Chapter 2 Summary

The militia unit arrives in Barbastro and then proceeds by bus to Sietamo, and then Alcubierre. Some of the towns passed through are very war torn and life has evidently become greatly disrupted. Other towns seem relatively untouched. Some Fascist deserters are being quartered in a small town. They are being well-fed and cared for. After three days in Alcubierre, which is very close to the front lines, the militia are issued rifles. Most of the weapons are in dreadful condition, and most of the soldiers do not know how to operate their new weapons. Orwell is disgusted that no effort is made to match superior weapons to knowledgeable marksmen. He receives a decrepit German Mauser manufactured in 1896.

After being armed, the militia units march to the front lines near Zaragoza. The front is static and entrenched, reminiscent of World War I trenching...