Motherwell commemoration

Andy Jones writes…

On Sunday 23 July the No Pasaran Memorial Committee held their 10th anniversary memorial service in the Duchess of Hamilton Park in Motherwell.

Those attending gathered to remember and pay respects to the 40 brave volunteers from our communities here in North Lanarkshire that went to fight as part of the International Brigades for the democratically elected government against Franco and the fascist forces.

A large crowd heard speaker Mike Arnott, Scotland Secretary of the IBMT, explain the background of the war and how the International Brigades played an important part in Spain's defence against the rebel army. 

Maureen Saunders then spoke about her grandfather, Archie Dewar, from Aberdeen and read out some very moving letters he’d sent home to his brother and parents from Spain. 

She explained how he had been tragically killed in the Battle of the Ebro, which started on 25 July 1938, 85 years ago.

Maureen Saunders.

Entertainment was provided by Paul Sheridan of The Wakes, The roll of honour of the 11 volunteers from North Lanarkshire that were sadly killed in Spain was read out.

Several wreaths were laid and a minute’s silence observed.

Paul Sheridan sings.

Two speakers from the trade union movement finished off the event: Mairtin Gardner of PCS and Jim Baxter of ASLEF, who explained the importance of these memorial events.

An enjoyable afternoon was spent in the Railway Tavern with more entertainment.