In 1936 a Spanish ship arrived in Aberdeen, Scotland carrying grain. Upon arrival, the ship’s captain informed the crew the owners were not going to pay out their bonus, as was required by Spanish law. In protest at this, working conditions, and bad food, the crew went on strike. Shutting down all machinery to ensure the ship couldn’t be unloaded.

The ship was stuck in dock, with a crew who had limited money and food. The dockers and people of Aberdeen, in an act of solidarity, provided food for them and collected money around the city on their behalf. Becoming friends with the sailors.

After four months, the owners eventually gave in and provided what was owed to the sailors.

Upon their arrival home, they found Spain had changed. The Fascists had begun their attack against the Republicans.

19 Aberdonians who had become friendly with the striking sailors, and heard about the fascists in Spain, volunteered to help fight fascism.

Unfortunately, 5 of them never returned home.

John Londragan, a political activist, trade unionist, and member of the Communist Party, was one of those who enlisted. He was wounded in both arm and leg during the Battle of Brunete and entered a shop in a nearby village in an attempt to find medical help.

By a stroke of luck and coincidence, the shop he walked into was owned by the father of one of the sailors he’d made friends with, all the way back in Aberdeen. Having heard of the generosity of the Aberdonians the father ensured John was cared for and led back to safety.

In 2019 a Portuguese artist created this mural; it depicts John Londragan, Peter Frye (an American), and two of the shop owner’s children.

The story says to me that when we get together we can fight for a better future.

• Alexandre Farto aka Vhils