| Sixth of February Battalion | |
|---|---|
| Bataillon Six-Février | |
| Active | 20 December 1936 – 22 April 1938 |
| Country | French andBelgian |
| Allegiance |  Republican Spain |
| Branch |  International Brigades |
| Type | Infantry battalion |
| Part of | XV International Brigade XIV International Brigade |
| Patron | Sixth of February |
| Engagements | Spanish Civil War |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Gabriel Fort |
The"Sixth of February" Battalion (French:Bataillon Six-Février,Spanish:Batallón Seis de Febrero) was aFranco-BelgianInternational Brigade battalion during theSpanish Civil War. The Battalion served in theXV andXIV International Brigades. It took its name from the date of1934 anticipated right-wing putsch against thePopular Front in France which was purportedly defeated by various left-wing groups.
The "Sixth of February" Battalion was founded on 20 December 1936 but did not become active until 31 January 1937. It was formed mainly by French and Belgian volunteers, although it also includedAlgerian,Moroccan,Tangerine,Greek,Syrian,American,Chinese,Zionist Jewish andHungarian personnel. The name of the unit was in reference tothe violent demonstration of 6 February 1934 inParis, which was led by far-right leagues against the left-wing French parliament.[1]: 582
Until mid-1937, it was part of theXV International Brigade. The Frenchman Gabriel Fort was its commander until 12 February 1937, when he was severely wounded during theBattle of Jarama, where the unit fought between 11 and 27 February. Then, the Romanian Émile Schneiberg took command until his death two days later in the same battle.[1]: 582 On 4 August 1937 it was moved to theXIV International Brigade, and comprised three companies of riflemen.[2]: 62 The 1st Company had a machine-gun section. Gabriel Fort was designated commander again on 7 August, but lost his vision inVillanueva de la Cañada during the following fights. It was part of theXIV International Brigade Bis between 27 September 1937 and 23 February 1938, but it belonged again to the XIV until its dissolution on 22 April 1938.[3]: 210
