Fireman Archibald McConnel died on the 24th February, 1914 as a result of motor crash injuries received on the 27th August, 1909.
GLASGOW FIRE BRIGADE MISHAP
TWO MEN SERIOUSLY INJURED.
An accident of an alarming
nature, which unfortunately involved somewhat serious injuries to two firemen,
while several others had narrow escapes, attended a turnout of the Central
Division of the Glasgow Fire Brigade yesterday afternoon. About 2-40p.m. a call
was received at the Ingram Street headquarters by the alarm bell situated at
Cumberland Street, Greenhead. In answer to the call the large motor pump, with
its usual complement of men, left the station and proceeded east via Glasgow
Green. Immediately the vehicle had passed the People’s Palace the tyre on the
front off wheel became detached, causing the steering gear to fail in its
action. The driver on realising what had occurred did his utmost to pull up, but
before he could accomplish this the machine swerved and ran across the pavement,
dashing violently into some ornamental railings, which were completely smashed
for a considerable distance.
Most of the firemen succeeded in retaining their positions on the motor, but two
of their number were thrown off, and it was at once apparent that they had been
seriously injured. The men were Archibald M’Connell, aged 36, and William
M’Lellan, aged 37, both married, and residing at the Central Fire Station. A St
Andrew’s Ambulance wagon was at once summoned, and the men were conveyed to the
Royal Infirmary. On being examined there it was found that M’Connell had
sustained a compound fracture of the leg and a badly lacerated ear, while
M’Lellan was suffering from a severe scalp wound and shock. They were both
detained in the infirmary for treatment, and on inquiry last night it was
ascertained that they were progressing as favourably as could be expected.
Although a good deal of damage was done to the motor, it is rather remarkable
under the circumstances that the vehicle escaped so well, and it is understood
that all the necessary repairs can be executed by the staff at the Central Fire
Station. The affair caused a good deal of excitement in the vicinity, occurring
as it did at a meal hour and in the neighbourhood of several public works.
The fire in connection with which the alarm had been sounded was, fortunately,
of a trifling nature.
(The Glasgow Herald, August 28, 1909. Page 6)
Abbreviated Extract
Reported death on 24/2/1914, 14 years service, left a widow and 8 children.
In 1909 as a result of an accident to one of the motor engines while proceeding
to a fire, sustained very severe injuries, from the effects of which he never
properly recovered, and the sub committee, in view of the special circumstances
agreed to remit to Bailie……………to consider and report as to a grant being made to
the widow of the deceased.
Awarded 30/- per week.
(Corporation of Glasgow Council Minutes, 18/3/1914, Page 1166.)
Archibald McConnell
Central Fire Station Glasgow Incident at Greenhead Street
Died in Royal Infirmary as a result of motor crash injuries 24/2/1914
Allowances Granted by the Corporation
As the result of a motor accident, while proceeding to a fire, Fireman Archibald
M’Connell, of the Central Division, sustained very severe injuries, from which
he never properly recovered. After a lingering but painful illness he died in
the Royal Infirmary on 24th February last. In view of the
circumstances in which the widow and family of the deceased were left, the
Corporation kindly agreed to recommend an allowance of 30s per week on their
behalf.
(Report of the Glasgow Fire Brigade 1914, Page 11. Mitchell Library
G/352/309414/35/COR.)
Arch. McConnell of the Central Fire Station, 33 Ingram Street died in the
Royal Infirmary on the 24th February, 1914 as a result of motor crash injuries
received at Greenhead Street.
(Proud Record Page 148)
On his death certificate his name is spelt McConnel and it says he died of
Malignant tumour of Pancreas.
According to the family the surname has only one "L".
The Memorial at Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Headquarters, Hamilton shows the name as ARCHIBALD McCONNELL.