IBMT Archivist Alan Lloyd reports from the city's Victoria Park on 17 July…

It was a great day in Portsmouth for the unveiling of a beautiful new memorial to the 14 men from the Portsmouth area who went to fight fascism in Spain, with six of them being killed or dying of wounds.

Engraved on the bench are the names of the local brigaders alongside the famous quote from La Pasionaria: 'You are legend. You are history.'

Portsmouth Trades Union Council, which saw the project through, did a fantastic job, as did masons Somerville Stone.

IBMT Secretary Megan Dobney speaks at the unveiling.

There were rousing speeches from Portsmouth Trades Union Council, IBMT and Portsmouth City Council, along with Lisa Croft, the granddaughter of International Brigader AC Williams, who was there with her brother Tim and family.

Activist and granddaughter of AC Williams Lisa Croft stands alongside her grandfather's plaque.

Lisa, Tim and family unveiled the plaque, along with Joan Joslin, the niece of Jimmy Moore, whose grave is in Milton Cemetery.

Louis MacDonald (front), Secretary of Portsmouth Trades Union Council, at the unveiling.

Thanks to all those who were able to support the International Brigade Memorial Trust by buying merchandise; it is an important part of raising funds, along with membership subs, to continue our work. 

A living memorial for all to enjoy.

The IBMT would like to thank Alan Lloyd for his tireless work to identify the Brigaders named on the bench.