Merseyside Spanish Civil War volunteers honoured

The plaque pays tribute to those who - despite a ban by the British Government - joined the International Brigades to fight fascism

Volunteers from Merseyside who fought in the Spanish Civil War despite a ban from the UK Government have been honoured with a plaque in Liverpool.

The memorial, installed at the city's town hall, marks the 80th anniversary of the conflict's beginning.

It was unveiled as a tribute to those from Merseyside who supported the anti-fascist cause in the country.

About 200 people from the region fought in the International Brigades, with at least 30 losing their lives.

An inscription on the plaque pays tribute to the "heroic Merseysiders who stood up to fascism".

It continues: "Of particular note are those who, despite a ban by the British Government, took part in the International Brigades. Some of whom never returned.

"Their contribution and sacrifice will not be forgotten."

About 200 Merseysiders, all working class men, voluntarily travelled to Spain to fight between 1936 and 1939

Deputy Lord Mayor Malcolm Kennedy said he was "extremely proud" to be unveiling the plaque which "can be a constant reminder of the sacrifices made in the name of freedom."

"The Spanish Civil War was an incredibly brutal chapter of history and it's overwhelming to think that ordinary, working class men from Merseyside wanted to make a stand against the fascist dictatorship of General Franco.

"For many of our local heroes it was a mission they had to undertake in secret.

Liverpool's Jack Jones, the former leader of the Transport and General Workers' Union, was wounded fighting with the International Brigade in the war

"If people look back just less than a century, they can learn something about how these forces of darkness are never really far from us", he added.

The plaque also recognises activists like those from the Merseyside Spanish Aid Committee, who took donations on the docks and factories, and the Merseyside Left Theatre, who staged plays about Spain and organised counter demonstrations against Oswald Mosley's British Union of Fascists.

It acknowledges local firms like Crawford's, Bibby's and Lever Brothers who donated and shipped money and food.

A banner at the People's History Museum in Manchester recognises the help given to the country by British people and companies