THE ARRIVAL of the Basque children refugees in Southampton was commemorated this weekend.

Nearly 4,000 children from the Basque Country of Spain left for Britain amid the Spanish Civil War.

Arriving in Southampton on May 23 in 1937, the children began their new lives in and around the city as the bitter conflict in their hometown raged on.

Daily Echo: Tom wardle with Mayor of Southampton Cllr Jacqui Rayment Tom wardle with Mayor of Southampton Cllr Jacqui Rayment

And on Saturday, May 21 people from across Southampton and the UK gathered to remember their arrival 85 years ago.

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Tom Wardle of the Basque Children of ’37 Association, who organised the event, said: “I have been living in Southampton for 10 years and I think this is a really important chapter of this city’s history.

“It was a time where people showed generosity and solidarity towards those displaced children. It is an example we can follow today.”

The 28-year-old learned about the Basque children during his time at Southampton University and has maintained an interest ever since.

Daily Echo: Attendees at the event held outside Southampton Central Library Attendees at the event held outside Southampton Central Library

Tom added: “We are always trying to educate people more about this.”

Relatives of the Spanish children brought to Southampton were also in attendance.

This included retired nurse and avid historian, Simon Martinez.

Simon’s father Enrique Martinez lived in Southampton and had a successful career in the merchant navy and later worked from a city-based office.

The 67-year-old said: “My dad was 12 when he was sent on the Habana ship to Southampton with his two younger brothers.

Daily Echo: Simon speaking at the event, with Tom wardle and Mayor Jacqui Rayment Simon speaking at the event, with Tom wardle and Mayor Jacqui Rayment

“He worked to keep people safe at sea.

“This is talked about so little but it is so important. Refugees should be welcome now as they were then.”

The Mayor of Southampton, Cllr Jacqui Rayment said it is “really important” Southampton remembers the arrival of the Basque children.

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She said: “Events like today’s commemorate 85 years since the Basque children arrived in Southampton and it is something that needs to be remembered.

Daily Echo: Relatives of the Basque children with Mayor Jacqui Rayment Relatives of the Basque children with Mayor Jacqui Rayment

“Southampton has got a large and diverse history and I think it is important young people and schools learn about events like this.

“I am delighted that I can be here on this important day.”