Men from the North East who volunteered to fight fascism in the 1930s Spanish Civil War have been remembered at a commemoration in the region.<\/p>\n
The event commemoration at Stockton’s International Brigade memorial focused on four Teesside men who lost their lives at the Battle of Jarama in early 1937.<\/p>\n
George Bright and David Halloran were killed in action, while Thomas Carter and John Unthank later died from their wounds.<\/p>\n
Doc Ritchie at the commemoration (Image: Supplied)<\/p>\n
Tony Fox, an organiser of the event from the North East Volunteers for Liberty, said: “Our Stockton commemoration received messages of support from International Brigade friends and supporters’ groups in Spain and Germany, along with historians.<\/p>\n
“But it was messages from relatives of the volunteers that I particularly cherish.<\/p>\n
“It reminds us the volunteers live on in our collective memory.”<\/p>\n
The Stockton International Brigade memorial in Wasps Nest Yard (Image: Supplied)<\/p>\n
The memorial was dedicated in 2023.<\/p>\n
The Battle of Jarama, fought east of Madrid, marked the first engagement for the British Battalion of the XV International Brigade.<\/p>\n
Of the 32 Teesside-born volunteers in that unit, 13 took part in the battle.<\/p>\n
The International Brigade was formed to defend Spain’s elected government after General Francisco Franco launched a coup with the backing of Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy.<\/p>\n
George Bright who was killed in action (Image: Supplied)<\/p>\n
In addition to those who went to fight, humanitarian aid was sent from the UK, and Basque child refugees were welcomed into the country, including at Hutton Hall near Guisborough.<\/p>\n
Messages of support and remembrance were shared at the Stockton event, including one from Maureen Miller, granddaughter of David Halloran.<\/p>\n
Ms Miller said: “It is wonderful that my grandfather is still remembered on this occasion.”<\/p>\n
Relatives of other volunteers and organisers also sent tributes, including families of William Carson, Myles Harding, Johnny Longstaff, George Short, Bill Tattam, Sam Langley, and Liverpool’s Jack Jones, who would later become a trade union leader.<\/p>\n
George Bright who was killed in action (Image: Supplied)<\/p>\n
Jane and Rob Peutrell, connected to Stockton volunteer George Bright, shared a message reflecting on the wider meaning of the struggle.<\/p>\n
They said: “Today, we look back at the heroism of the volunteers of many nations who mobilised to fight fascism in Spain.<\/p>\n
“We remember that for so many of that generation, rising fascism demanded an urgent international struggle.<\/p>\n
“They knew first-hand where the politics of hate and scapegoating can lead.<\/p>\n
“We remember the volunteers, and the struggle and sacrifice of those who, like George and his comrades, united to fight fascism in Spain.<\/p>\n
“Why did they go?<\/p>\n
“As it says on the Stockton memorial: They went because their open eyes could see no other way.”<\/p>\n
Among the speakers was Doc Ritchie, a Teesside writer known for his political works, and poetry was also featured at the event.<\/p>\n
Read more<\/strong><\/p>\n Residents invited to get items mended at returning North East repair caf\u00e9<\/a> A modern poem by Teesside poet Bob Beagrie, who has published a collection inspired by the International Brigade, was read aloud during the ceremony.<\/p>\n The event was organised by the North East Volunteers for Liberty, a group dedicated to raising awareness of the region\u2019s connections to the Spanish Civil War.<\/p>\n
Volunteers to join Weardale Railway clean\u2011up as part of Big Spring Clean<\/a>
Free skateboarding festival set to roll into North Yorkshire town<\/a><\/p>\n