Thomas Patten (socialist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Patten
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Monument to Thomas Patten, Dooega, Achill Island
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 1910 Dooega, Achill Island, County Mayo |
| Died | 1936 (aged 26) Boadilla del Monte |
| Occupation | Irish activist |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Spanish Republic |
| Branch/service |  International Brigades |
| Unit | Connolly Column |
| Battles/wars | Spanish Civil War |
Thomas Patten (born 1910 – died December 1936) was a brave young man from Ireland. He volunteered to fight in the Spanish Civil War. He is remembered as an important Irish person who helped others.
Contents
Early Life and Journey
Thomas Patten was born in 1910 in Dooega, a village on Achill Island. This island is located in County Mayo, Ireland. His family was very large, with fourteen children.
Thomas grew up speaking Irish, which was his first language. When he was a teenager, he moved to England. He worked in cities like Blackpool and London.
Getting Involved
While living in London, Thomas joined a group called the Republican Congress. This group believed in an independent Ireland. They also wanted to make society fairer for everyone.
In October 1936, a big war started in Spain. This war was called the Spanish Civil War. Thomas decided to go to Spain to help. He traveled there by himself.
Fighting in Spain
When Thomas arrived in Madrid, the capital city of Spain, he joined the local fighters. These fighters were trying to protect the city. They were defending Madrid from forces that wanted to take control.
Thomas Patten was part of the defense during the Siege of Madrid. This was a very difficult time for the city. He fought bravely to help the people of Spain.
A Sad Loss
Thomas Patten was killed in battle on December 16 or 17, 1936. This happened near a place called Boadilla del Monte. He was the first person from an English-speaking country to die in this war. He was also the first of 74 Irish people who lost their lives in the conflict.
A writer named Peadar O'Donnell told Thomas's parents about his death. Years later, Peadar O'Donnell wrote a book about the war. He dedicated his book to "a young Achill boy," meaning Thomas Patten.
Remembering Thomas Patten
In 1984, a special monument was built for Thomas Patten. It stands in his home village of Dooega. An Irish person named George Harrison helped pay for it.
Many people came to the ceremony when the monument was unveiled. About 400 people attended, including members of Thomas's family. Important leaders from different groups were also there.
In Song
Thomas Patten is also remembered in a famous song. The Irish singer Christy Moore mentions him in his song Viva la Quinta Brigada. This song tells the story of the Irish people who fought in the Spanish Civil War.
