Standing united against racism

9:14am Tuesday 21st August 2007

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On August 13, 1977, a mass demonstration stopped the National Front marching from New Cross to the centre of Lewisham. Reporter WILLIAM DAVIES learns what happened on that day.

THE battle of Lewisham happened when more than 10,000 anti-fascists took to the streets to stop the National Front from marching.

Now 30 years on, a concert is being planned to commemorate the day and remind people racism will not be tolerated in the community.

The event is being organised by Lewisham Anti-Racist Action Group and will be held at Goldsmith's College on October 27.

During the 1970s, the National Front had been growing in popularity and in May 1977 the group had gained 119,000 votes in the elections for the Greater London Council.

In some areas, this equated to one in five votes.

The electoral successes were accompanied by growing racial tension on the streets.

When word got out the National Front was planning to march, the All-Lewisham Campaign Against Racism and Fascism refused to directly oppose them.

Instead a counter-demonstration was set up in a different part of Lewisham and at a different time.

However, thousands ignored the advice of the All-Lewisham Campaign Against Racism and Fascism and decided to meet the National Front head on.

A hail of bricks, bottles and smoke bombs met the National Front as they tried to march.

As the march moved slowly through the streets, the National Front was getting hit from all sides.

At one point the march was cut in half as anti-fascists broke police lines and engaged in hand-to-hand fighting with the National Front marchers.

In the end, the National Front march was dispersed with less than half the parade route having been completed.

Chairman of the Lewisham Anti-Racist Action Group, Councillor Jarman Parmar, said: "We all need to stand together to defeat fascism.

"I witnessed first-hand the events in Lewisham in 1977.

"It was an extremely frightening scene with bricks and bottles being thrown. It lasted for most of the day."

The 70-year-old added: "The police were out in force to stop it from spilling over. I've never seen so many.

"I was inspired by the way the community said no to the fascists; they will not pass here."

The retired civil servant added: "I have continued fighting racism throughout my life, whether in the workplace, in various campaigns and in my role as a councillor, since I was first elected in Lewisham in 1990.

"We are appealing for anyone wishing to join us in commemorating this historic event in Lewisham 30 years ago, particularly those who were there, to join us to mark the event."

Were you at the battle of Lewisham? Do you have any memories you would like to share? If so, call William Davies on 01689 885711.