THE grand old man of trade unionism has known them all in his time - prime ministers and chancellors, the knights of industry and the lords of inherited wealth.

But yesterday Jack Jones was back among his own people in his native Liverpool, shaking hands, smiling and remembering.

His particular memories were for his old comrades from the Spanish Civil War. About 160 men from Merseyside enlisted. Twenty seven were killed.

Their names are inscribed on the timber board at the entrance hall to the People’s Centre in Mount Pleasant, Liverpool.

Jack was there, opening an exhibition of paintings, banners and photographs, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the International Brigades being stood down.

By then, the Republican forces of the democratically elected Spanish government faced defeat before the might of Franciso Franco’s fascists, backed by Mussolini’s Italy and Hitler’s Germany.

Jack, now 95, was wounded in the shoulder when serving with the British Battalion of the XV International Brigade on Hill 481 during the Battle of Ebro.

The condition of the poor around his home in York Street, Garston, Liverpool, had persuaded the young Jack that changes must be made.

And he was a Labour councillor and active trade unionist when he went to Spain.

In the post-war years, he became one of the most powerful trade unionists in Britain, serving as general secretary of the Transport and General Workers from 1969 to 1978, meeting government ministers. He is now honorary life president of the National Pensions’ Convention.

Yesterday, he was escorted by his son Mick, a distinguished artist and designer, whose magnificent poster of Liverpool’s labour history hangs in the centre.

"The power was in the hands of Hitler and Mussloni and they were sweeping Europe with their forces," he said.

"They had to be resisted. One felt that this was essential even to the point of sacrificing your life."

Then Jack, a man of unshakeable conviction, looked at the photographs of his old comrades and shook his wise head in admiration.

The exhibition runs at the People’s Centre for a month. Details: 0151 709 3995.

A full interview with Jack Jones and an appreciation of his life will appear in tomorrow’s Daily Post.