Bob Doyle (activist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Andrew Doyle
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| Nickname(s) | Bob Doyle |
| Born | 12 February 1916 Dublin, Ireland |
| Died | 22 January 2009 |
| Allegiance |  Irish Republic Second Spanish Republic United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Anti-Treaty IRA International Brigades Merchant Navy |
| Years of service | 1937-1938 (International Brigades) |
| Battles/wars | Spanish Civil War World War II |
Robert Andrew Doyle (born February 12, 1916 – died January 22, 2009) was an Irish activist and soldier. He believed in communism, a political idea about sharing wealth. Bob Doyle fought in two major wars: the Spanish Civil War and World War II.
Contents
Early Life in Dublin
Bob Doyle was born in a small apartment building in Dublin, Ireland. He became interested in politics in the 1930s. In 1933, he was part of a group that attacked Connolly House. Later, he joined the Irish Republican Army (IRA). He lost his left eye during a fight with a group called the Blueshirts.
Bob soon cared more about social issues than just Irish independence. In 1937, he decided to join the International Brigades. He was inspired because his friend, Kit Conway, had died fighting in Spain.
Fighting in Spain
Bob first tried to get to Spain by hiding on a boat. He was caught in Valencia and sent back. But he didn't give up! He later crossed the Pyrenees mountains from France to enter Spain.
Once in Spain, he joined a military group at Figueras. Because of his experience with the IRA, he was asked to train new soldiers. However, Bob wanted to fight. He disobeyed orders to join the front lines.
Captured and Released
After fighting in a battle at Belchite, Bob was captured in 1938. This happened at Gandesa by Italian soldiers who supported fascism. He was captured along with another Irish leader, Frank Ryan.
Bob was held for 11 months in a prison camp near Burgos. He faced harsh conditions and was questioned by the Gestapo. Eventually, he was set free in a prisoner exchange. This meant he was traded for other prisoners.
Serving in World War II
After his time in Spain, Bob Doyle joined the British merchant navy during World War II. The merchant navy helps transport goods by sea. After the war, he settled in London with his Spanish wife, Lola. He became active in trade unions for print workers.
Bob often visited Spain and Ireland for events remembering the International Brigades. He wrote a book about his experiences in Spain called Brigadista: An Irishman’s Fight Against Fascism.
In an interview, Bob said he went to Spain because he worried Ireland might become a fascist country. Fascism is a political system where one leader has total power.
His Family
Bob and Lola had a son named Julian Doyle (filmmaker). Julian became a famous film editor and special effects artist. He worked on well-known movies like "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" and "Time Bandits".
His Final Years
Bob Doyle passed away on January 22, 2009, at 92 years old. His ashes were carried in a procession through the streets of Dublin. Many people attended, including members of political parties like the Irish Labour Party and Sinn Féin.
In July 2019, a special plaque was put up on North King Street. This was the street where Bob Doyle was born. His granddaughter helped to unveil it.
Images for kids
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Bob Doyle's ashes in the funeral procession, Dublin 2009
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Street art remembering Bob Doyle on North King Street, Dublin
