Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Heritage Trust - Cheapside Street - 50 Years On
 |
 |
 |
 |
Recently, Strathclyde Fire & Rescue Preservation Group were delighted to be asked to attend both St. Patricks Primary and the Anderston Primary Schools in Glasgow.
These two schools are on the doorstep of Cheapside Street and are involved in The Cheapside Project.
As part of this project, Strathclyde Fire & Rescue have commissioned a Mosaic to commemorate 50 years since the fire at Cheapside Street, Anderston - one of the worst disasters in Glasgow's history.
Our fearless crew, Jimmy, Steve, Bert and Alex - dressed in period fire fighters uniform - were in attendance and brought along the Dennis F108 Pump Escape.
Pupils from both primary schools were shown round the appliances, where they were able to see the period uniform, equipment and breathing apparatus from the era and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
At the same time, the pupils had the opportunity to speak with Felix Lennon who was at the disastrous fire in Cheapside Street on March 28th 1960.
During this devastating fire, 14 Fire Service and 5 Salvage Corps perished under tons of falling debris following huge explosions in the warehouses. This resulted in the biggest loss of life suffered by the Fire Service during peacetime.
The Strathclyde Fire & Rescue Cheapside Committee were represented by Alan Forbes and Jim Smith along with David Adam the chairman of Strathclyde Fire & Rescue Preservation Group.
Similar events are being planned in the run-up to the Memorial Service and Strathclyde Fire & Rescue Preservation Group along with Strathclyde Fire & Rescue will be putting on a large display of modern and vintage Fire Appliances in George Square.