Solidarity Park

Robert Qualie

Robert Qualie was born to John and Annie Qualie of 15 Dawson Terrace, South Hylton on 16th April 1908, he was their sixth child; Robert had two elder Sisters and three brothers. John worked at the Ford Paper Mill at South Hylton.

The family were still at 15 Dawson Terrace at the time of the 1921 Census, with nine now living in the home; John and his two daughters are working in the Ford Paper Mill, whilst his three sons that have left school are working for Osbourne Graham & Company, the North Hylton Shipbuilders.

Robert first appears in the Newspapers in May 1932 when Sunderland beat South Hylton to win the R Herald Challenge Cup final for weightlifting, in the South Hylton British Legion Hut. The Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette of 12th May 1932 reports on the contest and provides a picture of the two teams of three men each. (see attached image). Robert competed again when Sunderland beat South Hylton the following year to retain the R Herald Challenge Cup.

Robert achieved success in 1935 when he was crowned the bantamweight weightlifting champion of England. Robert joined the CPGB in February 1936 and in December 1936 Robert, along with five others put on a ‘Strong Man Show’ organised by the Sunderland NUWM; it is to raise funds to ‘provide a Christmas treat for the children of the unemployed.’

Shortly after this show Robert arrived in Spain, on 12th January 1937. Robert served in Bert Overton’s No.4 Company at the Battle of Jarama as he is mentioned as one of those loading the correct ammunition onto the belts. Robert was wounded at Jarama, being admitted into Hospital on 15th February 1937. Robert was promoted to Sergeant and in May was sent to the Officers Training school where he was described as a ‘quiet but very reliable comrade’. Leading a section Robert was wounded a second time at Brunete on 8th July 1937, as fellow Sunderland volunteer Frank Graham reports:

At Brunete his fine physique helped him to withstand the strain better than most of us and up to the time he was once again wounded he was indefatigable in the struggle. – Battles of Brunete and the Aragon, Frank Graham (1999)

A report dated 27th September 1937 shows that he has requested reave home, and on 8th November his Repatriation was granted ‘for political reasons.’

Compiled by Tony Fox