Misguided observers have tried to compare IB veterans with volunteers who went to fight for the Islamic State

• YOUR review of Giles Tremlett’s book is a timely reminder of the tremendous bravery of the International Brigades, (The pain in Spain, November 19).

In my youth I had the privilege of meeting some of them. But it also highlights how historical examples are being misused.

Some misguided observers, including those involved in human rights organisations, have tried to compare IB veterans with volunteers who went to fight for the Islamic State death cult.

Some have returned to Britain and are posing as victims or have had their citizenship revoked. This will do much to discredit human rights groups like Liberty who are lobbying on their behalf.

Many IB veterans were prevented from entering employment and were proscribed from the armed forces in World War II in spite of military experience. This proscription was only lifted when the Soviet Union entered the war on June 22 1941.

In her recent book Sayeeda Warsi former minister and vice-chair of Conservative Party, makes a number of dubious statements. In The Enemy Within she states that those who went to fight for IS are “similar to those who fought for the IB in Spain”.

This is historically false and utterly outrageous. IB went to Spain to defend a democratically elected and legitimate government against fascist intervention.

Although there were atrocities on both sides in Spain IB were not involved. IS fighters have gone to terrorise the local populations and are now pretending to be victims.

ROSS KALNIKOV
St Thomas Road, N4