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Home , Alfred Sherman, British Battalion, George Nathan

INTERNATIONAL BRIGADE MEMORIAL TRUST

Patrons Ken Livingstone www.international-brigades.org.uk Prof. Paul Preston Charity no.1094928 Issue 15 / September 2006

INTERNATIONAL BRIGADE MEMORIAL TRUST Brigade veterans at the Jubilee 37 Reginald Road, E7 9HS Gardens commemoration: Tel/fax: 020-8555 6674 (from left, back row) Email: [[email protected]] (in beret), , Paddy President: Jack Jones Cochrane, Jack Jones, Jack Secretary: Marlene Sidaway Edwards and (seated) Lou Treasurer: Nick Moreno Kenton and Penny Feiwel. Committee Members: Jack Edwards, Sam Lesser, Gerry Abrahams, Richard Baxell, Tish Collins, Pauline Fraser, Katie Green, Jim Jump, Dolores Long/Hilary Jones, Manus O’Riordan, Alan Warren

elcome once again to the Newsletter. The last few months have been very busy Wwith commemorations for the 70th anniversary and these will continue. There are many events taking place in Scotland, Ireland and Wales (see pages 4 and 5) although Ambassador praises some of them will have already taken place by the time you read this. The Jubilee Gardens memorial day was particularly successful and we were honoured fighters for democracy that His Excellency the Spanish Ambassador accepted our invitation to speak. New memorials A larger than usual crowd gathered in Jubilee Newland and friends provided a stirring musical have been unveiled and more are planned, as you Gardens, London, on 15 July for the 70th anniver- accompaniment, and the meeting was introduced will see from reports elsewhere in the Newsletter, sary commemoration of the beginning of the by our President, Jack Jones. and there are details of events in planned for . We launched our commemorative book of October and the spring of next year. The We were delighted that a representative of the Brigaders’ poetry “Poems from Spain” and the spe- provisional date for the lecture next year at the Spanish government, His Excellency the Spanish cial 70th anniversary china mugs and trinket boxes. Imperial War Museum, London, is Saturday 10 Ambassador Carlos Miranda, accepted our invita- Relatives of some of the poets gave readings during March, when we also hope to make it more of a tion to speak and lay a wreath. the buffet lunch afterwards. conference day, with a film show in the morning, Rodney Bickerstaffe, the other guest speaker, Later there was a social in the Paper Moon, with and an extended discussion after the lecture; described being present in May 2005 at the unveil- music by Jim Jump (editor of “Poems from Spain”) more details next time. ing of the Ebro memorial on Hill 705 and the fact and friends, The Tontones, with much dancing and During this anniversary year, I have been that the British Consul General in , Geoff merriment – all part of the aim of bringing our particularly grateful to the Brigaders who have Cowling, had been there. He hoped that next year’s members together in friendship, as well as remem- been willing to be interviewed for television, radio memorial meeting in London would have, for the bering those whose comradeship helped them to and the press. I know how tiring it must be for first time, a representative of the British govern- fight for their ideals 70 years ago. them to be asked for the 100th time: “Why did you ment. Liz Shirley again led the singing, Nick Marlene Sidaway go?” I really appreciate their patience and good humour. I’m also grateful to the committee, who work so hard for the Trust and am inspired by their The ambassador’s speech in full… personal commitment to honour the memory of their parents or grandparents who went to Spain. First and foremost I want to thank Jack Jones coup d’état, great hopes were dashed for Finally, I hope as many of you as possible will be and the International Brigade Memorial democracy and necessary reforms in Spain. able to make the Annual General Meeting in Trust for their invitation to me to take part Among other things, President Borrell Manchester on the weekend of 14 October. today in this 70th anniversary of the emphasised that this Spanish Civil War was Dolores Long, Hilary Jones and many others have . also the prelude to the Second World War. He worked hard to plan a full and significant weekend On 4 July, the President of the European underlined the fact that from 1975, Spain had (full details on back page) – and there is a fund- Parliament, Josep Borrell, made a declaration started to evolve into a land of liberty and raising concert at the Library Theatre a couple of in which he referred to the 70 years that had coexistence. weeks later with a fantastic line-up of artists (see passed since the coup d’état of General For my part, I should like to add that on 9 page 4). See you there. Salud, Franco on 18 July 1936 in Spain. In this decla- May, I was in Jersey to attend the commemo- Marlene Sidaway ration, Josep Borrell pointed out that with this Continued on back page Brief notes

