Lanarkshire’s Spanish Civil War fighters remembered

And the efforts of the International Brigade, who travelled from North Lanarkshire to bear arms against Fascism in the Spanish Civil War, will not be forgotten, whether a pandemic exists or not.

This was the eight year anniversary of the unveiling of the memorial in The Duchess of Hamilton Park to the brigadiers – and a ceremony is held every year.

Organiser Andy Jones of Parkneuk Street said: “Hopefully next year we will be back to our usual service but to make sure we still honoured the fallen Brigadiers the committee still laid a wreath at the memorial this year.

“Also, again this year, North Lanarkshire Council flew the official flag of The Spanish Republic from Motherwell Civic Centre on our behalf.”

One woman travelled to Spain – pioneering Bellshill journalist Ethel MacDonald.

A total of 11 men did not return home after the conflict.

However, their spirit will always be summed up by the memorial’s motto which is¡No Pasarán! or “they shall not pass.”