King Edward VII Police (Scotland) Medal 1903 to the Fire Brigade, the Army  & St Andrew’s Ambulance Association

I know for certain that members of the City of Glasgow Fire brigade were awarded medals for being on duty for the Royal Visit to Glasgow in 1903.

 

It is equally certain that members of the St Andrew’s Ambulance Association and members of the Volunteer Army Medical Services as well as other Volunteer Regiments acted as stretcher bearers during the visits to Edinburgh and Glasgow.

I am still gathering the evidence to confirm the above.

If you have medals to Fire Brigade, the Army or St Andrew’s Ambulance Association, it would be very useful to know the details impressed on the rim to collate a medal roll for the medal.

Please contact the site via enquiries@scottishpolicemedals.co.uk. Thank you.

Army

City of Glasgow Fire Brigade

City of Glasgow Fire Brigade

King George VII Police Medal (Scotland) 1903 (‘Visit to Scotland Medal’)

Fire Superintendent John Banks

 

The Early Years

John Banks was born on 27 September 1874 in Dumbarton, Dunbartonshire in Scotland. His father was George Banks, a Burgh Surveyor and Inspector of Streets, Cleansing and Lighting,  and his mother, Jane Christian. His parents were married in Dumbarton on 29 January 1864.

 

I think his family emigrated to Canada and on 2 February 1897, he married Catherine A Anderson in Toronto, Canada.

 

By the end of that year, he was a Fireman in City of Glasgow Fire Brigade.

 

Renfield Street Fire & Explosion

In January 1898, he had a very lucky escape when an explosion at a fire in premises in Renfield Street, killed four of his colleagues. John was standing next to the four firemen when the roof collapsed and only he survived.

 

A contemporary Glasgow Herald report on the funerals of the four men can be seen below.

 

Curiously, one of the dead Firemen was named Battersby, the son of a local Bailie. When John Banks was injured in 1939, the firemen injured at the same time then was also called Battersby.

By the Census of 1901, John, Catherine and their two children, Jeannie (1) and John (9 months), were living in accomadation at the Fire Station at 509 St George’s Road, Glasgow.

 

Royal Visit of King Edward VII to Glasgow 1903

In 1903, John Banks was on duty for the Royal Visit of King Edward VII to Glasgow. He was awarded the King Edward VII Police Medal (Scotland) which is more commonly known as ‘The Visit to Scotland Medal’. The medal inscription can be seen in the pictures below.

John rose through the Fire Brigade ranks and in 1920, he was interviewed by the Royal Commission on Fire Brigades and Fire Prevention. He was awarded the King George V Jubilee Medal in 1935.

 

During his career, he was ‘knocked out’ by gas on three occasions, including an incident in 1939 (see below) which meant he was on the ‘Sick List’ at the date of his retirement.

Retirement

Fire Superintendent John Banks retired from the City of Glasgow Fire Brigade in 1939.

 

Although retired, he was a member of the Stepps Fire Guard during World War 2. In his eighties, he was still living in Stepps and giving talks on his time as a Firefighter.

 

The End of the Story

John Banks, Retired Fire Brigade Superintendent, (88), died in Partick on 5 June 1963. His two wives, Catherine Anderson and Elizabeth McDonald Miller, having predeceased him.

 

I am grateful to Damon Rogers for the images of John Banks’ medal and most of the information regarding his career with City of Glasgow Fire Brigade.

 

Superintendent Banks was awarded the King George V Jubilee Medal in 1935. It is highly likely that he was also awarded the City of Glasgow Fire Brigade Long Service Medal and the ward of the Association of Professional Fire Brigade Officers Medal during his long service.

City of Glasgow Fire Brigade

King Edward VII Police (Scotland) Medal 1903

City of Glasgow Fire Brigade

Fireman William Campbell

 

Unfortunately, there were two Fireman William Campbells’ in the City of Glasgow Fire Brigade in 1903!

The eldest possible candidate, William Campbell (56) was born in Kilbirnie in Ayrshire on 26 March 1847 and lived in Cranston Street in Anderston. He and his wife Martha, were still there in 1911 when he was 64 and still employed by the Fire Brigade.

 

Some of his postings were as follows:

 

Dates	Fire station
1876 - 1886	Bridgeton Fire Station
1886 - 1894	Western Fire Station
1894 until Retirement	Not known

 

This William Campbell died on 28 March 1931 in Largs in Ayrshire, aged 84. Martha had pre-deceased him.

The younger William Campbell (27) was born in Glasgow and lived in Springburn Road, Glasgow.

Before 1911, he and his wife Christina emigrated first to Montreal in Canada and later to Cochise, Arizona, United States of America. They were still there in the US Census of 1920.

It is possible that the elder William Campbell was awarded a City of Glasgow Fire Brigade Long Service medal too since he was also a Fireman in Glasgow in 1881?

Any information you can provide will be gratefully received. Thank you. 

 

City of Glasgow Fire Brigade

City of Glasgow Fire Brigade

King Edward VII Police (Scotland) Medal, 1903

 

City of Glasgow Fire Brigade Long Service Medal

 

Association of Professional Fire Brigade Officers Medal

 

 

City of Glasgow Fire Brigade

 

Fireman William McLennan

 

This is a very interesting group of three medals, the Visit to Scotland medal to Fireman William McLennan of City of Glasgow Fire Brigade along with his Fire Brigade Long Service medal with bars for ’20 Years’, and two additional periods of ‘5 Years’.

 

William McLennan was born in Elgin on 9 January, 1872 and was a Plumber before joining the Fire Brigade on 24 April, 1895.

 

He retired as Superintendent (Southern) on 30 September, 1929.

 

I am very grateful to Ian Hall for the images of Superintendent McLennan and his medals, history and permission to use them.

City of Glasgow Fire Brigade

King Edward VII Police (Scotland) Medal 1903

City of Glasgow Fire Brigade Long Service Medal

 

City of Glasgow Fire Brigade

Fireman Joseph Turnbull  

 

Joseph Turnbull was born in the County of Roxburgh on 14 October 1858.

 

He joined Glasgow Fire Brigade on 8 November 1890 when he was 32 years old. His previous occupation was a ‘Cloth Finisher’.

