Solidarity Park

SS Stanbrook – Captain defies orders to save refugees.

The SS Stanbrook, a 1,383-ton steamer built in Newcastle in 1909, played a significant role in the Spanish Civil War. The ship had two Sunderland men on board, Wireless Operator W.S. Joice and Second Engineer W. Allam. The engine itself also originated from Sunderland, manufactured by the North East Marine Engineers Ltd.

Blockade Running and a Daring Rescue

In April 1937, following Franco’s blockade, the Stanbrook, along with the Hamsterley and Mcgregor, attempted to deliver much-needed food to Bilbao. After a meeting between Captain Owen ‘Corn Cob’ Jones of the Mcgregor and Vice Admiral Blake of HMS Hood, an informal agreement was made for the British cruiser to “happen to be cruising” off Bilbao.

As the convoy approached, a fascist warship, the Galerna, fired a warning shot. The HMS Hood and HMS Firedrake intervened, training their guns on the Galerna and allowing the British ships to proceed. A reporter on the Hamsterley described Captain Still’s cry to the Stanbrook: “Come on, my lads! Follow me into Bilbao.” The ships were met with cheers from people who had come out of air raid shelters to welcome the blockade runners.

The Final, Most Famous Voyage

The Stanbrook continued her blockade-running efforts, surviving two air attacks in August 1938 that left her beached but not beyond repair. Her most famous voyage, however, was her last. On March 28, 1939, as the Spanish Civil War was ending and Alicante was about to fall, the Stanbrook was the last ship to leave the port. Captain Archibald Dixon, defying orders from his ship’s owner, decided to rescue the desperate refugees who had gathered on the quay.

Ignoring the fact that the ship was dangerously overladen, Captain Dixon refused to leave anyone behind, saving 2,638 people in total. He later said that shortly after the ship left the port, an air raid began, proving his decision to wait was the right one. The Stanbrook evaded a fascist cruiser, the Canarias, and a British cruiser eventually intervened to ensure her safety, allowing her to reach the port of Oran in Algeria.

A Tragic End and Lasting Memorial

Unfortunately, the story of the Stanbrook ends tragically. Just eight months after her heroic rescue, on November 19, 1939, she was torpedoed by a German U-boat, U57, in the North Sea. Captain Dickson and his entire crew of nineteen were lost.

Despite this sad end, their actions were not forgotten. On March 28, 2019, the 80th anniversary of the rescue, a ceremony was held in Alicante. A street was named after the courageous vessel, and a bust of Captain Dickson was unveiled, honoring the British sailors who saved so many lives.