Burnley: Lancashire Spanish Civil War volunteers honoured
The Spanish Civil War was fought from 1936 to 1939, with General Franco's Nationalists against left-wing Republicans.The memorial honours: James Bridge, Nelson George Buck, Nelson Freeman 'Frank' Drinkwater, Burnley,H Eastwood-Taylor, RawtenstallHarry Edward Gaze, AccringtonDavid Hartley King, SalterforthJack Howley, ColneJohn Jolly, BurnleySamuel Martin, BurnleyFrank Welsby, BurnleyIn Lancashire, support for the International Brigade and Spanish soldiers who tried to defend the democratic government came in other forms too.Medical aid with volunteer nurses and doctors was provided, along with fundraising activities for ambulances and humanitarian aid.
National Archives files have shown that MI5 recorded the names of about 4,000 people from Britain and Ireland suspected of travelling to join the war.Among the names on the list was Eric Blair, better known as author George Orwell.He documented his experiences of fighting in the Spanish Civil War in his book Homage to Catalonia.
Volunteers across region
Volunteers from across the north-west of England were also among those who joined the International Brigade.A plaque installed at Liverpool town hall in 2016 honours volunteers from Merseyside who fought in the Spanish Civil War.About 200 people from Merseyside fought in the International Brigades, with at least 30 losing their lives.A campaign is also under way to erect a memorial on Acton Square in Salford to honour 30 volunteers from the city, including nine who lost their lives.The campaign is being led by representatives from the Salford Trades Union Council, the International Brigade Memorial Trust and the Working Class Movement Library.
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