A plaque to mark the 80th Anniversary
of the Spanish Civil War and act as a tribute to those from Merseyside who
supported the anti fascist cause has been unveiled at Liverpool Town Hall, on
Monday, 19 December 2016.
The Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Malcolm Kennedy officially revealed the plaque,
the installation of which received cross party support at a Full Council meeting
in March 2016.
The new addition to the ground floor of the Town Hall acknowledges the role of
the Liverpool activists including:-
► The Merseyside Spanish Aid Committee who took donations on the docks and
factories.
► Merseyside Left Theatre who staged plays about Spain, organising counter
demonstrations against Oswald Mosley's British Union of Fascists ('Madrid today,
Merseyside tomorrow')
► Local firms like Crawford's, Bibby's and Lever Brothers who donated and
shipped significant amounts of money and food.
It also recognises the estimated 200 Merseysiders who voluntarily travelled to
Spain to fight in the International Brigades, with at least 30 of them losing
their lives. They were all working class men aged between 17 and 60.
The inscription will read:- "To mark the 80th Anniversary of the outbreak
of the Spanish Civil War (Guerra Civil). Plaque instated on 19 December 2016, by
Liverpool City Council, in recognition of the heroic Merseysiders who stood up
to fascism through their part in the Spanish Civil War. Of particular note are
those who, despite a ban by the British Government, took part in the
International Brigades. Some of whom never returned. Their contribution and
sacrifice will not be forgotten."
Councillor Kennedy said:- "The Spanish Civil War was an incredibly brutal
chapter of history and it's overwhelming to think that ordinary, working class
men from Merseyside wanted to make a stand against the fascist dictatorship of
General Franco. For many of our local heroes it was a mission they had to
undertake in secret, and it's sad to think that nearly a quarter of them lost
their lives fighting for what they believe in. I'm am extremely proud to be
unveiling this plaque on behalf of the City and it can be a constant reminder of
the sacrifices made in the name of freedom."
