Franco and his soldiers

The photograph, which was widely distributed by Francoist propaganda, and especially in publications like The Machine Gun which were sent to the soldiers,  shows Franco and the principal officers of the Army of the North at a campaign meal.  Franco’s presence at the front contrasted with the picture the rebels painted of Republican politicians, who they accused of cowardice because they took refuge in cities that were not under siege or went into exile.

The photograph is especially revealing in showing the disparity between the living conditions of the generals and their soldiers. While the latter, mostly from the infantry and artillery, existed in extremely unhealthy conditions, the image portrays a very different reality and highlights the contrast in the quality of life enjoyed by the high command and that endured by the troops at the front.

FLC