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Description: | Large block of granite with two bronze plaques attached. Both plaques have inscriptions; on one of the plaques is a sculptured design representing an olive tree growing from the International Brigade emblem with a dove of peace in flight and below it the words of farewell spoken in October 1938 to the International Brigaders in Barcelona on their departure from Spain for home by Dolores Ibarruri, La Pasionaria. The plaque on the front of the memorial bears in English and Welsh the dedication to the Welsh International Brigaders. The inscription in Welsh from the bard and pacifist, T.E. Nicholas, translates as 'That the earth might be free.' Additional Information: Spain elected a Popular Front Government in February 1936. Franco attempted to overthrow this by force with an attack on Madrid in November 1936. News of the military help to Franco from Hitler and Mussolini and the resistance of the people of Madrid and Barcelona fired a widespread wish to help the Republic and its people. Food, medical supplies and money were collected but others chose to travel to Spain and fight the fascists. Around 2,400 volunteered from the British Isles although exact figures are unknown. They became the International Brigade in the Republican Army. The Brigaders left Spain in 1938 but Franco's fascists achieved military victory in March 1939. | Subjects: | Commemorative stone | Source: | Vads | Identifier: | http://www.vads.ac.uk/large.php?uid=6721... | Go to resource |
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