 

The following information is incomplete but shows some of the places he served:

 

Dates	Fire station
1890 – 1891	Eastern Fire Station
1891 - 1902	Not found
1902 - 1916	Southern Fire Station
1916 - 1924	Partick Fire Station

 

Joseph Turnbull retired on pension on 29 June 1924.

 

(The above image and history courtesy of David Fraser)

 

The St Andrew’s Ambulance Association

The St Andrew’s Ambulance Association

King Edward VII Police (Scotland) Medal, 1903 (St Andrew’s Ambulance Association)

Volunteer Long Service & Good Conduct Medal, (Army Order 215, October, 1900)

 

George Curdie  

St Andrew’s Ambulance Association, Ambulance Attendant/Officer

 

Introduction to George Curdie, born 1859 in Kilmarnock

 

George Curdie, born 29 April, 1859 in Kilmarnock in the County of Ayr was the son of James Curdie, a House Painter, born around 1833, himself the son of George Curdie born in Kilmarnock around 1793 who with his wife, Margaret Lymburn or Curdie, had a least seven children.

 

James married Martha Wildin in Kilmarnock in 1857 and later that year, their first child George (b.1857) was born. Unfortunately, George died later in 1857.

 

The couple had their second child in 1859 and again, named him George (b.1859) after his paternal grand-father, George (b.1793). This child was subsequently awarded the above medals in his later life.

 

George Curdie (b.1793) was sometime a Hand Loom weaver and later a Victualler and Grocer. He married Margaret Lymburn or Curdie in 1821 at Kilmarnock.

 

His first son James was born in 1824 and a second named James, again around 1833. James was the name of Margaret Lymburn’s father so it is likely that after their first child died, the couple named another child after its maternal grand-father. Please see the Census of Scotland details below.

 

Between the Census of 1871 and July, 1875, James (b.1824) and Martha moved to live in the Burgh of Govan near Glasgow.

 

Sometime before 1880, George Curdie (b.1859) joined the 5^th Volunteer Battalion of the Highland Light Infantry in Glasgow.

 

Between 1891 and 1901, George (b.1859) ceased being a House Painter and became an Ambulance Attendant with the St Andrew’s Ambulance Association since that is the occupation listed in both Census’ from 1901 onwards. His brother, Charles Wildin Curdie, born 1861 in Kilmarnock, was also a St Andrew’s Ambulance Attendant in Glasgow.

 

George Curdie (b.1895) died in Glasgow in 1936. He never married.

 

What follows is the chronological record of his parents, grandparents, brothers and some other relatives. The spelling of some of the names and the ages of the family members do not always agree from year to year but I have listed them as they are recorded in official documents on each separate occasion.

 

Church Registers, Old Parish Registers, Kilmarnock in the County of Ayr, 1821

 

The Church of Scotland Parish Records of Marriages in Kilmarnock for the year 1821 record that on “26 January, 1821, George Curdy and Margaret Lymburn both Kilmarnock, after Proclamation were married.”

 

This was the marriage of George Curdie’s grand-parents. Curdy is spelled with a ‘y’ but in later documents, becomes ‘Curdie’.

 

Church Registers, Old Parish Registers, Kilmarnock in the County of Ayr, 1824

 

The Church of Scotland Parish Records in Kilmarnock for the year 1824 record that “James, 2^nd child of George Curdie, Weaver and Margaret Lymburn, spouses, born February, 27^th, 1824.”

 

This created a puzzle; because, on his marriage certificate in 1857, James Curdie’s age is given as “24”. In the Census of 1841, his age is given as ‘8’ which mean he was born around 1833.

 

I think the 1824 birth is that of the ‘first’ James Curdie (b.1824). The 1833 birth is that of George Curdie’s (b.1859) father James. According to all other Registrar documents, his father was born in or around 1833.

 

 

Church Registers, Old Parish Registers, Girthon in the County of Kirkcudbrightshire, 1836

 

The Church of Scotland records for the Parish of Girthon in the County of Kirkcudbrightshire in the year of 1836 show that “Martha, lawful daughter of Charles Wildin, Under Game Keeper & Jane Smith, Porter Lodge, born 6^th August and Baptised 16^th October, 1836.”

 

This is the birth of George Curdie’s mother Martha. Her age in 1857 is apparently correctly shown as “21”.

 

Census of Scotland, 1841

 

Recorded living at Park Street in Kilmarnock in the Census of Scotland, 1841 were George Curdie (b.1793), his wife Margaret and their family.

 

In 1841, only the County of Birth was confirmed. It is likely that all listed were born in Kilmarnock but it is not recorded in the Census.

 

So far, I have only found the births of the children, John, 1^st, James, 2^nd and George 4^th. Margaret, according to her Death Certificate, was born 1826 although, using the Census of 1841, it was around 1831.

 

If James was indeed, the 2nd child born in 1824, then by 1841 he would have been 17 years old rather than 8.

 

Although I have not yet found a record, I believe the first ‘James’ born to the couple died between 1824 and 1833 and they then named a later child born in 1833 by the same name (after Margaret’s father, James Lymburn). This was a common practice in Scotland at that time and indeed, it was followed in 1859 by James, the father of ‘George Curdie’ born in 1859, the subject of this article:

 

Name & Age	Occupation	Place & County of Birth
George Curdie, (40)	Carter	Ayrshire
Margaret Curdie, (40)		Ayrshire
John Curdie, (15)		Ayrshire
George Curdie, (12)		Ayrshire
Margaret Curdie, (10)		Ayrshire
James Curdie, (8)		Ayrshire
Thomas Curdie, (3)		Ayrshire
Janet Curdie, (1)		Ayrshire

 

Census of Scotland, 1841

 

Living at Hunthall in Dunlop, Ayrshire on the night of the Census of Scotland in 1841 were Jean Wildin, wife of Charles Wildin, the parents of George Cundie’s future mother, Martha Wildin. I have not, so far, found her husband in the Census. I have used the spelling in the Census which might be a mis-transcription by Ancestry.

