‘We are determined at all costs preserve the non-political character of this crusade’

Hoaxers were out and about and feeding off the success of the Jarrow March in 1936.

Political groups were taking advantage of the fame of the crusaders to spread false messages as the march reached Chesterfield.

The Jarrow marchers at the roadside in October 1936. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) | Getty Images

placeholder image — The Jarrow marchers at the roadside in October 1936. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) | Getty Images

One group held a meeting in the market square and claimed they had the support of some of the marchers.

“Attempts to make political capital out of the Jarrow march are proving a serious business, and steps are to be taken to defend the march against any exploitation. If necessary, the assistance of the police will be sought,” said the Shields Gazette reporter in their latest message from the scene.

“The first indication of any interference came on Saturday night when several men went round the town distributing pamphlets welcoming the Jarrow marchers. The pamphlet was signed and issued by the ‘March Reception Committee’.

“One of the pamphlets was handed to Cllr D. F. Riley, the march marshal and after reading it to the men, he warned them not to go near the meeting, as it had no connection with the Jarrow crusade.”

One local man, Allen Moorhouse, was legitimately there to look after the marchers.

He told the South Tynesiders that the men holding the meeting claimed the marchers were supporters of their movement. On the back of that claim, they had held a collection of £20 and another had made money from door-to-door visits.

Mr Moorhouse described it as a ‘vile trick to attempt to exploit the Jarrow marchers in this way.”

Paddy Scullion, Ellen Wilkinson, Davy Riley and Joe Symonds were all pictured on the Jarrow March. | sg

Cllr Riley said: “They are not going get in as easily as they think. We are determined at all costs preserve the non-political character of this crusade, and shall defend ourselves strenuously against any attempt at interference.”

The Shields Gazette reporter added: “At first Chesterfield attempted give us the cold shoulder. The council went further than saying they were unable to help by flatly refusing to render any assistance.

“In spite of this, however, we had an excellent week-end. The work of local Conservatives and friends, and the generosity of Chesterfield tradespeople, turned the chilly welcome into a really enjoyable visit.”

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