The unit was created on April 30, 1938, on the Andalusia front, being assigned to the 54th Division of the IX Corps.

[1][2] Command fell to Francisco Fervenza Fernández, a veteran of the War in the North.

[3] On June 12 the brigade was sent along with the rest of the division to the Castellón front, aimed at XYZ line.

On July 21 the 180th Mixed Brigade saw combat, resulting in a bitter struggle with the nationalist forces advancing towards Valencia.

In August 1938, command of the brigade was assumed by Manuel Chaves.