Membership Secretary Pauline Fraser [pauline@ legal advice at our disposal if we had any cause memorial at Big Pit, Blaenavon, and the rededi- fraser4219.freeserve.co.uk] has agreed to be the for concern. If you feel able to give this, please cations in Manchester and Fife. Also on this sub- contact with the Amigos de las Brigadas get in touch with me (Marlene). ject, there is now a bench in memory of David Internacionales for the 70th anniversary hom- Marshall in the Rose Garden in West Ham Park, age arrangements in , and The Ensemble Theatre Company’s tour of “Ay London E7. Barcelona. The main programme is as follows: Carmela” begins in York on 12-30 September, ● Saturday 7 October: Madrid, unveiling of and goes to Darlington, Bolton, Leicester, The London Socialist Film Co-op is showing CM monument to International Brigades in Morata. Farnham, Tunbridge Wells, Chipping Norton, Hardt’s film “Death in El Valle” (see last ● Sunday 8 October: Visit to old Madrid front- Kendal, Shepperton, Taunton and Halesworth Newsletter) in a double bill with “Jeremy Hardy lines and ceremony in Rivas Vacia. before coming to the Shaw Theatre in London versus the Israeli Army” on Sunday 11 March ● Monday 9 October: Reception at Palacio de from 7-18 November, where there is to be Gala 2007. The discussion afterwards will be led by Congresos; meetings with political parties and Evening on the 7th. Brigaders are cordially invit- Sam Lesser and Leila Sansour. On Sunday 13 trade unions. ed for drinks beforehand, and there will be guest May they are showing Donald Sutherland in ● Tuesday 10 October: Zaragoza, award to speakers before the show. “Ay Carmela”, starring “Bethune: The Making of a Hero”, with a dis- Brigaders; official dinner and overnight stay. Liz Mansfield and Rob Pickavance, then finishes cussion led by Julie Allan, assistant producer and ● Wednesday 11 October: Barcelona, reception its tour at Frome, Cardiff and Cheltenham. For Eric Gordon, editor of the Camden New Journal. in Generalitat. further details ring 01784-463 889 or go to their For more details of what is a very full and inter- ● Thursday 12 October: Visit to graves of website [www.ensemble-online.com]. Liz’s esting programme contact Nicola Seyd, 13 Montjuich, laying wreath, ceremony and com- father, who sadly died recently, sent us an Foundling Court, Brunswick Centre, London memoration of International Brigades. account of collecting food for Spain when he was WC1N 1QE or phone 020-7278 5764. All pro- ● Friday 13 October: Return home. young. grammes are at the Renoir Cinema, Brunswick Square, London WC1; nearest tube, Russell Following the Trust’s enquiry regarding the possi- To mark the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Square, on the second Sunday of the month at bility of preserving the films and videos held by Cable Street, on Sunday 8 October at Cable 11am. members, Kay Gladstone of the film and video Street, London E1 (Shadwell tube) from 12noon archive at the Imperial War Museum has suggest- to 4pm (admission free), the Cable Street Group The company hosting our website has improved ed that members concerned about the long term and Alternative Arts are planning a commemora- their page of statistics for the site (how many vis- preservation of films and video recordings in their tive event in the open space beside the mural and its, how long for, where from etc). Since January possession should make a list of what they hold, behind St George’s Town Hall. The celebration it has had nearly 11,000 unique visitors from all giving as much information as possible for each will include a procession led by the Cardboard over the world. To view the statistics go to item under the following headings: Citizen’s Samba Band, “They Shall Not Pass”, a [www.xcalibre.co.uk/index.html], choose the – title or subject piece of street theatre, and a variety of interna- control panel link at the top of page; username: – production date tional musical acts and a commissioned concert, IBMT; password: salud; then the “manage” link – cameraman/producer “No Pasaran”, by the Grand Union Orchestra. on the left under “websites”; finally, from the – film or video format (16mm, Std 8mm, VHS, There will also be an exhibition of photography pull-down menu at the top of the page, choose umatic, mini-DV, etc) entitled “Protest & Survive”. A small paperback “IBMT” and click on “new webstats”. – original or copy (eg of TV programme). book setting out the historical background, Films and videos have a finite life, partly depend- including interviews with some of the original Marshall Mateer is involved in developing the ent on how they are stored, and partly on the con- participants, is available from the Cable Street National Education Network. He manages, dition of the playback equipment. Generally, they Group at [[email protected]] or among other things, the British Pathe Archive should be kept in their original containers in dark, on 020-7247 4283. The event is also commemo- Schools Licence of news film which is freely cool and dryish conditions, within a constant band rated by the mural on the west wall of St George’s available to teachers in schools throughout the of temperature (10-16C, 50-60F) and humidity Town Hall in Cable Street. UK and has extensive news film of the Spanish (50-55 per cent). Note that 35mm (professional Civil War in the archive at [www.shapesoftime. gauge) film made before 1951 is likely to be Socialist Worker has produced an online com- net/pages/viewpage.asp?uniqid=7274]. He is nitrate, a dangerous and inflammable substance memoration of the Spanish Civil War, including about to do a Pathe blog story on the Spanish which requires special storage and handling. interviews with Jack Jones, Sam Lesser, Penny Civil War soon and intends to include mention of Feiwel and Alun Menai Williams. See the IBMT education pack. The archive which Does anyone know of a solicitor who would be [www.socialistworker.co.uk/article.php?arti- schools have full access to has of course all the willing to give advice to the Trust, if it was ever cle_id=9253]. films. For further information contact Marshall at needed? Our membership is growing, there is a [[email protected]]. lot of interest in the Spanish Civil War and all the Iori Williams asks if the memorials book could signs are that we will carry on developing and be republished, as there are so many more now One of our members, Eleanor Davidson, is expanding, so it might be advisable to have some than when it first came out 10 years ago. This is accredited by the British Humanist Association true, but because there are so many being dedi- to conduct funeral ceremonies, memorials, wed- cated now it would be difficult to keep pace with dings/affirmations, renewal of vows and nam- IBMT Newsletter them. There is a memorials section on our web- ings. She speaks Portuguese and Spanish. See Editor: Geraldine (Gerry) Abrahams site, and this is regularly updated. There is a [www.redribbonceremonies.co.uk] or email Email: [[email protected]] booklet devoted to the memorials in Wales, and [[email protected]] or phone Production: Jim Jump our Newsletters carry accounts of every new 0116-292 1964. Email: [[email protected]] memorial here and in Spain. In this issue, see the Jimmy Moore unveiling in Portsmouth, the new Marlene Sidaway

