Sir – I was glad to read (on my return from holiday) (Stone memorial will honour Spanish Civil War volunteers, August 14) that Oxford will commemorate those that fought tyranny by volunteering to join the International Brigade in the Spanish Civil War. Oxford has an honourable place in the fight against fascism.

My family was engaged in the opposition to Hitler in Germany and had to flee to this country when Hitler became more powerful. Escape was only made possible because an Oxford college generously offered my father a job, as part of its contribution to the fight again oppressors.

I know many other families owe their survival to the generosity of Oxford institutions and individuals.

Andrew Burchardt, Wolvercote