When Fascism clutched at the throat of the Spanish people in 1936,threatening a foul tyranny and menace of war in Europe, they crossed the Pyrenees, like so many other volunteers, that recognised the defence of Spanish Democracy against Fascism was their fight too. Clem ‘Dare Devil’ Beckett, the bluff, rugged Speedway star, and Christopher Caudwell, the profound writer, poet and aeronautical expert were considered unlikely friends;but they were brought together by a common cause,and bravely died together at their machine gun postcovering their battalion’s retreat atthe Battle of Jarama in February 1937. Not for nothing did he earn the nickname ‘Dare Devil’:He was loved by the masses for his great daring, courage and skill on the Speeedway track and the Wall of Death. He was a man of the people, and the same fight he used against money-sharks and corruption in his sport, he used for freedom and democracy in the Spanish Civil War.