2 International Brigade Memorial Trust President’s message

In this 70th anniversary year, we since our last issue. We pay tribute Meeting which will be held in welcome all the commemorative events particularly to comrades Alun Menai Manchester on 14 October. It promises to being organised in England, Ireland, Williams and Sir and to be an eventful weekend and we hope Scotland and Wales, and of course in Ian Walters, sculptor of our inspiring that as many members as possible will Spain itself. The events will keep alive memorial at Jubilee Gardens. Our attend. the memory of those who fought for meeting there in July this year was an As the years pass, it becomes more democracy in Spain so many years ago. especially memorable event, with stirring and more important to learn from history Many of us will be travelling to Madrid, speeches from His Excellency the and to honour those who volunteered to Zaragoza and Barcelona over the next Spanish Ambassador and our good make the stand against fascism in Spain. few weeks to gather with friends from friend Rodney Bickerstaffe, the launch of The Trust is their legacy to us and we around the world in remembrance of that the evocative poetry anthology and a must strive to carry on in their name and terrible war. very enjoyable musical evening at the to keep their memories alive. I am sad to report that we have lost Paper Moon. ¡Salud y suerte! some comrades and friends of the Trust We look forward to the Annual General Jack Jones Obituaries

Policy Studies, set up by in attempt by swimming from the torpedoed ship: Sir Alfred Sherman 1974. He was knighted in 1983. Although he pro- “City of Barcelona”. Sent from as a tem- One of the most controver- voked strong feelings in many quarters, he was porary medic with the Thaelmanns, he was then sial of our Brigade veterans, always keen to keep in touch with the International posted to the George Washington Battalion at Sir Alfred Sherman, has Brigade Association, went to Spain on the 60th Brunete. The battalion suffered horrific losses and died, aged 86. He was only anniversary homage in 1996 and was present at Alun was wounded in the leg while attending to the 18 and a member of the many of our meetings. He offered to help when we mortally wounded . He afterwards Communist Party when he first set up the Trust and regularly came to the July served with the Abraham through volunteered for Spain in memorial day in Jubilee Gardens. Belchite and Teruel. After the retreats in April 1938, 1937, using the name Marlene Sidaway Alun moved to the for the Battle Theodore Carmel. Alfred, the son of east London A memorial meeting will be held on Wednesday of the Ebro, returning to Britain in December 1938. Jewish immigrants from Russia, grew up in great 18 October, 6 for 6.30 pm, at the Centre for Policy After service with the RAF Military Police in the poverty. He spoke English, Russian, French and Studies, 57 Tufton Street, London SW1 (tube St Second World War, Alun married Maudie Goldie. Spanish and was an interpreter with the British James Park or Westminster). They had one son, Robert, now a medical consult- Battalion. He was scheduled to go to Barcelona for ant in Reading. When Maudie died, Alun wrote his a series of programmes for Radio Madrid but, autobiography “From the Rhondda to the Ebro”, before he could do so, was captured at Calaceite on Alan Menai Williams which was published in 2004. Featured in David 31 March 1938 and remained a prisoner until Leach’s film “Voices from a Mountain”, he returned October 1938. Fellow prisoners testified that he Alun Menai Williams, who to Spain in May 2005 for the first time in 67 years to behaved with honour and integrity under the harsh died on 2 July, aged 93, was unveil a memorial to the 93 English-speaking concentration camp conditions. born in Gilfach Goch, Wales. British Battalion volunteers who died at the Ebro, a After serving in the Middle East with the British As a young man Alun moved journey filmed and broadcast on BBC Wales and Army in the Second World War, Alfred went to the to London where he joined shown on Catalan TV3. He spent the last three London School of Economics and graduated in the Royal Army Medical months of his life in Catalonia with his friend and 1950. Visits to Yugoslavia and experiencing East Corps. He took part in the translator, Ana Marti, returning to Wales in June European after 1945 disillusioned him in 2006 to prepare for UK events to mark the anniver- and his political views changed direction complete- October 1936 against Moseley’s Blackshirts. In sary of the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War. ly. Eventually he became director of the Centre for June 1937 he successfully entered Spain on a third Alan Warren Also remembered… Gardens is finally refurbished, the fact that our memorial will retain its prominent position owes much to his determination that it should remain It was with great sadness that we learned of the death of Ian Walters, the an inspiration to Londoners and visitors for may years to come. sculptor of the International Brigade memorial in London’s Jubilee Gardens. Described as one of the great sculptors of his day, Ian was a Iris Walker (Deval) was one of our most loyal supporters, and a former committed socialist, and his work reflected his belief in peace, justice and manager of Central Books. She was always a familiar figure at the Jubilee human rights. His subjects included commemorations of the Tolpuddle Gardens memorial day, selling books and pamphlets with her great friend, Martyrs and the Wapping Strikers, as well as individuals like Harold Lena Alexander. Wilson, Tony Benn, Barbara Castle and James Callaghan, and of course his sculpture of Nelson Mandela which will probably be sited in Please remember too, Alf Burtman and Katy Campbell, both great sup- Parliament Square. He was a great inspiration to us, and when Jubilee porters of the IBMT, who died recently.

