Volunteers remembered for their part in Spanish Civil War

Dundee volunteers who travelled to Spain over 70 years ago to fight fascism were commemorated on Saturday.

The annual remembrance, organised by the Trades Union Council, was held at the memorial to the International Brigade in Albert Square.

Taking part in the event along with union members were relatives of the volunteers, elected officials and others interested in the Spanish Civil War.

Chief organiser of the event Mike Arnott said afterwards, “It is important to commemorate the fact that over 60 people volunteered from Dundee to fight in a civil war. These are themes that still resonate to this day.”

Between 1936 and 1938 more than 60 Dundonians left some never to return to fight alongside the democratically-elected republican government of Spain.

A total of 17 men from the city sacrificed their lives during the Spanish Civil War that ended in defeat for the republicans and their allies, resulting in the brutal right-wing dictatorship of Francisco Franco, which lasted until his death in 1975.