The great-grandson of historian Rafael Altamira, Ignacio Ramos Altamira, took part in the event at the port, emphasizing the need to continue working toward the recovery of democratic memory.
Eighty-six years ago, on March 28, 1939, the ship Stanbrook set sail from the port of Alicante, carrying the last 2,600 exiles of the Spanish Civil War toward Oran.
On the anniversary every year, the Civic Commission of Alicante for the Recovery of Historical Memory held a tribute event at the port, next to the bust of Captain Archibald Dickson, to commemorate how the city became the final escape route for many republicans.
More than fifty people attended the ceremony, where two statements were read, highlighting that the end of the war “did not bring peace, but victory.”
The tense moments experienced that day at the Alicante dock were remembered, as the ship gradually filled while uncertainty gripped those waiting for an escape.
There were also words for those who were unable to flee and were trapped under Francoist repression when no more ships arrived.
“IT WAS NOT AN EASY ESCAPE”
Among the speakers was Ignacio Ramos Altamira, great-grandson of jurist, historian, and educator Rafael Altamira, who recalled his ancestor’s difficult journey.
“It was not, as some have claimed, an easy escape. From the outbreak of the war, his life was in danger, and he faced great difficulties in fleeing Spain,” he said.
He also emphasized that, despite being offered a safe return by Franco’s regime, Altamira refused. “He passed away in Mexico, but more than 70 years later, he has returned with full honours. Now, our duty is to continue working toward the recovery of democratic memory.”
The Government’s Deputy Delegate in Alicante, Juan Antonio Nieves, also spoke, acknowledging the work of the Civic Commission.
“They help us keep memory alive. This is a place full of history, where many people lived their last moments of hope. Historical memory is not just about the past; it is a commitment to truth and justice in the present,” he stated.
The tribute concluded with the traditional floral offering: red, yellow, and purple flowers—the colours of the Republican flag—were thrown into the sea by attendees.
POLITICAL PRESENCE
Among the public figures present, in addition to Nieves, were national deputy and president of PSPV-PSOE in Alicante province, Araceli Poblador; the Socialist spokesperson at Alicante City Hall, Ana Barceló, along with other council members of her party; the regional secretary of Més-Compromís Alacantí, Natxo Bellido; Compromís councilor Sara Llobell; and EU-Podemos spokesperson in the City Council, Manolo Copé.