 

Jean Wildin’s place of birth is recorded in this Census as Ayrshire but she was actually born in Gatehouse of Fleet in Kirkcudbrightshire. Please see above:

 

Name & Age	Occupation	Place & County of Birth
Jean Welden, (30)		Ayrshire
Charles Welden, (9)		Ayrshire
Agnes Welden,(6)		Ayrshire
Martha Welden, (4)		Ayrshire
Alexander Francis Wright Welden, (4 months)		Ayrshire

 

Census of Scotland, 1851

 

Living at ‘Blair’s Land’, Langlands Street in Kilmarnock in Ayrshire on the night of the Census of Scotland, 1851 were George Curdie (b.1793), his wife Margaret (George Curdie’s grand-parents) and their family, (including James Curdie (b.1833), George Curdie’s father).

 

For the sake of accuracy, I have copied the details from the Census form but there are discrepancies in the ages of George and Margaret ages from past Census’ although the children’s seem correct:

 

Name & Age	Occupation	Place & County of Birth
George Curdie, (55)	Carter	Kilmarnock, Ayrshire
Margaret Curdie, (55)		Kilmarnock, Ayrshire
George Curdie, (22),	Painter	Kilmarnock, Ayrshire
Margaret Curdie, (20)		Kilmarnock, Ayrshire
James Curdie, (18)	Painter	Kilmarnock, Ayrshire
Thomas Curdie, (13)	Errand Boy	Kilmarnock, Ayrshire
Janet Curdie, (10)	Scholar	Kilmarnock, Ayrshire
Robert Curdie, (7)	Scholar	Kilmarnock, Ayrshire

 

Church Registers, Old Parish Registers, Kilmarnock in the County of Ayr, 1851

 

The following is an extract from the Church of Scotland Kilmarnock Parish Register of Marriages in the year 1851. I believe it concerns James Curdie’s elder brother and his wife.

 

“Kilmarnock, 19 December, 1851, George Curdie, (b.1828) in Robertson Place and Jane McDonald in East Netherton after proclamation the extract was called for in order to marriage.”

 

Statutory Registers of Marriages in the District of Kilmarnock in the County of Ayr, 1857

 

The following is an extract from Register of Marriages in the District of Kilmarnock in the County of Ayr in 1857.

 

“On 3^rd day of July, 1857, at Kilmarnock, Marriage after Banns was solemnised between us according to the Forms of the United Presbyterian Church.”

 

The groom was James Curdie, (24), a Painter and Batchelor and the bride was Martha Wildin, (21), Spinster, both of whom lived at Robertson Place, Kilmarnock.

 

James’ parents were George Curdie, a Victualler and his mother, Margaret Lymburn. Martha’s parents were Charles Wildin, a Game Keeper and Jane Smith.

  

Statutory Registers of Births in the District of Kilmarnock in the County of Ayr, 1857

 

On 2 October, 1857, at 24 Princes Street, Kilmarnock, George Curdie, the son of James Curdie, a House Painter and Martha Wilden or Curdie was born. His father registered the birth.

                                           

Statutory Registers of Deaths in the District of Kilmarnock in the County of Ayr, 1857

 

On 10 October, 1857, at Robertson Place, Kilmarnock, George Curdie, the son of James Curdie, a House Painter and Martha Wilden or Curdie died. His father registered his death.

 

Statutory Registers of Deaths in the District of Kilmarnock in the County of Ayr, 1858

 

“At Robertson Place, Kilmarnock on 28 July, 1858, Margaret Curdie, Married Wife of a Victualler, died of Dysentery.

 

Her father was James Lymburn, a Coach Driver, deceased and her mother, Jean Howie or Lymburn, also deceased.

 

Margaret was buried in “St Andrew’s Burial Ground” in Kilmarnock. Her husband, George Curdie (b.1793), registered her death.

 

Statutory Registers of Births in the District of Kilmarnock in the County of Ayr, 1859

 

On 29 April, 1859, at 24 Princes Street, Kilmarnock, George Curdie, the son of James Curdie, a House Painter and Martha Wilden or Curdie was born. His father registered the birth.

 

I believe that like his father before him, James chose to name his second child after his own father George, and also after his first son who had died in 1857.

 

Statutory Registers of Births in the District of Kilmarnock in the County of Ayr, 1861

 

On 20 February, 1861, at 24 Princes Street, Kilmarnock, Charles Wildin Curdie, the son of James Curdie, a House Painter and Martha Wilden or Curdie was born. His father registered the birth.

 

Census of Scotland, 1861

 

Living at 24 Princes Street, Kilmarnock in Ayrshire on the night of the Census of Scotland, 1861 were James Curdie, (son of George (b.1793), his wife Martha and their two children:

 

Name & Age	Occupation	Place & County of Birth
James Curdie, (27)	House Painter	Kilmarnock, Ayrshire
Martha Curdie, (22)		Gatehouse of Fleet, Kirkcudbright
George Curdie, (2)		Kilmarnock, Ayrshire
Charles Wilden Curdie, (2 months)		Kilmarnock, Ayrshire

 

Census of Scotland, 1861

 

Living at 26 Robertson Place, Kilmarnock in Ayrshire on the night of the Census of Scotland, 1861 were George Curdie (b.1828), (son of George (b.1793) and brother of James, (b.1833), his wife Jane and their three children:

 

Name & Age	Occupation	Place & County of Birth
George Curdie, (32)	House Painter	Kilmarnock, Ayrshire
Jane Curdie, (32)		Muthill, Perthshire
Annie  Curdie, (8)		Kilmarnock, Ayrshire
George Curdie, (6)		Kilmarnock, Ayrshire
Robert Curdie, (8)		Kilmarnock, Ayrshire

 

Census of Scotland, 1861

 

Living at 16 Robertson Place, Kilmarnock in Ayrshire on the night of the Census of Scotland, 1861 were Thomas Curdie (b.1836), (son of George and brother of James and Robert), his wife Charlotte and their son, also George (b.1861).

 

His father, George (b.1793) and his brother Robert (b.1843) were also at the address that night:

 

Name & Age	Occupation	Place & County of Birth
Thomas Curdie, (25)	Grocer	Kilmarnock, Ayrshire
Charlotte Curdie, (22)		Irvine, Ayrshire
George Curdie, (3 months)		Kilmarnock, Ayrshire
George Curdie, (67)	Formerly Grocer	Kilmarnock, Ayrshire
Robert Curdie, (18)	Gilder (Brother of Thomas)	Kilmarnock, Ayrshire

 

Census of Scotland, 1871

 

Living at 50 Strand Street, Kilmarnock in Ayrshire on the night of the Census of Scotland, 1871 were the following. I can find no trace of James Curdie in the Census of that year although it is possible he may have been working in Glasgow and living in lodgings in Govan.

