The Remarkable Story of The 43 Group Battling With Mosley Blackshirts

In the aftermath of World War II, Britain was striving to rebuild itself both economically and socially. However, amidst the post-war chaos, another sinister force emerged – the Mosley Blackshirts. Led by Sir Oswald Mosley, the British Union of Fascists (BUF) attracted a significant following while spreading their hateful ideology and promoting racial discrimination. But in the face of this rising menace, a group of brave and determined individuals gathered to confront and challenge them head-on. This article takes you on a journey through history, exploring the heroic efforts of The 43 Group and their battle with the Mosley Blackshirts.

The Rise of Mosley and the Blackshirts

Sir Oswald Mosley, a highly educated and charismatic politician, formed the BUF in the early 1930s. With the aim of creating a single-party state and promoting fascist ideologies, the Blackshirts pledged allegiance to Mosley's cause. As their numbers grew, so did the fear and concern among the British public.

Mosley's party frequently organized rallies, street demonstrations, and public meetings. Their activities were marked by violence, intimidation, and the spread of anti-Semitic propaganda. This intimidated minority groups, especially Jewish communities who bore the brunt of their wrath.

The 43 Group: Battling with Mosley's Blackshirts

by Morris Beckman(Kindle Edition)

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Language	:	English
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However, in the face of this rising fascism, a group of Jewish ex-servicemen who had fought against the Nazis during the war decided it was time to take matters into their own hands.

The Formation of The 43 Group

The 43 Group, named after the 43 Group of Royal Engineers that had served during World War II, was established in 1946. Comprised of mainly Jewish ex-servicemen, including those who had just returned from the front lines, they were undeterred by the challenges that lay ahead.

The group's primary objective was to confront and disrupt the activities of the Mosley Blackshirts, preventing them from rallying support and inciting violence. Their efforts were driven by a determination to protect their communities and ensure that the mindset that nearly brought Europe to its knees during the war was not allowed to take root in their homeland.

They believed in fighting fire with fire, often using methods that were not entirely lawful. Though their actions were not always above reproach, it was a clear display of the group's commitment to stand against the rising tide of fascism.

A Trail of Confrontations

The 43 Group engaged in a series of confrontations with the Mosley Blackshirts that would shake the streets of London. Their tactics ranged from physically disrupting rallies and meetings to infiltrating and exposing the inner workings of the Blackshirts organization. They aimed to unmask the sinister motives and methods of the BUF, shedding light on the true face of fascism.

The group's efforts proved to be incredibly effective. Through their persistent actions and fearless confrontations, they managed to significantly weaken the Blackshirts and reduce their influence over time.

One notable incident involved a clash between the two groups in Ridley Road Market, East London, in 1947. The confrontation erupted into an all-out brawl, resulting in numerous injuries and arrests on both sides. This incident, among others, demonstrated the determination and resolve of The 43 Group and their refusal to back down in the face of such hate.

Legacy and Impact

The impact of The 43 Group's battle with the Mosley Blackshirts cannot be overstated. By actively resisting and confronting fascist movements, they sent a powerful message that such ideologies would not be tolerated in British society.

The group's actions drew attention to the dangerous rise of far-right extremism and the importance of taking a united stand against it. Their legacy serves as a reminder that ordinary people can come together to challenge oppression and protect democratic values.

While the BUF eventually lost traction and disbanded in the 1950s, the fight against extremism continues to be relevant in contemporary society. The 43 Group's remarkable courage serves as an inspiration for all those who strive for a more inclusive and tolerant world.

The story of The 43 Group battling with the Mosley Blackshirts is an inspiring tale of resistance and resilience. Against the backdrop of post-war Britain, this group of Jewish ex-servicemen took it upon themselves to confront and challenge the fascist threat that was resurfacing.

Through their determined actions, they demonstrated that unity, courage, and unwavering commitment can make a difference in the face of hate. The legacy left by The 43 Group is a reminder that the fight against discrimination and extremism is an ongoing one, and it requires collective effort to safeguard the principles of equality and justice.

The 43 Group: Battling with Mosley's Blackshirts

by Morris Beckman(Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2327 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	282 pages

FREE

Oswald Mosley decided he could carry on where Hitler and Mussolini had left off. On street corners his fascist speakers would proclaim ‘not enough Jews were burned at Belsen’. Enter the 43 Group. In a ferocious, bloody and brilliantly covert five-year campaign, they destroyed the Mosleyites. The membership of the Group was almost entirely made up of British servicemen, the original 43 members quickly swelling to more than 300 and including a Battle of Britain ace, a VC winner – and Vidal Sasson! The Groups philosophy of the ‘3 D's’ - Discuss, Decide and Do it – were quickly manifested on the streets of London, with thousands of fascist meetings and rallies sent packing. The Group was organised in 'wedges' of a dozen or so. These wedges would attend a BUF rally and at a given signal would storm the speaker’s platform, attacking BUF stewards and speaker. The members' military background ensured tight discipline and brutally effective actions. This, combined with a number of spies within the fascist ranks, ensured the 43 Group almost always came out on top, closing down two-thirds of all fascist activity in the UK until its simultaneous demise with organised fascism in Britain in 1950. As capitalism falters, fascism is gathering strength in Europe today. This book is a timely reminder of how it gathers that strength - and one way of stopping it.