International Brigade Memorial Trust 3 News from home…

70th anniversary events and activities in the UK, Ireland and Spain…

● Blaenavon was filled to overflowing with the crowd gathered to celebrate Wales’s contribution to the defence of democracy during the Spanish Civil War. Seventy years after events seminal to the histo- ry of the 20th century, a plaque made of Welsh slate was unveiled to honour the 170 men, most- ly miners, who went to fight in Spain from 1936- 39 and the communities who opened their hearts to refugees from Spain and supported the Aid Spain committees with money, food and cloth- From left: Kevin Willams, Ana Marti and Mary Greening at the unveiling of the memorial in Blaenavon to ing. the Welsh miners in the International Brigades. Hywel Francis MP spoke warmly of his per- sonal lifelong friendship with those remarkable ● There will be a 70th anniversary of the Spanish information should contact Ross Bradshaw at volunteers. Michael Houlihan, Director General Civil War commemorative concert on Sunday 29 [[email protected]] or tel: 0115- 977 of the National Museum Wales, described the October at 7.30pm at Manchester Library 4435. Spanish Civil War as the testing ground for the Theatre. Tickets cost £10. Artists include Billy first truly modern war. Bragg, Jackie Kay and the Houghton Weavers. For ● The National Library of Scotland, Edinburgh, These sentiments were echoed by the former further information, contact the Library Theatre is arranging an exhibition about the Spanish Civil British Consul General in Spain, Geoff Cowling, box office on 0161-236 7110. War and the International Brigades in November. who saw the not as the last bat- At 11am on 17 November, there will be a sympo- tle of the Spanish Civil War but the first of the ● Some members have expressed anxiety about sium in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of Second World War, with the same German planes the Liverpool memorial now that the building in the Spanish Civil War, featuring presentations by later flying over the Battle of Britain bearing which it is housed is being redeveloped. Bob Andrew Ginger (University of Stirling), Nigel Spanish trophies clearly visible on their wings. Braddock tells us that it is safe, and there are plans Dennis (University of St Andrews) and Daniel Kevin Williams, National Union of to rededicate it in the porch of the new People’s Gray (National Library of Scotland). Also invited Mineworkers’ lodge secretary of Tower Colliery, Centre building at 50-54 Mount Pleasant, are two Scottish members of the International remembered his predecessor, Tom Howell Jones, Liverpool L3 5SD sometime in November. Brigades, Steve Fullarton and James Maley. A killed in Spain. selection of library items regarding the conflict and Ana Marti made the long trek from Spain to ● There were six known volunteers from the Brigades in particular will be on display pay her respects to the International Brigades and Barnsley: William Brent, John Hallworth, Harold throughout November. They include a restored helped unveil the plaque with Mary Greening, Horbury, Norman Mason, Stephen Ward and copy of “The Spanish People’s Fight For Liberty”, daughter of volunteer Edwin Greening. Tommy Degnan. It is hoped that a plaque com- a Spanish Embassy publication from 1937, signed Marlene Sidaway of the IBMT opened the memorating them will be placed in/near the town by significant British Labour Party politicians – the exhibition of “Wales and the Spanish Civil War”, hall later this year, with a public unveiling ceremo- majority of whom would later comprise Clement which will become a permanent part of the ny and book of remembrance. Attlee’s 1945 government. The publication will be museum’s display, and Côr Cochion contributed on display, alongside related NLS collection items with songs from and about the Spanish Civil ● Hull City Council is planning a possible com- in the George IV Bridge building throughout War. memoration in February 2007 of the men who November. For further information contact During the afternoon, tributes, including one went to Spain from Hull and would like relatives [[email protected]] or [[email protected]] or tel: 0131- from Paul Flynn MP, were paid to Alun Menai and friends of Hull volunteers to make contact. Call 623 3856. Williams, the last Welsh miner who served in the Richard at Hull City Council on 07985-486 495. International Brigades and who tragically died ● Jim Philp, Secretary of Fife Federation TUC, shortly before the event at which he was to have ● Nottinghamshire County Council is planning has sent in details of events organised in the area to been guest of honour. Sarah Dickins introduced to rededicate its International Brigade memorial – commemorate the 70th anniversary. Some will and showed her film following Alun during his and correct the information plaque with details of have taken place by the time the Newsletter is pub- first return to Spain after almost 70 years: a mov- those local IBers missed out when the memorial lished, but hopefully some members will be able to ing tribute and fitting end to the day. was first installed 20 years ago – at a full council attend the entertainment night at the Adam Smith IBMT member Ray Davies thanked the many meeting in October or November. There will be a Theatre on 27 September, the film night showing people who contributed so generously to the related meeting/seminar on the Spanish Civil War. “” in the same venue on 3 plaque. Anyone with Nottinghamshire connections to the October and, on 7 October, a march from Wendy Lewis IB or the Aid Spain campaign or who wants further Townhouse to the memorial at Kirkcaldy station

