The “Fugitives”

To understand the figure of the “fugitive”, one must take into account the ways in which geography and longstanding micro-social networks with Portugal conditioned the coup and subsequent war in Galicia. Along with the sea, the neighbouring country was the main escape route to Republican territory and, later, to France. In most cases, however, the first step was to escape into the interior of Galicia and hide there.

During the first two years of the war, most fugitives left by sea, especially from the arc between Ferrol and A Coruña in the Rías Baixas. Most fled because they knew the fate that awaited them, having been public figures in politics or society and opposed the coup.

Forced recruitment into the rebel army, with those who did not comply being labelled “deserters”, was also another cause. Most came from the countryside, a reflection of the demography of Galicia at the time. And it was in the countryside that many went to hide. The category of fugitive also includes those who did not respond to being called up because they had enlisted in the navy and those who hid our fear of reprisals, as well as people who went to the front as a way of escaping justice.

The most common hiding places were in the hills or private homes. By 1938, there were stable settlements in the area of Casaio-Carballeda de Valdeorras. Support networks played an important role. These were not just based on politics, and most of the people involved were women who acted as links between groups hidden in rural areas.

The figure of the “mole” emerged as early as the summer of 1936. These were people who hid in private homes for very long periods of time, even years, living in basements, attics, and hidden rooms.

The escape routes took many to exile in third countries: France, French territories in North Africa, and America, which had important existing connections with Galicia. The presence of Galicians in Nazi extermination camps was ultimately determined by this journey.

AGF