 

There were other members of the Curdie living in Glasgow at the time and it is possible James was there looking for somewhere to live as by the 1875, he, Martha and the family were living in Govan permanently:

 

Name & Age	Occupation	Place & County of Birth
Martha Wilden Curdie, (34)		Gatehouse of Fleet, Kirkcudbright
George Curdie, (12)	Scholar	Kilmarnock, Ayrshire
Charles Wilden Curdie, 10)	Scholar	Kilmarnock, Ayrshire
Frederick Alfred Wilden, (5 months)	(Nephew)	Overtoun, Ayrshire

 

Statutory Registers of Births in the District of Govan Church in the County of Lanark, 1875

 

On 10 July, 1875, at 10 Alva Street, Govan, John Curdie, the son of James Curdie, a House Painter and Martha Wilden or Curdie was born. His father registered the birth.

 

James and Martha had been married on 3 July, 1857 in Kilmarnock.

 

Statutory Registers of Births in the District of Govan Church in the County of Lanark, 1879

 

On 2 July, 1879, at 19 Merryland Street, Govan, James Thomas Martin Curdie, the son of James Curdie, a House Painter and Martha Wilden or Curdie was born. His mother registered the birth.

 

James and Martha had been married on 3 July, 1857 in Kilmarnock.

 

Census of Scotland, 1881

 

George Curdie, (88) was living on his own at 70 Robertson Place, Kilmarnock in the Census of Scotland, 18881:

 

Name & Age	Occupation	Place & County of Birth
George Curdie, (88)	Annuitant	Kilmarnock, Ayrshire

 

Census of Scotland, 1881

 

In the Census of Scotland, 1881, James and Martha Curdie and their four sons were living at 19 Merryland Street in Govan:

 

Name & Age	Occupation	Place & County of Birth
James Curdie, (46)	House Painter	Kilmarnock, Ayrshire
Martha Curdie, (42)		Gatehouse, Kirkcudbright
George Curdie , (21)	House Painter	Kilmarnock, Ayrshire
Charles Wildin Curdie, (20)	Joiner’s Machine Man	Kilmarnock, Ayrshire
John B. Curdie, (5)		Govan, Lanarkshire
James T. M. Curdie, (1)		Govan, Lanarkshire

 

Census of Scotland, 1891

 

In the Census of Scotland, 1891, James and Martha Curdie and their four sons were living at 19 Merryland Street in Govan:

 

Name & Age	Occupation	Place & County of Birth
James Curdie, (57)	House Painter	Kilmarnock, Ayrshire
Martha Curdie, (53)		Gatehouse, Kirkcudbright
George Curdie , (31)	House Painter	Kilmarnock, Ayrshire
Charles Wildin Curdie, (29)	Woodworking Machine Man	Kilmarnock, Ayrshire
John B. Curdie, (14)	Scholar	Govan, Lanarkshire
James T. M. Curdie, (10)	Scholar	Govan, Lanarkshire

 

Volunteer Force Long Service Medal

 

This medal in silver was awarded for 20 years’ service in the ranks of the Volunteer Force.

 

Army Order number 215, Page 13, issued in October 1900 recorded the award of the Volunteer Long Service Medal (1895 – 1930 –British Issue) to “4054, Serjeant G. Curdie, Highland Light Infantry, 5^th Volunteer Battalion, Scottish District.”

 

George Curdie was awarded this medal in October, 1900 so it is possible his service in the 5^th (Volunteer) Battalion of the Highland Light Infantry dated from at least 1880, possibly from the time he moved to Glasgow from Kilmarnock.

 

The Scotsman newspaper, Tuesday, 16 October, 1900, Page 7

 

"From the War Office yesterday was issued a list of officers, non-commissioned officers and men of the Volunteer Force who have been awarded the Volunteer long service medal. The following are included: -

 

Among the names is "5th V.B.Highland Light Infantry, 4054, Segeant G. Curdie." 

 

The full list is published above and can be seen by clicking on the link "The Scotsman, 16 October, 1900" here.

 

Census of Scotland, 1901

 

In the Census of Scotland, 1901, James and Martha Curdie and their four sons were living at 21 Wemyss Place in the Barony, Glasgow. There are again, discrepancies in some of the ages stated and these could be transcription errors on Ancestry:

 

Name & Age	Occupation	Place & County of Birth
James Curdie, (66)	Painter	Kilmarnock, Ayrshire
Martha Curdie, (64)		Newton Stewart, Kirkcudbright
George Curdie , (37)	Ambulance Officer	Kilmarnock, Ayrshire
Charles Wildin Curdie, (35)	Ambulance Officer	Kilmarnock, Ayrshire
John B. Curdie, (22)	Compositor	Govan, Lanarkshire
James T. M. Curdie, (20)	Blacksmith	Govan, Lanarkshire

 

Royal Visit of King Edward VII to Scotland, 1903

 

It was in this year that George Curdie was awarded the King Edward VII Police (Scotland) Medal, 1903, most likely for his services as an Ambulance officer with the St Andrew’s Ambulance Association (St A. A. A.) in either Glasgow or Edinburgh for the Royal Visit.

 

It is also possible that he was still serving with the 5^th (Volunteer) Battalion Highland Light Infantry and served as a stretcher bearer for the Royal Visits. I hope to confirm which from a search of the St A. A.A. archives sometime in the future.

 

Statutory Registers of Deaths in the District of Kelvin in the Burgh of Glasgow, 1904

 

On 31 May, 1904, at the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, “James Curdie, (70), House Painter, (Journeyman), married to Martha Wildin” died at 05.30 am. His usual address was 21 Wemyss Place, Glasgow.

 

His parents were George Curdie, a Grocer, deceased and Margaret Lymburn or Curdie, also deceased. His son Charles of 176 West Regent Street, registered the death.

 

Valuation Roll for the City & Royal Burgh of Glasgow, 1905 - 1906

 

The Valuation Roll for the City and Royal Burgh of Glasgow for the year 1905-06 lists James Curdie, Painter, as living at 21 Wemyss Place, Glasgow.