4 International Brigade Memorial Trust …and abroad

for a rededication ceremony followed by a recep- Bob Doyle (seated) listens to tion at Adam Smith Theatre at noon. For further IBMT committee member information contact Jim Philp at [fifedistrict@ Manus O’Riordan’s opening rmt.org.uk] or tel: 01383-414 571 or 07810- remarks at the launch in 120 710. at the end of June of the English-language edition of ● Mike Arnott has sent in details of events to mark Doyle’s memoir, “Brigadista” the Spanish Civil War in Dundee, which began (published by Currach Press, with a public meeting on 17 July. The next event Dublin, £9.99). will be on 6 February 2007, commemorating the Battle of where four Dundee Brigaders died. On Thursday 26 April, again at the memorial plaque, there will be a commemoration of the and of two local Brigaders. Sunday 9 March 2008 will mark the retreat from , and five further Brigaders will be remem- bered. Thursday 24 July 2008 will mark the Battle of the Ebro, remembering two more volunteers. As mentioned in a previous Newsletter, it is hoped that ● To mark the national day of Catalonia on 11 International Brigades. For further information, go the Trust’s 2008 Annual General Meeting will be September, members of the Catalan community in to the ALBA website at [www.alba-valb.org] and held in Dundee on 11 October. Finally, the return of Dublin held a commemorative ceremony at the follow the link at “Dialog” to register. the Brigaders will be commemorated in a parade International Brigade memorial plaque outside from the station to the City Square on Friday 12 Liberty Hall. Particular tribute was paid to the late ● As in previous years, the Catalan-based NJLM December 2008. For further information about Michael O’Riordan who had been entrusted by Spanish Civil War remembrance society will be these events, contact Mike Arnott at 141 Yarrow British Battalion commander Sam Wild with car- holding its annual event in Marçà on the weekend Terrace, Dundee DD2 4DY or [dundeetuc@hot- rying the national flag of Catalonia across the river of 4/5 November. As this year is the 70th anniver- mail.com]. Ebro at Asco during the Spanish Republic’s last sary of the outbreak of war, the main themes will offensive of in July 1938. include the reasons for the conflict and the tragic ● Aberdeen-based playwright Mike Gibb, who events of the early days, especially in the Priorat. has already written a number of musical plays ● The 1938 banner has been More details will be available soon. The NJLM has based on subjects as diverse as the Tay Bridge given to Irish Labour History Museum, Dublin. successfully applied for a grant from the Disaster, the Second World War, missionary Mary Renovation will cost around €5,000. Generalitat (Catalan government) to mount an itin- Slessor’s life and the Highland Clearances, is cur- erant photographic exhibition, “Prelude to the Last rently working on a new piece entitled “The Road ● In Belfast, the International Brigade Battle: The International Brigades in the Priorat, and the Miles to Jarama”, based on the interwoven Commemoration Committee is holding a tribute to 1938” (Preludi de l’Última Batalla: Les Brigades lives of four Dundonians who joined the Michael O’Riordan on Thursday 19 October at Internacionals al Priorat, 1938). Funding has also International Brigades. The play will feature in the 7.45pm at the John Hewitt bar, Donegal Street, been awarded for a project of further research in 2008 commemorations planned for Dundee. For with music by Pol MacAdaim and Mel Corry. this area. further information log on to Mike’s website at Proceeds will go to the IBCC. Angela Jackson [www.hamepages.com]. ● Frank Whitnall tells us about a one-day course, ● Brian Walsh tells us that proposals for a memo- ● Cairde na h’Eireann organised a XVth entitled “They Shall Not Pass: The Spanish Civil rial at Brunete are currently underway. He has also International Brigade commemoration in Glasgow War”, being held at the West Suffolk College, been contacted by Ernesto Viñas of the “Brunete with guest speakers, music and a wreath-laying on Bury St Edmunds on 21 October from 9am to group” in Spain, and it appears that they are in the Saturday 16 September at the La Pasionaria 4pm. process of making a new (Spanish) website memorial statue on the Clyde. [www.colectivoguadarrama.org] which should be ● Speakers at the “War without Limits” confer- in operation soon. They will be holding an exhibi- ● Plans are under way for a commemoration of the ence at Bristol University from 17-19 July includ- tion and talks to mark the 70th anniversary of the volunteers from the Rutherglen area of Glasgow ed Paul Preston (“The War Crimes of General battle in July 2007. Brian will keep us informed of to coincide with the anniversary of the Battle of Franco”) and Richard Baxell (“The Spanish further developments. He can be contacted at Jarama. The organisers would like to hear from rel- Legacy: Experiences of British Members of the [[email protected]]. atives of Rutherglen volunteers. For further infor- International Brigades during the Second World mation contact Bill Bonnar at 0141-583 8022. War”). Colin Thomas also premiered his new pro- ● IBMT member Richard Thorpe (also of the La There will be information about the event in the gramme “Whose history? Whose legend? Wales Columna historical re-enactment society) is organ- next Newsletter. and the Spanish Civil War” presented by Rob ising a battlefield tour of Jarama in February. For Stradling and Alun Menai Williams’s TV pro- further information and to register interest, contact ● Audrey Canning of the Gallacher Memorial gramme “Return Journey to the Battlefields of Richard at [[email protected]]. Library based at Glasgow Caledonian University, Spain” was introduced by Sarah Dickins and Alan is currently compiling a list of materials from the Warren. Thanks to Martin Hurcombe for organis- ● An Ebro battlefield tour on 4-7 May 2007 is collections about those from the area who volun- ing the three days and the papers so well. At the planned, using a 35-seater coach. Anyone interest- teered to fight in Spain. More about that in our next final meal of the conference Bob Coale publicised ed should contact Alan Warren at [warren. issue. the ALBA internet discussion group on the [email protected]].

International Brigade Memorial Trust 5 Can you help?

