Catalogue

Interview
1018, LO/373/324
Leicester Oral History Archive Collection

Speaker: Atcheson, Alex, 1912 - , Interviewee, Male,
Speaker: McGrath, JM, Interviewer, Male

Summary of interview item: Outlines father's working career, affiliation to Heineman's Socialist Democratic Federation, Women's Suffragette Movement. Explains influence of 1916 Easter Rising in Ireland on himself, speakers at Hyde Park [London], Bomb Shop in Charing Cross Road. Details his political life mentioning Socialist Propaganda League, 1936 Spanish Civil War, interest in Trotskyism, CLR James. Talks of activities in disputed European territories with International Tramping Tours, leafletting at Oswald Mosely march, joining trade union, moving to Leicester. Describes Labour Party in Leicester, varying attitudes to World War II - initially perceived as 'Imperialist'. Details life in army, class differences, logistics of anti-aircraft division in Malta, censorship of letters, 'subversive' newsletters such as 'Reynolds news'. Explains view that experience of 'class army' led to 1945 Labour election victory. Talks about trade unions after Second World War, position of women in unions. Reflects on role of trade unions in UK.
Place of birth: Islington, London
Education: To age 17
Marital Status: , Children:
Father's Occupation: Nurse, Hospital warden
Mother's Occupation:
Location: County: Leicestershire
Location: Town/Place: Leicester, London
Periods Covered: 1910s, 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s
Language: English

Recording Date: 14/5/1987
Playing time: 1 hr 24 mins
Access Restrictions: Full clearance Item Copyright: EMOHA
Summary: Yes
Transcription: No
Copies: yes
Cross Reference:

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Last updated: 08/05/02 East Midland Oral History Archive Web maintainer This document has been approved by the head of department or section.