 

Statutory Registers of Deaths in the District of Kelvin in the Burgh of Glasgow, 1909

 

On 29 March, 1909, at 21 Wemyss Place, Glasgow, “Martha Curdie, (74), Widow of James Curdie, House Painter” died.

 

Martha’s parents were listed as Charles Wildin, Gamekeeper (deceased) and Jane Smith or Wildin, (deceased). J. T. M. Curdie, her son, registered her death.

 

Statutory Registers of Deaths in the Parish of Kilmarnock in the County of Ayr, 1911

 

On 2 April, 1907, at 6 Burnside Street, Kilmarnock, “Margaret McDonald, (81), Widow of Donald McDonald, Cabinet Maker, Master, “died.

 

Margaret’s parents were listed as George Curdie, a Hand Loom Weaver, deceased and Margaret Lymburn or Curdie, deceased. Her son, George McDonald of 6 Old Irvine Road, Kilmarnock, registered her death.

 

Margaret McDonald was George Curdie’s daughter, the sister of John, Robert and George and James and the aunt of the recipient of the two medals above.

 

Census of Scotland, 1911

 

In the Census of Scotland, 1911, James and Martha Curdie having died in 1904 and 1909, only their four sons were living at 21 Wemyss Place in the Barony, Glasgow:

 

Name & Age	Occupation	Place & County of Birth
George Curdie , (51)	Ambulance Attendant, St Andrew’s Ambulance	Kilmarnock, Ayrshire
Charles Wildin Curdie, (50)	Ambulance Attendant, St Andrew’s Ambulance	Kilmarnock, Ayrshire
John Curdie, (34)	Compositor	Govan, Lanarkshire
Thomas Curdie, (31)	Tile Layer	Govan, Lanarkshire

 

 

Valuation Roll for the City & Royal Burgh of Glasgow, 1915 - 1916

 

The Valuation Roll for the City and Royal Burgh of Glasgow for the year 1915-16 lists Charles W. Curdie, Ambulance Officer, as living at 21 Wemyss Place, Glasgow.

 

Statutory Registers of Marriages in the District of Milton in the Burgh of Glasgow, 1917

 

The following is an extract from Register of Marriages in the District of Milton in the Burgh of Glasgow, 1917.

 

“On 31^st August, 1917, at 125 Hill Street, Glasgow, Marriage after Publication according to the Forms of the United Free Church of Scotland, John Borland Curdie, (46), Compositor, Journeyman, Batchelor, of 21 Wemyss Place, Glasgow, married Rebecca Ann Bingham or McAllister, (46), Carriage Cleaner, Widow, of 7 Ferguson Street, Glasgow.”

 

John’s parents were James Curdie, a Housepainter and his mother, Martha Wildin or Curdie, both deceased. Rebecca’s parents were William Bingham, a Farm Labourer and Mary Kelso or Bingham, both deceased.

 

There is no record of any children born of this marriage.

 

Valuation Roll for the City & Royal Burgh of Glasgow, 1920 - 1921

 

The Valuation Roll for the City and Royal Burgh of Glasgow for the year 1920-21 lists Charles W. Curdie, Ambulance Officer, as living at 21 Wemyss Place, Glasgow.

 

 

Statutory Registers of Deaths in the District of Milton in the Burgh of Glasgow, 1922

 

On 4 June, 1922, at 21 Wemyss Place, Glasgow, “James Thomas Martin Curdie, (42), Tool Grinder, Single”, died at 03.45 pm

 

His parents were James Curdie, a deceased House painter and Martha Wildin or Curdie, both deceased. His brother George of 21 Wemyss Place, Glasgow, registered the death.

 

Valuation Roll for the City & Royal Burgh of Glasgow, 1925 - 1926

 

The Valuation Roll for the City and Royal Burgh of Glasgow for the year 1925-26 lists Charles W. Curdie, Ambulance Officer, as living at 21 Wemyss Place, Glasgow.

 

Valuation Roll for the City & Royal Burgh of Glasgow, 1930 - 1931

 

The Valuation Roll for the City and Royal Burgh of Glasgow for the year 1930-31 lists Charles W. Curdie, Ambulance Officer, as living at 81 Wemyss Street, Glasgow.

 

The Scotsman Newspaper, 1 January, 1935, (Death Notices)

 

"CURDIE - At Bentinck Cottage, Kilmarnock, on the 28th December, 1934, MARGARET JANE LYMBURN, daughter of the late GEORGE CURDIE, painter and decorator. The only intimation."

 

Statutory Registers of Deaths in the District of Hillhead in the Burgh of Glasgow, 1936

 

On 1 January, 1936, at the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, “George Curdie, (76), Ambulance Officer, retired,” died at 03.45 pm. His usual address was 81 Wemyss Street, Glasgow.

 

His parents were James Curdie, a House painter and Martha Wildin or Curdie, both deceased. His brother J. B. Curdie of 7 Ferguson Street, Glasgow, registered the death.

 

Statutory Registers of Deaths in the District of Milton in the Burgh of Glasgow, 1936

 

On 10 December, 1936, at 81 Wemyss Street, Glasgow, “Charles Wildin Curdie, (75), Ambulance Officer, retired,” died at 04.20 pm.

 

His parents were James Curdie, a House painter and Martha Wildin or Curdie, both deceased. His brother J. B. Curdie of 7 Ferguson Street, Glasgow, registered the death.

 

Statutory Registers of Deaths in the District of Milton in the Burgh of Glasgow, 1952

 

On 6 February, 1943, at 81 Wemyss Street, Glasgow, “Rebecca Ann Curdie, (71), married to (1.), Thomas McAllister, Coachman, (2.), John Borland Curdie, Compositor”, died at 11.30 am. Her parents were William Bingham, a Farm Labourer and Mary Kelso or Bingham, both deceased.

 

Her husband, J. B. Curdie, registered her death.

 

Statutory Registers of Deaths in the District of Milton in the Burgh of Glasgow, 1952

 

On 25 June, 1952, at 81 Wemyss Street, Glasgow, “John Borland Curdie, (76), Compositor, Widower of Rebecca Ann Bingham or McAllister,” died at 11.00 am.

 

His parents were James Curdie, a House painter and Martha Wildin or Curdie, both deceased. His Step-son, William McAllister of 66 Greenhill Road, Bonnybridge, registered the death.