If you do not have an email to reply to queries, ● Sabita McGuinness asks if anyone complicating factors of the conflict that contact Marlene Sidaway (details on front remembers her mother Barbara Wilby stopped a full mobilisation of the labour page) and she will forward messages and Hibbuard, who knew and lost many friends movement. Any help or suggestions about correspondence. Much of the additional who went to Spain. During that time she was primary sources would be gratefully received. information listed here about Brigaders comes living in the Lancaster Gate/Queen’s Gate area His email is [[email protected]] from the British International Brigade archive, of London, Sabita’s address is 5 Meridian or postal address: 21 Hyde Close, Newport via Jim Carmody, the IBMT’s researcher, House, Baynes Street, Camden, London Pagnell, Buckinghamshire MK16 ONL. whose work is very much appreciated. NW1 OTR. ● Jo Carritt asks if anyone knows of a song ● Jeannie Thompson would like to hear from called “Black Cockerel”? It was recorded on ● Mark Grayling is looking for information anyone who knew Reggie Saxton. Lots of an LP and featured in a TV programme in about T Gaunt who was killed in Aragon in IBMT members remember him very well, but Sweden which was initially banned for fear of March 1938. He was born on 8 November Reggie was Jeannie’s grandfather’s cousin and offending Franco. Contact Marlene Sidaway 1907 and, after spending two years in the she remembers that he gave her a book (see details on page 1) if you can help. , arrived in Spain on 20 December showing a picture of the cave hospital in Incidentally, there is no longer an active 1937. When he volunteered his address was Falset. She admired him very much and would Swedish International Brigade association listed as 22 Bangthton(?) Lane, Chesterfield, like to contact those who know more about although its archive is well preserved. About and his occupation was given as labourer. him. Her email is [[email protected]] 500 volunteers went from Sweden, and 162 Gaunt was the only Brigader from North and postal address is 148 Coppice Road, were killed in action. They fought at Jarama, Derbyshire to have fallen, and the Chesterfield Arnold, Nottingham NG5 7GZ. Guadalajara, Brunete, Teruel and in the Ebro Co-op Party is looking into the possibility of a offensive, mainly with the Thaelmann memorial for the 70th anniversary of his death. ● Peter Elton is hoping to bring his aunt to the battalion. A significant number served with Contact Mark on [[email protected]. Spanish Civil War commemorative concert at guerrilla groups operating behind enemy ac.uk] if you can help. the Library Theatre in Manchester on Sunday lines. 29 October (see page 4). She will be 99 in ● Alan Smith is trying to find out more about September, and was secretary of the Spanish ● Sandra Thomas is researching the life of her his great uncle, Thomas Finlay, from Medical Aid Committee in Manchester. Peter uncle Lance Rogers and would appreciate any Springburn, Glasgow. He was born on 31 would also like to find out more about his documents, photographs or information on him August 1913. His next of kin at the time of uncle Edward (Teddy) Starr, a volunteer who from people who knew him or interviewed him. enlisting was his wife and the address was 145 was gassed and taken prisoner in France after Her email is [[email protected]]. Gourlay Street, Springburn, Glasgow. He was the defeat of the Republic. He never talked an engineer/turner, a member of the National much about his experiences in Spain. Peter’s ● On behalf of the Old Hancastrians Union of Railwaymen, and a member of the email is [[email protected]]. Association, Ted Fahey is trying to find out YCL-CPGB. Finlay enlisted in Albacete on 16 more about Alan Gilchrist, International January 1938. He was reported missing several ● John Flynn is trying to find a copy of the Brigader and a former master at the school. He times but survived the Aragon, Hill 666, Sierra Granada TV series on the Spanish Civil War, was commissar of the British Battalion’s no. 1 Pandols and the Ebro. He was wounded and which at the moment is only for sale in the company and mentioned in Bill Alexander’s spent some time in hospital in November 1938. USA. Does anyone have a copy, or do you book “Volunteers for Liberty”. After his death, He was finally repatriated with the remaining know where he could get one? Email his ashes were scattered in Spain by former members of the British Battalion, including [[email protected]]. comrades, and there was a Midlands TV two comrades from Glasgow, John Maclean programme showing this. The school is trying and “Big” Stirling, on 7 December 1938. ● Manuel Moreno is trying to find out more to put together a brief biography of Alan, but Alan’s email address is about a family friend, Frank Ayres, from information is scarce, and they would be [[email protected]]. Doncaster. Frank, a communist and Clarion grateful if anyone can help with any member, went to Spain as a male nurse, information about Alan Gilchrist. Contact ● Doug Crowther would like to find out more survived, married a Valencian silent movie [[email protected]]. about his father’s time in Spain. Jim Carmody star and returned to live in Britain. Both died could find no details in the archives, so it is in Spain. Manuel wonders if his name should ● Jim Carmody has found a picture of a probable that Douglas Crowther changed his have been listed at the commemoration at captured British Battalion banner in the name when he enlisted. He was living in Wortley Hall, Sheffield. Frank was part of the Nationalist propaganda film (technicolour) Manchester at that time although he was born Save the Children International Union based “Defenders of the faith” made by an American on 15 October 1915 in Earby, West Yorkshire. in Valencia. Manuel’s email is [manuel@ rightwinger called Palmer. It is on the Yahoo He probably worked for Marconi or a similar moreno-wines.co.uk]. Spanish Civil War website. It shows the telecommunications company, but also played British Battalion banner displayed as a war professional football. In the Communist Party ● Lloyd Jackman is researching for his trophy. The banner was presented to Dave in the 1930s, he took a communist text with Bangor University dissertation on “The Springhall on behalf of battalion in a him to Spain and had every Briton he met sign Labour Party and the Spanish Civil War: A ceremony in Town Hall in mid it. The text survived into the 1960s but is now case study of the East Midlands”. Lloyd 1937. Does anyone have any information on lost! Doug’s email is [douglascrowther@ hopes to show the bravery of those who went those involved in the presentation? The web hotmail.com] and his postal address is out to fight fascism and of those who worked link is [www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiz Rowanbank, 11 Galla Drive, Dalbeattie tirelessly at home in support. He wants to C1uX9eOI]. The item appears just after DG5 4LA. know how they went about it, and about the halfway.

