 1938 having served 23 months. Dunbar never gave any interviews on his time in Spain and information on him has always been fairly scarce, despite his high rank and illustrious record.