 

The end of the story, November, 2016

 

I am hoping to verify George Curdie’s medal awards through access to the archives of the St Andrew’s Ambulance Association at some point in the future.

 

If you can add anything to this story, please get in touch with the website.

 

The St Andrew’s Ambulance Association

The St Andrew’s Ambulance Corps

King Edward VII Police (Scotland) Medal, 1903 (St Andrew’s Ambulance Association)

St Andrew’s (Ambulance) Association Medal

 

George Hill Mason

St Andrew’s Ambulance Association, Caledonian Railway Company Limited St Rollox Works Section

 

 

Statutory Registers of Births in the District of Dennistoun in the County of Lanark, 1880

 

George Hill Mason was born on 30 October, 1880 at 131 East Hill Street, Glasgow. His father was William Mason, A Journeyman Bookbinder and his mother, Annie Hamilton or Mason. His parents were married in Glasgow on 16 June, 1871.

 

Census of Scotland, 1881

 

The parents of George Hill Mason were living at 131 Hill Street in Glasgow in 1881:

 

Name & Age	Occupation	Place & County of Birth
William Mason, (32)	Bookbinder & Finisher	Glasgow, Lanark
Annie Mason, (29)		Glasgow, Lanark
Agnes G. C. Mason, (8)	Scholar	Glasgow, Lanark
James Mason, (7)	Scholar	Glasgow, Lanark
Margaret Mason, (4)	Scholar	Glasgow, Lanark
George H. Mason, (6 months)		Glasgow, Lanark

 

Census of Scotland, 1891

 

In 1891, the parents of George Hill Mason were living with their children and Annie Mason’s mother, Margaret Hamilton, at 65 John Knox Street in Glasgow:

 

Name & Age	Occupation	Place & County of Birth
William Mason, (42)	Foreman Bookbinder	Glasgow, Lanark
Annie Mason, (39)		Glasgow, Lanark
James Mason, (17)	Clerk	Glasgow, Lanark
Margaret Mason, (16)	Message Girl	Glasgow, Lanark
George H. Mason, (10)	Scholar	Glasgow, Lanark
William M. Mason, (6)	Scholar	Glasgow, Lanark
Agnes A. Mason, (3)		Glasgow, Lanark
Margaret Hamilton, (65)	Mother-in-law	Glasgow, Lanark

 

Census of Scotland, 1901

 

In 1901, the parents of George Hill Mason were living with their children at 73 John Knox Street in Glasgow. There is no record of Margaret Hamilton, William Mason’s mother-in-law, in this Census:

 

Name & Age	Occupation	Place & County of Birth
William Mason, (52)	Photo frame blocker in card board	Glasgow, Lanark
Annie Mason, (49)		Glasgow, Lanark
James Mason, (27)	Clerk in Metallic Works	Glasgow, Lanark
George H. Mason, (20)	Tinsmith	Glasgow, Lanark
William M. Mason, (16)	Clerk in Yarn Merchants	Glasgow, Lanark
Agnes A. Mason, (13)	Scholar	Glasgow, Lanark
Marion McM. Mason, (8)	Scholar	Glasgow, Lanark

 

The Caledonian Railway Company Depot, St Rollox, Glasgow

 

It is possible that George Hill Mason was employed at the St Rollox Depot of the Caledonian Railway (see 1911 Census) and that was where he was a member of the St Andrew’s Ambulance section when he was awarded his two medals. I hope to confirm this from archives in Glasgow in the near future (29 October, 2016).

 

Marriages in the District of Bridgeton in the Burgh of Glasgow, 1904

 

On 6 December, 1904, after Publication according to the Forms of the United Free Church, George Hill Mason, (24, a Tinsmith (Journeyman) of 73 John Knox Street, Glasgow, married Elizabeth Watt Dalrymple, (21), of 10 Main Street, Bridgeton in Glasgow.

 

The service was performed by the Reverend William McKenzie and the witnesses were William Muir Mason and Agnes Menzies Dalrymple.

 

The groom’s parents were William Mason, a Newsagent and Annie Hamilton or Mason. The bride’s parents were William Dalrymple, a Public Baths Superintendent and Margaret Whitelaw or Dalrymple.

 

Census of Scotland, 1911

 

Name & Age	Occupation	Place & County of Birth
George H. Mason, (30)	Locomotive Depot, Railway Company	Glasgow. Lanark
Elizabeth Mason, (27)		Glasgow. Lanark
Margaret Ross, (2)	Visitor	Glasgow. Lanark

 

Valuation Roll for the City & Royal Burgh of Glasgow, 1915 - 1916

 

In the Valuation Roll for the City of Glasgow for the year 1915-16, George Hill Mason was listed living at 1238 Springburn Road, Glasgow.

 

Valuation Roll for the City & Royal Burgh of Glasgow, 1925 - 1926

 

In the Valuation Roll for the City of Glasgow in the year 1925-26, George Hill Mason was listed living at 36 Mollinsburn Street, Glasgow.

 

Statutory Registers of Births in the District of Garngadhill in the County of Lanark, 1927

 

It is possible that George and Elizabeth had a daughter, Isabella Mason, born this year in Garngadhill. The reference is 644/5 928.

 

Deaths in the District of Dennistoun in the Burgh of Glasgow, 1928

 

George Hill Mason, (47), died on 28 January, 1928 in the Royal Infirmary, Glasgow. His usual address was 36 Mollinsburn Road, Glasgow. His death was registered by his widow, Elizabeth Dalrymple or Mason later that same day.

 

Marriages in the District of Garngadhill in the County of Lanark, 1928

 

On 9 October, 1928, at 286 Springburn Road, Glasgow, after Banns according to the forms of the United Free Church of Scotland, John Rudge, (56), an Engine Fitter of 1 Crichton Street, Glasgow, married Elizabeth Watt Dalrymple or Mason, (45), a Widow of 36 Mollinsburn Road, Glasgow.

 

Deaths in the District of Troon in the County of Ayr, 1939

 

John Rudge, (66), Engine Fitter of Troon, Ayrshire, died on 10 January, 1939. He had been married to (1), Mary Liston Pennycook and (2), Elizabeth Watt Dalrymple or Mason. His son, James Rudge of 56 Keppochhill Road, Glasgow registered his death.

