Harry Dobson, Enrique Baseto, James Bourne, Lincoln-Washington Battalion: June 1938". (Tamiment Library, NYU, 15 IB Photo Collection, Photo Unit #: C522).
A new Blue Plaque will be unveiled in Tonypandy to commemorate The Battle of De Winton Field. The plaque marks the site of the landmark events of 11 June 1936, when representatives of the British Union of Fascists attempted to hold a rally in Tonypandy but were met by an estimated 6000 anti-fascist demonstrators.
The demonstrators, comprising of local miners, socialists, communists, and trade unionists, mobilised to prevent the fascist meeting from taking place. After sustained heckling, stone-throwing, and overwhelming opposition, the BUF were forced to abandon their rally after just thirty minutes, marking their final attempt to establish a presence in Wales.
The battle represented both a decisive local victory against fascism and a stepping stone in the international fight against fascist movements across Europe.
The confrontation resulted in 37 anti-fascist demonstrators being charged on 187 counts of riot and related offences, with several receiving six-month prison sentences. Four of those imprisoned would later volunteer for the International Brigades in the Spanish Civil War, which began just five weeks after the Tonypandy confrontation. Among them was Harry Dobson, a miner from Blaenclydach, who became a legendary figure in the International Brigades before being killed at the Battle of the Ebro in 1938. Harry Dobson is remembered with a Memorial Plaque in Tonypandy Library.
This latest Blue Plaque joins a growing collection of commemorations honouring Rhondda’s rich social and political heritage. A Blue Plaque dedicated to A.J. Cook, the influential miners’ leader, and another of those arrested after the Battle of De Winton Field, is proudly displayed at Rhondda Heritage Park Museum in Trehafod.
The official unveiling of The Battle of De Winton Field Plaque, will take place on 13th June at 12:30pm at the Cambrian Colliery (NUM) Lodge in Tonypandy. All are welcome to attend.
Councillor Scott Emanuel, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Leisure said:
The ceremony will provide an opportunity to reflect on the area’s rich social and political heritage, and to recognise the courage and solidarity shown by those who stood in defence of democratic values. Members of the public are warmly invited to attend and take part in this important act of remembrance.
Posted on 19/05/2026