Haughey anti Fascist Hero.
Jim Haughey fought against the fascists during the Spanish civil war, then joined the R.A.F and gave his life fighting the NAZIs.
Born in Lurgan in 1919 Jim left in the 1930s to work in the building sites of London, he befriended two Basques just as the war in Spain took hold, the Basques decided to return home to fight the fascists and Jim decided he would join them in their fight.
Jim’s journey was held up by illness as he traveled through France in 1938.
As soon as he was fit enough he traveled on alone to Spain to join the international brigades. He was enlisted in the British Battalion and his bravery in action led to a speedy promotion to lieutenant .
On 23rd sept 1938 he was captured by the fascists and imprisoned in the San Pedro de Cardena concentration camp, a bit ironic since he was a pupil of St Peters North st.
Jim’s refused to bow down to his fascist captors, and endured an almost fatal beating at their hands with a pickaxe.
As the famous song says, many Irishmen heard the call of Franco, as propaganda led them to believe that they were fighting for their faith.
Jim Haughey saw through this and fought for the other side, however in a twist of fate it was his faith which would save his life. A fascist captain ordered for Jim and some of his comrades to be shot for insubordination, Jim asked to see a priest and as result the order was withdrawn and the men received a beating instead.
At the end of the Spanish civil war the victorious fascists finally agreed to repatriate all international combatants.
Jim wanted to continue the fight against fascism and instead of returning home to Lurgan traveled with Canadian comrades, and joined the R.A.F in Canada.
Three days before Jim died in 1943 he wrote this prophetic poem.
Fighter Pilot
I think it will come,somewhen,somewhere
In a shattering crash,or roaring sheet of flame
In the green blanket sea,choking for air
Amid the bubbles transient as my name
Sometimes a seconds throw decided the game
Winner takes all and there is no reply
Indifferent earth and sky breath the same
I gather up the chips and go my way
The years that I might have had I throw away
The only load to winters barren pain
There loss brings no tears to those who stay
For spring,however spent,comes not again.
When peace descends once more like gentle rain
Mention my name in passing if you must
As one who knew the terms slay or be slain
And thought the bargain was both good and just.
Jim Haughey.
Jim “transient” is not your name, and we remember your example as the far right attempts to raise its ugly head again.
Jim’s grave lies in Dougher graveyard a fitting resting place for a Lurgan Hero.
No Pasaran.
Jim Haughey (First from Left)
Written in honour of Barney my granda in 2022
Who fought for the RAF also ww2
By
Paidi OHadmail
