Emilo Klémer : Biography
Emilo Klémer was born in Bucovina, Romania, in 1895. He fought for the Austro-Hungarian Army in the First World War. He reached the rank of captain but in 1917 he joined the Bolsheviks and fought in the Russian Civil War.
The idea of an international force of volunteers to fight for the Popular Front government was initiated by Maurice Thorez, the French Communist Party leader. Joseph Stalin agreed and in September 1936 the Comintern began organising the formation of International Brigades.
Klémer was one of the first to join the International Brigades and arrived in Spain at the end of 1936. As he had considerable experience of war he was made commander of the 11th Brigade. During the battle for Madrid Klémer's brigade held the Casa del Camp against repeated assaults by the Nationalist Army.
As commander of the 45th Division he fought at Brunete (July, 1937) and Santander (August 1937). He returned to the Soviet Union in late 1937. Joseph Stalin was convinced that Klémer was plotting against him and in 1938 was arrested and shot without trial.
