The Jarrow Crusade

I was the lad pushing the wheel chair. I was known at the time as Banjo West, a nickname I was given whilst in the Navy. Although Hugh is my first name, most people call me Jim.

My involvement with the march was through the Tyneside Unemployed Workers Movement: it is still based in Dean Street, Newcastle. I was given the chance to assist in the first aid treatment of the marchers, which is how I ended up pushing the wheel chair. I used the march as a way to raise awareness of the unemployment in the North. We marched between 10 and 20 miles almost every day and on my rest days I would call into the jobs centres on route and look for work. My efforts found me a job in Loughborough. However after after two years I moved back to Newcastle. I now have two children and have been married for 23 years to Julia. I no longer get involved in anything Political.

There was 27 marchers originally and I think about twelve came from Jarrow and met us in Newcastle. At every major town we would pick up other marchers to represent their town's unemployed. Unfortunately many of the marchers went their separate ways afterwards as they did come from around the country. I can’t help with everyone's names as I only ever used their Christian names and never saw most of them again, but the girl standing under the letter E in the banner was called Anita. There was a lad called Chris (possibly Davies) - his nickname was 'lump', as he was a big strapping lad from Nottingham. There was a girl named Tina from Birmingham. Jimmy Foggon, one of the original marchers, met us at Trafalgar Square.

I still have my Medal and I believe the orange Jacket is in the loft. I shall try and find it as I'm sure there are a few names signed on it. I don’t believe I have any photos but If I find any photos I will pass them on to you. If I can help I shall - but it was almost 30 years ago.

Ed. We were delighted that Jim found our short page on the 1986 march, and we are very pleased he added more information. There is a description of the march which left Jarrow on 5 October 1986 at :

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/lifestyle/nostalgia/recreating-that-famous-march-1552115

Hugh West has just sent us a photo of his Jarrow march trophy, which we have added to the page above.

I was on the 1986 march; I can recall the lad Banjo and many other nice people. 30 years have passed and this country is still no better.

I was on the 1986 march, joining it at Leicester, with my best friend at the time, the black guy holding the banner in the main pic. Very proud to have been a part of it. It's a shame there's so little information or imagery of it.

My name is Joe Gallagher and I am originally from Corby in Northamptonshire. What once was a Steel Town. I had the honour of taking part in the Jarrow March walking all the way from Jarrow to London. Through the passing of time and my transient lifestyle I have lost all the memorabilia I had and would welcome any postings of photos and memories of this proud time in my life. Respect and love to all my Comrades who took part.

Ed: In response to Joe's comment and emails, we have added a gallery of all the photos taken in Harpenden and St Albans on the day when the Jarrow March passed through at the end of October 1986. Joe encouraged us to add further photos to the website, as there is so little record of the 50th anniversary march in 1986:

Hi, thanks for adding more pictures.  I can't see any photos of me or my companion Linda. The first Photo I recognise Richard who was one of the organisers and the punk guy I'm sure his name is Norman and he was with 3 other punks, Dickie, Pylie and Ren. The other faces I remember but not the names. Myself and Linda walked from Jarrow to London, but I have lost contact with Linda although I know that she did have quite a bit of memorabilia. Thank you for sending these pictures as they do bring back memories.  Certainly add them onto the page because info, photos and other things from that March are scarce.

Louise Emery had recently sent us a scan of a postcard, showing the Jarrow Crusade marching along Harpenden High Street on 29 October 1936. We have added it to the top of the page. Thank you, Louise.