The damage on the bench

A MEMORIAL to three brothers and a friend who left Camden to risk their lives fighting fascism in the Spanish Civil War has been damaged.

The tribute to Danny, Tommy and Joe Gibbons and fellow volunteer Milt Cohen had been inscribed on a bench on Hampstead Heath in the 1970s.

Two years ago the bench was restored with new lettering to honour their contributions to the fight against the evil dictatorships threatening Europe in the 1930s.

But last week, a vandal chiselled out the word “fascism” on the inscription – prompting rumours that either it was the work of the far right, or someone who did not understand the bench was honouring those who fought against the Nazi-backed Franco dictatorship and simply saw a word they did not like.

The day following the incident, two new signs appeared on the bench, including a New Journal article explaining who the men were and why they were being commemorated. The three brothers arrived in Spain in 1936 as part of a wave of people who headed there to protect the democratic government.

Danny and Tommy Gibbons with Spanish Civil War comrades

Sadly, Tommy was killed at the Battle of Brunete in 1937. Another volunteer, Milt Cohen, had travelled with Joe and both were on board a troop ship off the coast of Barcelona in 1937 when it was hit by a torpedo. Milt could not swim – and Joe saved his life as they watched their ship slip beneath the waves.

The International Bridges Memorial Trust (IBMT), which honours the memories of those who volunteered to fight in Spain, were involved in the restoration of the bench, along with Cohen family members based in the United States.

IBMT president Marlene Sidaway told the New Journal: “It is so sad that some people think it acceptable to put their own unenlightened views on a memorial honouring such brave men – who joined the world-wide movement of International Brigaders during the Spanish Civil War of 1936-1939.

“They were compelled to fight on behalf of the people of Spain who supported their elected Republican government, which had given hope to Spain’s many disadvantaged people and which was now being threatened by the forces of Fascism.

“There was an imminent threat of a Second World War, which might have been avoided if there had been more international support for Spain’s republic.”

She added: “Many volunteers for the International Brigade lost their lives or had life-changing injuries during the fight and the International Brigade Memorial Trust was set up to remember their bravery and commitment to a just cause and also to educate the public about the Spanish Civil War and its significance as the precursor to a World War which changed all our lives.

A spokesman for Heath managers the City of London said: “This vandalism is completely unacceptable, and we will repair it as soon as possible.

“This bench commemorates three heroic brothers who fought against fascism, and we will take action against anyone found to have damaged it.”