Fireman John Beveridge died on the 8th of October, 1922 as a result of injuries received on the 7th.
Dunfermline Fire Brigade
suffered the loss on Saturday, as the result of an accident, of one of its
oldest members. In response to a call from Glencraig, where a fire had broken
out in a dwelling house, the brigade left the fire station in Campbell Street at
half past nine. John Beverage (56), a slater resident at 16 Cross Wynd,
Dunfermline, was seated in the rear of the motor, and while the vehicle was
turning into Gordon Street he fell onto the roadway. He was conveyed to
Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, where he died yesterday morning. He served
with the fire brigade for the past 30 years.
(The Glasgow Herald, Monday, October 9, 1922. Page 10)
DUNFERMLINE FIREMAN’S TRAGIC DEATH
FALL FROM FIRE ENGINE
Shortly after nine o’clock on
Saturday evening, the members of Dunfermline City Fire Brigade responded to a
call to attend a fire which had broken out at Glencraig, As the fire engine,
upon which the firemen were seated, was turning the corner of Campbell Street
into Gardener’s Street, one of their number, John Beveridge, accidently fell
from the vehicle. Landing on his head on the thoroughfare, he was rendered
unconscious. Having waited a few minutes, the brigade proceeded on their journey
to Glencraig, leaving their injured comrade in charge of Dr James Gordon Bell
and Constable Anderson of the City Police Force. Beveridge was conveyed to the
Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, where it was ascertained that he was
suffering from fracture of the skull. He passed away at four o’clock on Sunday
morning, never having regained consciousness. Beveridge, who is survived by a
widow and family, had been in business in Dunfermline as a slater and chimney
sweeper, having succeeded his father, Mr John Beveridge, who had also been a
member of the Fire Brigade. With a slight break, when he had been employed at
Buckhaven, deceased had been a member of the Dunfermline Brigade for thirty
years. He was fifty four years of age.
The remains of the deceased were interred in Dunfermline Cemetery on Wednesday
afternoon. As a tribute to the memory of their late colleague, the members of
the Fire Brigade, in uniform, attended the funeral, accompanied by the motor
fire engine, on which the coffin was conveyed from Cross Wynd to the Cemetery.
Alongside the engine, the bell of which was muffled, four members of the Brigade
walked. Mr R. M. Morton, Firemaster, was one of the mourners, and there was also
present, Councillor George Wright, Convener of the Fire Engine and Lighting
Committee, and Councillor John Ritchie. The services at the house and at the
graveside were conducted by the Rev. D. W. P. Strang, Queen Anne Street United
Free Church.
Councillor Wright, Convener of the Fire Engine and Lighting Committee, at the
Town Council meeting on Monday evening, said he was sure the Council sympathised
very much with the relatives of the deceased in the loss which they had
sustained.
Provost Norval thought that the demise of a member of the Corporation staff in
the discharge of his duty justified them in sending a letter of condolence to
the widow. He moved accordingly.
Councillor Wright seconded, and the motion was cordially approved.
(The Dunfermline Press, Saturday, October 14, 1922. Page 5.)
FIRE AT GLENCRAIG
Extensive damage was done by
a fire which broke out at Excelsior Buildings, Main Street, Glencraig on
Saturday evening, in a house occupied by Mr Stalker, and owned by Mr Nisbet,
draper, Glencraig. Mr and Mrs Stalker were out when the fire occurred. Smoke was
observed issuing from various parts of the house and it was soon evident that
the flames had obtained a firm hold. Willing hands were soon at work in an
endeavour to subdue the outbreak, pails and other utensils being utilised for
the purpose. Dunfermline Fire Brigade was summoned, but by the time the Brigade
arrived the fire was well under hand. The house occupied by the Slalker’s was
almost completely gutted; and Mr Nisbet suffered serious loss to his house next
door, and to his drapery stock in the shop below.
(The Dunfermline Press, Saturday, October 14, 1922. Page 5.)
DEATH
BEVERIDGE – At the
Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, on 8th inst., the result of an
accident, John Beveridge, slater, aged 56 years.
Mrs Beveridge and family, brothers and sisters, desire to return their sincere
thanks to the members of the Town Council and officials, the members of the Fire
Brigade, members of the Good Templars Order; also, the general public for
wreaths and letters of sympathy received in their sudden bereavement.
(The Dunfermline Press, Saturday, October 14, 1922. Page 10.)