6 International Brigade Memorial Trust Books etc

pages. Most of the information comes from the Baxell’s book in paperback Anthony Beevor published archives and not from testimonies of those engaged in the actual fighting. Warren & Pell is publishing a paperback edition and histories of the The author is keen to demonstrate his view of Richard Baxell’s acclaimed book “British that the hostility of the Comintern and the Volunteers in the Spanish Civil War: The British Spanish Civil War Communist Party to military allies and its Battalion in the International Brigades, 1936- comrades in other left-wing factions contributed 1939”, with additional photographs and a new to the downfall of the Spanish Republic. This is cover. The book will be released on 14 October Anthony Beevor’s “The Battle for Spain” shot not a view shared by those in the International at the Trust’s Annual General Meeting in to the top of the best-seller list in Spain Brigades who took part. The major contributory Manchester. following its original Spanish language factor in the downfall of the Republic was the so publication last year. Now its English-language called “non-intervention” policy of the Western Available in Catalan version (published by Weidenfeld & democracies, which allowed the forces of Nicholson) has topped the UK best-seller list. Hitler’s Nazi Germany and Mussolini’s fascist Warren & Pell has agreed to make a donation to Well-written and making many battle scenes Italy to secure Franco’s victory. the Catalonia-based Spanish Civil War intelligible to the lay reader, it is nonetheless a historical group NJLM from the sale of the book loaded with political prejudices against Text of a letter sent to The Times by IBMT book “I vaig tornar a creuar l’Ebre”, the the Spanish Republic, coupled with Secretary Marlene Sidaway, but not published: illustrated memoirs in Catalan of the Welsh misstatements of fact regarding the I’m writing in response to Anthony Beevor’s International Brigader, Alun Menai Williams. International Brigades. article “The callous betrayal of anti-Franco Also available from Warren & Pell is For those who want a combination of both forces” (24 May 2006) on behalf of the “Beyond the Battlefield” by Angela Jackson detailed narrative and balanced perspective International Brigade Memorial Trust, which (published in Catalan as “Més enllà del camp they need only turn to “The Spanish Civil War seeks to keep alive the memory and spirit of de batalla” by Cossetània), an illustrated book – Reaction, Revolution and Revenge”, recently those who supported the elected Spanish based on the memories of people who worked published by the acclaimed historian and IBMT Republican government in the International in the cave hospital of La Bisbal de Falset. patron Paul Preston. While earlier versions Brigades during the Spanish Civil War. The price for each book is €12 (€2 donation appeared in 1986 and 1996, this is very much a Our members include the two dozen British to NJLM) plus postage and packing. Contact new book incorporating the latest research. Brigade veterans still alive and the many [[email protected]]. Indeed, this book is so up-to-date that page 1 descendants of Brigaders, none of whose recounts an October 2005 controversy parents ever indicated that such practices as the illustrating, as Preston says, “the way in which mass killings and punishments described in the Pupils write history the Spanish Civil War retains a burning article went on, and we believe it unlikely that “Volunteers for Spain” is the latest booklet by relevance in contemporary Spain”. Particularly the strong-willed and astute men we know and students, aged 11 to 16, from North Axholme moving for IBMT members are Preston’s own respect would ever have been cowed by a School, a rural comprehensive in North opening words: “This book is dedicated to the directive not to talk about such atrocities. Lincolnshire. It looks at the British end of the memory of David Marshall and to the other Historical documents are usually written with war, telling the story of the Basque children men and women of the International Brigades a need to appease those in power at the time, and the Aid Spain movement, partly through who fought and died fighting fascism in and the Moscow archives are probably no documents and partly through the memories of Spain.” exception – we have discovered many those involved. Copies are available from In a bibliographical essay that is a model in discrepancies in them, corroborated by those Richard Thorpe for £3.75 at: [rthorpe@ its own right, Preston also draws attention to concerned. Is it also possible that such historical northax.nlincs.yhgfl.net]. “the remarkable little book by Helen Graham” “facts” can be misinterpreted to suit the political which is simply entitled “The Spanish Civil agenda of our own time? Songs of the Spanish Civil War War – A Very Short Introduction” (2005). Preston observes: “Every sentence of this Poetry anthology Côr Cochion has released its new CD, “Songs concise account is packed with thought and of Freedom”, charting the history of the meaning. It is provocative and illuminating in The Trust still has some Spanish Civil War through songs of the period equal measure.” In the blurb on the cover of hardback copies of and includes three tracks recorded in 1938 by Graham’s book, Preston also declares: “This is “Poems from Spain”, our singers from the International Brigades during far and away the best short introduction to the commemorative the bombardment of Barcelona. Giving a Welsh Spanish Civil War that I have read in any anthology of poems perspective on the conflict are socialist songs language.” written by British and by TE Nicholas, who was in the forefront of the Manus O’Riordan Irish International movement to support the Spanish Republican Brigaders and edited by government. The CD, which contains Martin Green writes: IBMT committee member favourites like “Valley of Jarama”, “Freiheit”, Anthony Beevor is a distinguished military Jim Jump. The hardback and ’s “Viva la Quince Brigada”, historian and his “Battle for Spain” is an edition, which is only available through the Trust, costs £12 plus p&p and is available from enlarged edition of his original title “The can be purchased from IBMT Secretary Marlene Wendy Lewis, 172 Pandy Road, Bedwas, Spanish Civil War”, published in 1982, Sidaway (see contact details on page 1) for the Caerphillly CF83 8EP or [wendy.lewis2@ including new material from documents cover price of £16.99 plus £1.50 p&p. All aladdinscave.net] or [www.creighton- emerging from Russian, German and other proceeds go to the Trust. The paperback edition is griffiths.co.uk/acatalog/corcochion.html]. archives. It is an exhaustive account of over 500 available through bookshops for £10.99. Profits will go to the IBMT.

