Hull man's Spanish Civil War postcards show 'powerful images'

A collection of postcards sent by a Hull man who fought in the Spanish Civil War show "powerful images" from the conflict.

The 15 propaganda postcards were sent by Joe Latus, who joined the International Brigade in the 1930s.

An estimated 4,000 people from Britain and Ireland fought against General Franco's forces between 1936 and 1939.

The cards were sent to his friend Arthur Ledger, care of the Socialist Youth Club in Hull's Grey Street.

Andrew Young, of Hull International Brigades Memorial Group, said: "The cards are still incredibly powerful and visually reflect the artwork and culture of the times.

"They are the posters of the day and of democracy.

"Joe fought on the side of the democratically-elected government and the postcards show small versions of the art used to get their message across."

Eight men from Hull are known to have fought in Spain.

Four of the men, Jack Atkinson, Jim Bentley, Morris Miller and Robert Wardle, died in the conflict.

Joe Latus, Richard Mortimer, Sam Walters and Bert Wilson all returned.

Mr Latus returned to a career in the Merchant Navy and took part in the Dunkirk evacuation in World War Two.

He later became a director of rugby league team Hull FC and died in 1974 at the age of 62.

The postcards had been kept safe by Arthur's son, Duncan Ledger, who now lives in Oxford. He sent them to on Mr Young.

Mr Young said: "Arthur, the recipient, was a friend of Joe's. He had hoped to join him in Spain but his father was not happy with that and instead sent him away to study at Ruskin College".

It is now hoped the cards will find a place in a Spanish Civil War archive, added Mr Young.

All images copyrighted.

Follow BBC Yorkshire on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Send your story ideas to yorkslincs.news@bbc.co.uk.