Eighty-eight years on, young and old pay homage to the sacrifices of British Brigaders, writes Robert Hargreaves…

Uniforms neatly pressed, boots polished, and standing perfectly to attention, Tom Wintringham, commanding officer of the British Battalion at the Battle of Jarama, a stickler for discipline, would have been proud of them. 

The Lost Sons of Albion, dedicated volunteers committed to preserving the memory of brave anti-fascists from Britain and Ireland, were proudly on parade at Manchester’s annual Jarama commemoration.

Expert on the history of the battle, and armed with a fascinating collection of artefacts, the re-enactment enthusiasts – Tom Conyard, Ethan Harvey, John Conyard, Tom Whitfield, Rory Pratt and Charles McKnight – formed a special attraction at a packed commemoration in the city’s Central Library. 

The Lost Sons of Albion re-enactment group.

The lads, who between them, demonstrate an impressive historical knowledge of the British Battalion, contributed to a moving event, focussing on contributions from stalwart IBMT member Stuart Walsh and university researcher Jude Percival on the theme of medical aid and help to the beleaguered people of the Spanish Republic.

Faced with the onslaught of Franco’s fascist forces, supplied with arms and aircraft by Mussolini and Hitler, it fell to the 600 members of the newly formed and inexperienced British Battalion to hold the line and help save Madrid from Franco’s forces. More than 250 were killed and many more were wounded.

IBMT member Stuart Walsh acknowledging the support for Spain from North East Lancashire.

Lisa Croft and Paul Ward introduced the speakers and set the scene for fascinating insights into medical aid and help for the Spanish people. Stuart stressed the tremendous generosity and hard work of people in his native North East Lancashire, as they raised money for food ships through dances, jumble sales and public meetings.

University researcher Jude Percival speaking about Spanish Medical Aid.

Jude outlined the massive contribution made through Spanish Medical Aid, including the work of doctors and nurses, and the supply of fully-equipped ambulances. The Manchester and District Spanish Medical Aid Committee which covered the cotton towns of South East Lancashire arranged a tour of a field ambulance that was built by workers of Blake Motors and paid for by funds from people in Rossendale.

It was described at the time as 'a concrete expression of Lancashire’s sympathy with a suffering people'. By the end of 1937, the local committee had sent five fully-equipped ambulances, while still appealing for clothing, tinned milk and bandages. 

Giulia Sirigu of Manchester’s Partito Democratico.

Attendees also heard expressions of anti-fascist solidarity from a representative of Partido Comunista de Espana, together with Giulia Sirigu of Manchester’s Partito Democratico and members of the Italian Partizan group. A rousing rendition of Bandiera Rossa by the Bolton Socialist Choir further emphasised the mood of international solidarity.

The Bolton Socialist Choir performing at the event.

Preceding a minute’s silence, Paul Ward and Stephanie Turner read out the names of 14 greater Manchester men killed at Jarama, and wreaths were laid at the memorial situated in the library. 

As always the occasion was graced by the Manchester Group’s eye-catching illustrated panels on the walls of the library’s performance space, with this year’s display being enhanced by items of British Battalion memorabilia – some genuine, some replica – such as blankets, uniforms, belts, flags and identification cards, even genuine Spanish Republic banknotes, brought along by The Lost Sons of Albion. The unit, by the way, takes its name from the opening lines in The Young’uns version of ¡Ay Carmela!

‘We are the lost sons of Albion,
The men of the British Battalion,
There is no golden path to glory,
Ay Carmela, Ay Carmela!’ 

Like the song itself, the infusion of enthusiasm from these young’uns is a very welcome sign for the Trust. If you would like them to put on a show at your upcoming event they can be contacted at Thelostsons1937@gmail.com.