After years hidden away, Oldham’s memorial to six local volunteers who died fighting fascism in the Spanish civil war has been restored to public view, marking both a victory for campaigners and a renewed tribute to the town’s proud International Brigade heritage, says ROB HARGREAVES
TODAY is the 80th anniversary of Operation Barbarossa, when the German army and the full force of Hitler fascism attacked the Soviet Union, without warning, in breach of a non-aggression pact.
Operation Barbarossa took place at lightning pace on a sunny Sunday morning, June 22 1941, and immediately became the most formidable and deadly invasion in the history of mankind.
Worse was to follow. Much worse. Hitler referred to the assault as a “Vernichtungskrieg.” It was a war of destruction. The war for territory was a by-product of a war to the death between two world systems.
NICK MATTHEWS previews a landmark book launch taking place in Leicester next weekend
The pivotal role of the Red Army and sacrifices of the Russian people in the defeat of Nazi Germany must never be forgotten, writes DR DYLAN MURPHY



