Spanish Civil War Memory Project

Summary

Amparo Gallardo relates that she was a child when the Civil War began. Amparo narrates her family's journey from Málaga to Almería, noting the bombardments, deaths, and destruction they witnessed. She reiterates that many families were divided as a result of the war. Amparo tells that a neighbor changed her name to pass her off as his daughter and took her to Valencia, so that she would not be put on a ship full of orphaned children destined for Russia. She remembers living in Valencia for one year before reuniting with her mother. Amparo recounts that her family was one of the first to seek refuge in France and was well received, but the experience of those who arrived after was not the same. She speaks about returning to Spain two years later. Amparo details the strong repression that occurred in Vélez at the end of the war. She describes the violence inflicted on the rojos (reds), explaining that women were forced to drink castor oil and their heads were shaved bald. Amparo recalls a large massacre that took place in Vélez and about which no one spoke because of the imposed censorship. She comments on the changes that took place after Franco's death. Amparo discusses the importance of historical memory so that the younger generations can remember the experiences of their parents and grandparents