62 Group

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The 62 Group was a militant broad-based coalition of anti-fascists in London. Based on the earlier 43 Group, it was set up in 1962 largely in response to the resurgence of fascism in Britain at the time, and particularly the creation of Colin Jordan's National Socialist Movement. It used violence against the remnants of Oswald Mosley's Union Movement, the original British National Party, and the emerging National Front, as well as the NSM.^[1]

Membership[]

The Group was led by Harry Bidney, a Soho night club manager and managed day-to-day by hardman enforcer, Paul Nathan who was known for his tough image and wild temper.^[2] It was modeled after the earlier 43 Group, which had also included Bidney as a member.^{[citation needed]} Formal membership was only open to those who were Jewish, but the Group worked with people from other communities including many Irish and Black activists.^{[citation needed]}

Another notable member was Gerry Gable, who would later create the magazine Searchlight.^[3][1]

Activities[]

The Group's tactics consisted of direct action against those groups it believed were organising violence against minority groups, which sometimes resulted in violent confrontations. On one occasion in July 1962 this led to a riot in London's Trafalgar Square, when Jordan tried to address a crowd while standing in front of a large banner which read: "Free Britain from Jewish Control".^[4] It also used intelligence, including informers within the fascist groups.^[3][1][5]

See also[]

• Anti-fascism
• 43 Group

References[]

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