 

Deaths in the District of Troon in the County of Ayr, 1953

 

Elizabeth Watt Dalrymple or Mason or Rudge, (69), died on 28 January, 1953 at 74 Eglinton Crescent, Troon in Ayrshire. She was the widow of (1), George Hill Mason, Newsagent and (2), John Rudge, Engine Fitter.

 

Her daughter, Isabella Mason, registered her death.

 

The end of the story, October, 2016

 

I am hoping to verify George Hill Mason’s medal awards through access to the archives of the St Andrew’s Ambulance Association and the Caledonian Railway Company at some point in the future.

 

If you can add anything to this story, please get in touch with the website.

 

The St Andrew’s Ambulance Corps

Thank you to Ian Hall for these images and also those under Dumbartonshire Constabulary, Leith Burgh Police Special Constabulary, City of Glasgow Fire Brigade and City of Glasgow Police.

King Edward VII Police (Scotland) Medal, 1903 (St Andrew’s Ambulance Association)

King George V Coronation (St Andrew’s Ambulance Corps) Medal, 1911

Voluntary Medical services Medal (St A. A. A.) (With 3 Long Service Clasps)

 

Robert Andrews Mackie

St Andrew’s Ambulance Association, Rutherglen Section

 

 

Marriages in the District of Rutherglen in the County of Lanark, 1870

 

On 31 December, 1869, at New Farme Rows in Rutherglen, after Banns according to the Forms of the Church of Scotland, Peter Mackie, (23), a Coal Miner married Elizabeth Winning, (19), a Cotton Power Loom Weaver.

 

Peter Mackie’s father was listed as Peter Mackie, a Coal Miner and his mother, Helen McLaughlan or Mackie. Elizabeth Winning’s father was John Winning, a Coal Miner and her mother, Agnes Watson or Winning.

 

Statutory Registers of Births in the District of Rutherglen in the County of Lanark, 1870

 

On 3 June, 1870 at Rutherglen, Peter Mackie, son of Peter Mackie, a Coal Miner and Elizabeth Winning or Mackie, was born. His father registered her death.

 

Census of Scotland, 1871

 

The grandparents of Robert Andrews Mackie were living at Hangingshaw, Cathcart in Lanarkshire.

 

Name & Age	Occupation	Place & County of Birth
Peter Mackie, (48),	Coal Miner	Glasgow, Lanark
Helen Mackie, (45),		Ireland
Rose Ann Mackie, (12)	Scholar	Rutherglen, Lanark
Helen Mackie, (7)	Scholar	Rutherglen, Lanark
William Mackie, (6)	Scholar	Rutherglen, Lanark
James Mackie, (1 month)		Rutherglen, Lanark

 

Census of Scotland, 1881

 

The grand-parents of Robert Andrews Mackie were living at 64 Cathcart Road, Rutherglen in 1881:

 

Name & Age	Occupation	Place & County of Birth
Peter Mackie, (58),	Coal Miner - Unemployed	Glasgow, Lanark
Ellen Mackie, (55),	Agricultural Labourer	Ireland
Rose Ann Mackie, (22)	Worker in Paper Factory	Rutherglen, Lanark
Helen Mackie, 17)	Worker in Cotton Factory	Rutherglen, Lanark
William Mackie, (16)	Worker in Paper Factory	Rutherglen, Lanark
James Mackie, (10)	Scholar	Rutherglen, Lanark

 

Census of Scotland, 1881

 

The parents of Robert Andrews Mackie were living at Old Farme Rows, Rutherglen in 1881:

 

Name & Age	Occupation	Place & County of Birth
Peter Mackie, (33)	Coal Miner	Cathcart, Lanark
Elizabeth Mackie, (30),		Parkhead, Lanark
Peter Mackie, (10),	Scholar	Rutherglen, Lanark
Agnes Mackie, 7)	Scholar	Rutherglen, Lanark
Helen Mackie, (5)	Scholar	Rutherglen, Lanark
Elizabeth Mackie, (3)		Rutherglen, Lanark
John Mackie, (1)		Rutherglen, Lanark

 

Statutory Registers of Births in the District of Rutherglen in the County of Lanark, 1882

 

Robert Andrews Mackie was born on 21 April, 1882 at Old Farme Rows, Rutherglen in the County of Lanark. His father was Peter Mackie, a Coal Miner and his mother, Elizabeth Winning or Mackie. His parents had been married in Rutherglen on 31 December, 1869.

 

County of Lanark Valuation Roll for Rutherglen, 1885

 

Listed living at Old Farme Rows, Rutherglen was Peter Mackie.

 

Census of Scotland, 1891

 

The grand-parents of Robert Andrews Mackie were living at 56 Cathcart Road, Rutherglen in 1891:

 

Name & Age	Occupation	Place & County of Birth
Peter Mackie, (68),	General Labourer	Glasgow, Lanark
Ellen Mackie, (64),	Charwoman	Ireland
James Mackie, (20)	General Labourer	Rutherglen, Lanark

 

County of Lanark Valuation Roll for Rutherglen, 1895

 

IN 1895, still listed living at Old Farme Rows in Rutherglen, among 15 tenants was Peter Mackie. The property was owned by ‘Allan Farie, ‘Baronald’, Lanark per James Anderson, Factor, Farms Cottage (in) Rutherglen’.

 

Census of Scotland, 1901

 

In the Census of Scotland, 1901, the following were listed among the people living in two separate houses at Old Farme Rows, Rutherglen. The Head of the first household is Robert Andrews Mackie. The other people living with him are his brother, nephew and niece; the Head of the second household is his father, Peter, his mother and his other brothers and sisters.

