Was it truly possible that a monument could spark so much debate? This International Brigade Memorial War memorial in Oxford did just that. It stands as a testament to the 31 Oxfordshire residents who fought for the Republican side in the Spanish Civil War.
The International Brigade Memorial War memorial is near South Park. It is close to the base of Headington Hill. The memorial marks the junction of Headington Road and Morrell Avenue. It honors those who defended democracy against Nationalist forces between 1936 and 1939.
Oxfordshire was a hub for anti-fascist activism. The International Brigade Memorial War memorial commemorates this. It also recognizes support for Spanish Republicanism during the 1930s. Many volunteers had links to Britain’s Jewish communities. Oxford housed hundreds of Basque refugee children.
The International Brigade Memorial War memorial project faced opposition. Some felt it was out of character. Others saw it as aggressive. One councillor even believed a red flag would glorify communism, even though no red flag was proposed.
The International Brigade Memorial War memorial is made of granite. It stands 1.8 meters high and 1 meter wide. The design includes a three-pointed red star. This is the symbol of the International Brigades. A clenched fist crushes a scorpion. This represents the fight against fascism.
Six names are inscribed on the front of the International Brigade Memorial War memorial. These are the local volunteers who died. They are Anthony Carritt, Lewis Clive, Edward Cooper, Herbert Fisher, Ralph Winston Fox and John Rickman.
Historians later discovered two more volunteers. These were Charlie Hutchison and Liesel Carritt. Charlie Hutchison was the only known black man among British volunteers. Liesel Carritt was a German-Jewish refugee.
The International Brigade Memorial War memorial cost about 30000 pounds. Funds came from donations and a book sale. The book was titled No Other Way: Oxfordshire and the Spanish Civil War 1936-39.
Christine Simm unveiled the International Brigade Memorial War memorial on June 10 2017. She was the Deputy Lord Mayor of Oxford. The unveiling included speeches and a poem reading. The poem was C. Day Lewis’s “The Volunteer”.
The International Brigade Memorial War memorial includes a plaque. It reads “In memory of the 31 men and women of Oxfordshire who defended democracy and fought fascism…”. It also quotes C. Day Lewis: “We came because our open eyes could see no other way.”
The International Brigade Memorial War memorial stands as a symbol. It symbolizes Oxford’s commitment to remembering the men and women who fought against fascism. It’s a tribute to their courage. It’s a reminder of the importance of defending democracy.