The story of the Jewish ex-servicemen who fought against Oswald
Mosley after World War II
In 1946 many Jewish soldiers returned to their homes in England
imagining that they had fought and defeated the forces of fascism in
Europe. Yet in London they found a revived fascist movement inspired
by Sir Oswald Mosley and stirring up agitation against Jews and
communists. Many felt that the government, the police and even the
Jewish Board of Deputies were ignoring the threat; so they had to
take matters into their own hands, by any means necessary.
Forty-three Jewish
servicemen met together and set up a group that tirelessly organised,
infiltrated meetings, and broke up street demonstrations to stop the
rebirth of the far right. The group included returned war heroes;
women who went undercover; and young Jews, such as hairdresser Vidal
Sassoon, seeking adventure. From 1947, the 43 Group grew into a
powerful troop that could muster hundreds of fighters turning
meetings into mass street brawls at short notice.
The history of the
43 Group is not just a gripping story of a forgotten moment in
Britain’s postwar history; it is also a timely lesson in how to
confront fascism, and how to win.