Features / Castle Park
Remembering the Bristol men who fought and died for democracy in Europe
As Liz Truss says that she supports Britons who want to travel to Ukraine to join an international force to fight against the Russian invasion, a plaque remembering four men from Bristol holds an even greater significance.
The foreign secretary told the BBC on Sunday that the current situation in Ukraine was a battle “for democracy”, with Ukrainians fighting for freedom, “not just for Ukraine but for the whole of Europe”.
Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky has also urged foreign nationals “to join the defence of security in Europe”, with Ukraine setting up an international legion of volunteers for foreigners wishing to join the fight against Russian forces.
is needed now More than ever
In one corner of Castle Park, a plaque remembers a time when another group of people from across the world travelled to a country in Europe to fight for democracy.
On a retaining wall close to the base of the ruins of St Peter’s Church, the plaque commemorates British volunteers who fought against fascist forces in the Spanish Civil War of 1936 to 1939.
The plaque in Castle Park was unveiled in 1986 and adorned with mosaics in 2011 – photo: Martin Booth
The plaque’s wording reads: “This plaque was erected by Bristol City Council to commemorate those British volunteers who fought with the Republican Army in the Spanish Civil War.
“The 526 volunteers from Britain who lost their lives to defend democracy included four men from Bristol. They died for liberty.”
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Read more: St Peter’s Church opens its (virtual) doors
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These four Bristolians who lost their lives were part of the International Brigade who fought against the Nationalist forces of Francisco Franco, which received support from Adolf Hitler.
The men from Bristol who died were WG Boyce, J Burton, L Huson and TE Stephens.
The plaque commemorating the Britons who fought in the Spanish Civil War is on a retaining wall close to St Peter’s Church – photo: Martin Booth
Take a walk around the hidden corners of Castle Park and the Old City with Martin Booth and Yuup: www.yuup.co/experiences/explore-bristol-s-quirkiest-corners
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read more: Russian ballet company’s Bristol show cancelled after Ukraine invasion
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