THE BIG STRIKE 1956

3 Responses to THE BIG STRIKE 1956

1. Pingback: Poumerang « Poumista

2. John Garvey says:

   January 9, 2010 at 11:35 am

   I don’t get it. Where are the two fascists? And what was the big strike (sorry for my ignorance)?
3. @ndy says:

   January 9, 2010 at 5:33 pm

   John,

   The two fascists are in the film footage. If you click on the img, it will take you to the Pathe site. There the story of the strike is re-told.

   The incident with the fascists occurs when several arrive on the back of a truck with a sign reading ‘MOSLEY STANDS FOR WORKERS OWNERSHIP’. According to the narrator: “Fascist orators arrive on the scene, and get a very sharp reception. For their own reasons, they are urging a return to work. But fascist interference is one thing on which strikers and non-strikers are completely agreed. They just don’t want it.”

   Of related interest, the BNP also attempted to intervene in wildcat strikes at British oil refineries in February 2009, having adopted the slogan of the Labour Party: ‘British Jobs for British Workers’. They got a frosty reception.

   More recently, the BNP has attempted to capitalise on the NUM’s opposition to a ‘free’ trade agreement with Colombia. Hence: “The National Union of Mineworkers has asked Nick Griffin to oppose the EU-Columbia [sic] Free Trade Agreement”.

   In reality, the NUM also rejects the BNP, having dedicated a special edition of its zine The Miner (PDF) to opposing the BNP, with the following message on its front cover:

   THIS SPECIAL EDITION OF THE MINER IS PRODUCED AS A REMINDER FOR ALL HUMANITY AND IN MEMORY OF THE MANY MILLIONS OF ALL NATIONS AND RACES THAT WERE SLAUGHTERED, RAPED, BURNT AND HUMILIATED IN THE FIGHT AGAINST FASCISM. MAKE SURE YOU VOTE TO STOP THE BNP.

   From which the following story is extracted:

   A PERSONAL ACCOUNT BY KEN CAPSTICK FORMER NUM (YORKSHIRE AREA) VICE-CHAIRMEN

   A NUMBER of years ago during a period when I worked and represented miners in the Selby Coalfield my trade union and socialist activities were well known. I have always opposed racism in all its forms and at the time had a high media profile fighting the cause for miners’ jobs, wages, pensions and improvements in their terms and conditions of employment.

   One particular evening stands out in my memory and will do so for ever. I was having a drink in a pub with three miners from the pit where I worked. We were having a good laugh as miners so often do when socialising together when I told my friends that I needed to pay a visit to the toilet. I walked into the toilet; there was no one else in there, well not until three men who later became known to me as members of a local fascist cell came through the door.

   “Now Capstick, what have you got to say for yourself now Nigger lover.” I was in a terrible and very vulnerable situation. I had no doubt that I was being lined up for a terrible beating. At moments like that so many things flash before your eyes. They were intent on leaving me lying there on the floor in a pool of my own blood at the very least.

   Was I afraid, yes I was, who wouldn’t be.

   I knew I couldn’t reason with these people they were in no mood for any kind of discussion about anything.

   I thought I was facing hospitalisation at the very least and probably far worse.

   Thankfully the miners I had been drinking with a few moments before had seen these fascist thugs follow me when I went to the toilet and had the presence of mind to come and make sure that I was in no danger.

   These miners were big lads and when they appeared behind these fascists the relief I felt would be far too difficult to describe but I know I am eternally grateful to them.

   “What is your game?” one of the miners said to the three bullies. “Are you alright Ken, another of my friends said to me. “I am now.” I replied. Of course they pleaded innocence as cowards always do when they have been rumbled and cornered.

   Nevertheless they were – shall we say, what with this being a family paper – told in no uncertain terms that they had better disappear and quick, which believe me they did but not before shouting as they scarpered “There’ll be another time Capstick.”

   I have always been grateful that these miners were good friends with a sharpness of mind to know when a fellow miner might be in danger.

   This was all before today’s fascists started to dress in suits and wear ties and try to present themselves as reasonable human beings when they are anything but. They are the same fascists our fathers and grandfathers fought in the Second World War and who carried out
   the worst atrocities the world has ever seen.

   I beg every miner and his family to reject these cowardly thugs. Fascism is a sick and inhuman creed based on hatred and prejudice. They will tell you they are different but they are not – don’t be deceived. They are always there to take advantage of people’s fears with simple solutions but beware they are evil beyond belief.

   Don’t let the three wonderful miners down who acted so swiftly to save a fellow miner in danger in a way that miners always do and always have done. I will never know how much I owe them but I do know that right thinking people everywhere can only admire them as much as I do.

   I would like to think that miners and their families will vote for socialist principles, the ones they have always believed in. But whatever you do please, please, reject all fascists and that
   includes the BNP.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.