Merseyside International Brigade Volunteers remembered

In Liverpool on Saturday 18 July 2026, local Irish republicans and anti-fascists gathered to honour and remember the Merseyside Volunteers of the International Brigade, marking the 90th Anniversary of the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War.

Over 200 international volunteers originally travelled from the Merseyside region to stand in solidarity with the people of Spain against General Franco’s fascist forces. By the conflict’s end more than 30 had made the ultimate sacrifice having fallen in action.

The commemorative parade was organised by the James Larkin Society — named after the legendary Liverpool-born Irish socialist and labour organiser —the commemorative march saw a large crowd assemble at outside the iconic Casa Bar on Hope Street, a venue that features a permanent photographic exhibition and tribute commemorating the northwest volunteers.

The well-attended parade cut through the heart of the city centre, led by Banna Fliuit Learpholl (the Liverpool Irish Flute Band). Local trade unionist and political activist groups marched alongside with banners of international solidarity and anti-imperialism.

At a social function held after the procession, speakers linked the historic courage of the Merseyside International Brigade - which famously united local IRA veterans alongside Scouse socialists and communists — to the contemporary necessity of challenging and combatting the modern rise and spread of the far-right throughout Europe.

The speeches concluded with a special reading of the Roll of Honour of the Merseyside International Brigade Volunteers killed in action at the Battle of Jarama in February 1937:

• Some of the Liverpudlian Volunteers for the International Brigade

Vol. Richard Beedles

Vol. Len Bibby

Vol. William Bogle

Vol. Eddie Jackman

Vol. Robert Kirk

Vol. Fred Killich

Vol. George McEwen

Vol. Jim Newman

Vol. Joseph Norton

Vol. Thomas O’Brien

Vol. John Owens

Vol. Thomas Silcock

Vol. James Stewart

Vol. Jack Taylor

Vol. James Walsh

As Christy Moore summarised it in his celebrated ballad ‘Viva La Quinta Brigada’:

They came to stand beside the Spanish people

To try and stem the rising fascist tide

Franco’s allies were the powerful and wealthy

Frank Ryan’s men came from the other side

Viva La Quinta Brigada!

• Banna Fliuit Learpholl - the Liverpool Irish Flute Band