Carmen de Gurtubay facts for kids
María del Carmen Gurtubay y Alzola, Marquesa of Yurreta and Gamboa (born June 4, 1910 – died January 1959) was a Spanish noblewoman. She was born in Madrid, Spain. Carmen was the only child of Juan Gurtubay y González de Castejón and Blanca de Alzola, 1st Marquesa of Yurreta and Gamboa. The title "Marquesa of Yurreta and Gamboa" came from a town called Iurreta in the Basque Country in Northern Spain.
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Carmen's Life and Family
After her father passed away, Carmen's mother married again on April 15, 1920, to don José de Bustos y Ruiz de Araña Bustos, Duke of Andría.
Carmen's first marriage was to her cousin, Alfonso Merry del Val y Alzola. This marriage was later ended by the Pope. Alfonso's uncle was Cardinal Rafael Merry del Val, who held important positions in the Catholic Church.
On July 4, 1936, Carmen married Ángel Fernández de Liencres, Marqués de Nájera.
Later, on February 24, 1948, she married John McKee-Norton. He was from Canada but lived in England. They met in Paris. John McKee-Norton wrote that he was "interested, confused and intrigued" by Carmen.
Early Life and Interests
Carmen grew up in a wealthy family. Her early life was full of parties and holidays. They traveled between Madrid, their country homes, and popular places in Europe. However, Carmen was also a very good sportswoman. She was an expert rider and a notable golfer.
Her cousin, María del Rosario de Silva y Gurtubay, married the Duke of Alba. This made Carmen part of one of the richest families in Spain.
Becoming a Socialist
As she grew up, Carmen saw the big differences between her wealthy class and the ordinary working people in Spain. She became a strong believer in socialism. This is a political idea that aims for a more equal society. She also became active in the growing Republican movement. This movement wanted Spain to become a republic, not a monarchy.
Just before the Spanish Civil War began, Carmen escaped from Barcelona to France. She lived in exile there until she passed away. While in Paris, she continued to work for the Republican cause.
Working for the Republican Cause
Carmen worked with leaders of the Republican government who were also in exile. For example, she corresponded with Manuel de Irujo, a Republican Minister. Letters show her efforts to help the Republican cause from France.
In June 1997, a report in the United States mentioned Carmen's work during World War II. This report, called the Eizenstat Report, said that Carmen de Gurtubay was a very important Allied intelligence agent. She risked her life in Portugal and Spain during the war. She was even put in jail several times because German agents influenced the local police.
David Wingeate Pike wrote a book called Franco and the Axis Stigma. In his book, he mentions Carmen's investigation in 1946. She looked into how many Germans were living in Spain after the war. She estimated there were between 100,000 and 500,000 Germans, including many scientists.
Later Life and Legacy
Carmen passed away in Paris in January 1959. She is buried in the Montparnasse Cemetery.
She wrote a book about her life. Her mother, the Duchess of Andría, tried to stop it from being published after Carmen's death. Her story has not been published yet.
See also
In Spanish: Carmen de Gurtubay para niños
