Paco Robles Obituary: Last Survivor of 1937 Child Migration 2026

Paco Robles obituary: Paco Robles, who has died aged 99, was one of the last survivors of the largest single-day migration into the UK, when about 4,000 people arrived in Southampton on 23 May 1937 fleeing the Spanish civil war. His story is a testament to resilience and the enduring bonds formed through humanitarian efforts.

Early Life and the Spanish Civil War

Paco was born in León, northwestern Spain, to Martina (née Hernando), a maid, and Germillano, a deputy for the Socialist party. When he was young, the family moved to the Basque Country, where his father worked in a steelworks in Bilbao. After the bombing of Guernica in April 1937, his parents managed to get him and his younger sister, Maria Jesus, aboard the Habana, an ageing former cruise ship carrying 3,800 children.

The Journey to the UK

The voyage was part of a larger humanitarian effort led by volunteers, including two aunts of the article's author, Poppy and Chloe Vulliamy. Chloe ran the first two hostels where Paco stayed, and the last to close in 1951. In 2017, Paco unveiled a blue plaque at the first house in Wherstead Park, Suffolk, and spoke emotionally of Chloe's role as his surrogate mother.

Life in the 'Colonies'

Upon arrival, the UK government refused public funding for the children's care, so Paco was educated at volunteer-run residential homes known as 'colonies.' Life was challenging, but these communities provided stability. 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 was imprisoned, the family home stolen, and his mother struggled to survive.

Legacy and Remembrance

Paco's story highlights a little-known chapter of British and Spanish history. His discovery that the tree he had climbed as a child remained intact 80 years later was a poignant moment. He was delighted to see that his past was still present.

Key Takeaways

• Paco Robles was one of the last survivors of the 1937 child migration from Spain to the UK.
• His journey was part of a larger humanitarian effort during the Spanish Civil War.
• He was cared for in volunteer-run hostels, with Chloe Vulliamy as a surrogate mother.
• After the war, many children could not return to Spain due to unsafe conditions.
• His legacy is remembered through a blue plaque and the story of his resilience.

Comparison: Then and Now

FAQ

FAQ

Paco Robles's life story is a powerful reminder of the impact of war on children and the importance of humanitarian compassion. His memory lives on through the blue plaque and the countless lives he touched.