Paco Robles Obituary: Last Survivor of 1937 Spanish Child 2026

Paco Robles, one of the last survivors of the largest single-day migration into the UK, has died aged 99. His story is a poignant chapter in the history of the Spanish Civil War and the 4,000 refugees who fled to Southampton in May 1937.

The Journey of the Habana

On 23 May 1937, the ageing former cruise ship Habana arrived in Southampton carrying about 3,800 children, including 10-year-old Paco and his younger sister Maria Jesus. They were escaping the violence of the Spanish Civil War, which had ravaged their homeland.

The ship was a symbol of hope for many families, as volunteer teachers, priests, and supporters accompanied the children to ensure their safe passage. Paco's parents, Martina and Germillano, made the heart-wrenching decision to send their children away after the bombing of Guernica in April 1937.

Life in the Colonies

Upon arrival, the UK government refused to provide public funding for the children's care. Instead, Paco was educated in volunteer-run residential homes known as colonies. It was here that he met my aunt, Chloe Vulliamy, who ran the first two hostels he stayed in, including the last to close in 1951.

Paco later spoke emotionally of Chloe as his surrogate mother. In 2017, he unveiled a blue plaque at the first house in Wherstead Park, Suffolk, and was delighted to find that the tree he had climbed there 80 years earlier still stood.

The Aftermath of War

After Franco's victory, he demanded the return of the niños, but for many, including Paco, there was nothing to go back to. His father had been imprisoned, the family home was stolen, and his mother struggled to survive with little food.

Paco's story is a testament to the resilience of children during conflict and the enduring impact of humanitarian efforts.

Key Takeaways from Paco Robles' Life

• Paco was one of the last survivors of the 1937 Spanish child migration to the UK.
• He was among 3,800 children aboard the Habana, fleeing the Spanish Civil War.
• His life was shaped by the volunteer-run colonies and the care of Chloe Vulliamy.
• He later became a symbol of the lasting bonds formed during this humanitarian crisis.
• His story highlights the challenges faced by child refugees then and now.

Comparison of Child Migration Then and Now

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