International Brigade Memorial Trust 7 International Brigade Memorial Trust

Notice of Annual General Meeting 70th anniversary of the Saturday 14 October 2006 at 4.30 pm in the Town Hall, Spanish Civil War Albert Square, Manchester 14/15 October 2006, Manchester Saturday 14 October: Agenda ●Marx Memorial Library representative: Tish 1.30 pm: Rededication of the memorial plaque in 1. Chairman’s opening remarks Collins Manchester Town Hall to the men and women 2. Apologies for absence ●Newsletter production/publications: Jim Jump from the North West who went to fight in Spain 3. Minutes of previous AGM ●Katie Green and supported the Spanish people. 4. Matters arising ●Manchester: Dolores Long/Hilary Jones 2.15-4.15pm: Civic reception in Manchester 5. Secretary’s report (jobshare) Town Hall and an exhibition. 6. Membership secretary’s report ●Ireland: Manus O’Riordan 4.30-5.45pm: Annual General Meeting in 7. Treasurer’s report ●Wales: Alan Warren Manchester Town Hall. 8. Election of officers 7-11pm: Social event with food and music at the 9. Any other business The committee wishes to propose a change to rule Mechanics Institute, Manchester. 10. Date and place of next AGM 11 of the constitution in order to increase the Sunday 15 October: 11. Chairman’s closing remarks number of committee members. Mick Jones and 11am: Visit to the People’s History Museum Geoff Cowling have been proposed as candidates, (Pump House Museum, central Manchester). IBMT committee and any other nominations should be received by 7 1pm: Meal in a Spanish restaurant; please book ●President: Jack Jones October. Candidates will have an opportunity to with Hilary Jones or Dolores Long (see below). ●Brigaders: Sam Lesser, Jack Edwards speak from the floor before voting takes place. ●Secretary: Marlene Sidaway Information ●Membership Secretary: Pauline Fraser Information For more information contact Hilary Jones: ●Treasurer: Nick Moreno For more information about the AGM contact 0161-224 1747 [hilary.m.jones@btinternet. ●Newsletter editor: Geraldine Abrahams Marlene Sidaway on 020-8555 6674 or com] or Dolores Long: 0161-226 2013 ●Website: Richard Baxell [[email protected]]. [[email protected]].

suffered a civil war, the German occupation of The ambassador’s their land of refuge and had had to stay in exile after the Second World War because speech in full… Franco, unlike Hitler and Mussolini, From front page remained to lead his dictatorship in Spain. rative acts for the anniversary of the libera- I added, and this seems very important to tion of the island from Nazi occupation in the me, that happily, since 1975, there is a meeting Second World War and to take part in anoth- point between this Spanish exile and the par- er commemoration to pay tribute to the for- liamentary monarchy which constitutionally eign forced workers who died there during we now have in Spain and that this meeting this occupation. More than 5,000 forced work- point is without any doubt, democracy. I Carlos Miranda, the Spanish Ambassador, ers were sent to Jersey and the Channel added that, finally, their sacrifices had not addresses an appreciative audience at Jubilee Islands to fortify them. There were been in vain. Gardens. Ukrainians, Poles, French, Algerian-French I think that today I can say the same to those and Belgians. There were also 1,500 who, in 1936, went from other countries to the International Brigades who were then Spaniards, Republicans exiled at the end of Spain to fight as volunteers, motivated by the defending those same liberties that we in the Spanish Civil War and then arrested by ideal of defending democracy in Spain, to Spain are enjoying today. the German occupation force and the Vichy defend a Republic abandoned by other Today, it only leaves me then to add my French. Western democracies, fearful of a Nazi appreciation to all those who died or who were It was the first time that there had been offi- Germany and a fascist Italy that, however, wounded or lost their freedom during this cial Spanish representation at this ceremony. I had no reservations in helping Franco’s horrible civil war, to all those who, driven by a laid a wreath of flowers in memory of all those troops. noble ideal, went to fight in Spain to defend forced workers who died between 1940 and Over many years, Spain has suffered, very the democratic legality at that time. Luckily, 1945 in Jersey and also in memory of 22 men much like those who fought for liberty and at the present time, with a different constitu- and women from Jersey who died in concen- sacrificed their youth, and even their lives. But tional regime, that of a parliamentary monar- tration camps, far from Jersey. I also said a all those sacrifices were not in vain. Their chy, we in Spain are also benefiting from a few words and, after honouring the memory memory has contributed to building the dem- democratic legality which allows those in our of all those who died, I made some special ded- ocratic Spain of today, a Spain with a constitu- country to live and co-exist in liberty; a Spain ications to the Spanish compatriots who suf- tional monarchy and parliament, a Spain with that can go forward; a Spain in which a social- fered in Jersey during the German occupation freedom of expression and with elections; a ist government, like that currently headed by and to their families. I said to them that in the Spain that, already in 1996, with Felipe José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, can propose 1930s and then in exile, they had fought for a González as prime minister and democratic and pass courageously progressive laws in democratic Spain and that, for this, they had freedom regained, recognised the sacrifice of parliament.

8 International Brigade Memorial Trust