 

I think it highly likely that the miners in the family were employed at Farme Colliery in Rutherglen:

 

Name & Age	Occupation	Place & County of Birth
Robert Mackie, (18),	Pit Pony Driver (Ostler)	Rutherglen, Lanark
Peter Mackie, (30),	Pit Contractor, Employer	Rutherglen, Lanark
Peter Mackie, (9)	Scholar	Rutherglen, Lanark
Harriet Mackie, (4)		Rutherglen, Lanark

 

 

Name & Age	Occupation	Place & County of Birth
Peter Mackie, (64)	Carter – Coal Pit	Cathcart, Lanark
Elizabeth W. Mackie, (45),		Westmuir, Lanark
Helen Mackie, (24)	Cotton Weaver	Rutherglen, Lanark
John Mackie, (21)	Colliery Fireman	Rutherglen, Lanark
James Mackie, (16)	Colliery Bogieman	Rutherglen, Lanark
Maggie Mackie, (14)	Chair Worker	Rutherglen, Lanark
Hugh Mackie, (10)	Scholar	Rutherglen, Lanark
Jeannie Mackie, (8)	Scholar	Rutherglen, Lanark
William Mackie, (4)		Rutherglen, Lanark

 

County of Lanark Valuation Roll for Rutherglen, 1905

 

Peter Mackie was listed still living at Old Farme Rows in Rutherglen in this year but there is no record of his son, Robert Andrews Mackie.

 

Report on “The Housing Conditions of Miners” by the Medical Officer of Health, Dr John T. Wilson, 1910

 

The description of the living conditions of the miners and their families at Farme Rows in 1910 is described in great detail below.

 

The quotation is taken from the Scottish Mining Website, I highly recommend a look and it can be found at http://www.scottishmining.co.uk/374.html

 

“Farme Coal Company Limited, Rutherglen   Farme Coal Mine – Situated near Rutherglen Persons employed – underground -201, above ground – 67, Total – 268   The employees reside mostly in the Burgh of Rutherglen and the City of Glasgow. The mine owners’ possess 30 houses in Rutherglen Burgh. 20 house in the County area situated near the Colliery belong to the superior.   Regarding the houses within the Burgh, the Company state: - “There are 8 one-apartments, rental £6. 1/4d; 22 two-apartments, rental £9. 2s. These house are three-storey tenements with a separate entrance for each tenant. Slop sink at each door.   Privy middens were originally provided, but water closets were introduced some time ago, and have not proved a success. We have had several times to expel tenants from the houses, which though modern, are much abused.”   The 20 house at Farme are described as follows: -   1 three-apartment house and 4 two-apartment houses, with rentals ranging from £10. 8s inclusive of Water Rates – erected about 90 years ago – Stone built – no damp-proof course – Walls strapped an lathed in some apartments – Wood floors, ventilated – internal surfaces of walls and ceilings in fair condition.   No overcrowding   No gardens but have washhouses and coal cellars Midden privies, but water closets to be provided Slop sink outside with gravitation water supply – drainage, surface channels Scavenged regularly, being within a special scavenging district   15 houses – 11 one-apartment, rental £3.18s; 2 two-apartments, rental £10.8s; and 2 three-apartments – erected about 90 years ago – Stone built – no damp-proof course – Walls not strapped & lathed except in one case – Wood floors, ventilated in some internal surfaces od walls and ceilings in fair condition Overcrowding in one or two instances, but all were members of the family Garden ground in front – common wash houses – no coal cellars Privy midden (with two seats) about 20 yards from the houses No slop sinks – drainage by surface channels Water supply from standpipe Scavenged regularly, being within a special scavenging district”

 

Census of Scotland, 1911

 

In the Census of Scotland, 1911, the following were listed living at Old Farme Rows in Rutherglen. The Head of the Household is Peter Mackie, his wife, their children and two grand-children. The 1911 Census records that Peter and Elizabeth have been married for 41 years, have had 13 children born alive together, 11 of whom were still alive at the Census date. Among those living with them were their eldest son, Peter, a Widower and his two children.

 

Name & Age	Occupation	Place & County of Birth
Peter Mackie, (64)	Carter – Coal Pit	Cathcart, Lanark
Elizabeth W. Mackie, (49),		Rutherglen, Lanark
Robert A. Mackie, (28)	Coal Miner	Rutherglen, Lanark
Margaret C. Mackie, (24)	French Polisher	Rutherglen, Lanark
Hugh W. D. Mackie, (20)	Grocer’s Storeman	Rutherglen, Lanark
Jeannie Mackie, (18)	Dressmaker’s Improver	Rutherglen, Lanark
William Mackie, (14)	Pawnbroker’s Assistant	Rutherglen, Lanark
Peter Mackie, (40) (Son)	Colliery Joiner	Rutherglen, Lanark
Peter Mackie, (17)	Brass Finisher’s Apprentice	Rutherglen, Lanark
Harriet C. Mackie, (15)	Stationer’s Assistant	Rutherglen, Lanark

 

Marriages in the District of Rutherglen in the County of Lanark, 1925

 

On 23 October, 1925 at the Rechabite Hall, Rutherglen, after Banns according to the Forms of the Established Church of Scotland, Robert Andrews Mackie, (43), Coal Mine Ostler (Pit Pony Driver) of Old Farme Rows, Rutherglen, married Ellison Keith Marnock, (26), a Tailoress of 1 Princes Street, Rutherglen.

 

The service was conducted by Andrew Veitch, Minister of West Parish, Rutherglen and the witnesses were Agnes McCallum Ferguson Stewart of 14 Westmuir Place, Rutherglen and William Mackie of Old Farme Rows, Rutherglen.

 

County of Lanark Valuation Roll for Rutherglen, 1930

 

Robert A. Mackie was recorded living at 29 Montraive Place, Rutherglen in the Valuation Roll of 1930.

 

Deaths in the District of Cambuslang in the County of Lanark, 1959

 

Robert Mackie Andrews, (76), died on 8 February, 1959 at 4 Cathkin Avenue, Cambuslang in Lanarkshire. His former occupation was recorded as ‘Wire Works Storeman – retired’ and he was the husband of Ellison Keith Marnock. The death was registered by Elizabeth Gray of 11 Cumming Drive, Glasgow, his daughter.

 

Deaths in the District of Cambuslang in the County of Lanark, 1997

 

Ellison Keith Marnock or Mackie, (98), died in Cambuslang in 1997.

 

The end of the story, October, 2016

 

I am hoping to verify Robert Andrews Mackie’s medal awards through access to the archives of the St Andrew’s Ambulance Association at some point in the future.

 

If you can add anything to this story, please get in touch with the website.

 

Scottish Coal Mining website

 

http://www.scottishmining.co.uk/507.html

 

This site holds an amazing amount of information on the Coal Mining industry in Scotland.