Fireman Archibald Robertson died as the result of an accident at Renfrew Road, Paisley on Sunday 13th October, 1940.
Two Paisley Fatalities
Two distressing fatalities occurred at the weekend
AN AUXILIARY FIREMAN
Yesterday afternoon in Renfrew Road, opposite Greenlaw Goods Station, Archibald Robertson (34), auxiliary fireman, 2 Drums Avenue, Craigielea, was thrown off an auxiliary fire service mobile fire engine and sustained severe head injuries.
He was removed in the ambulance to the Royal Alexandria Infirmary, where he died shortly after admission.
Robertson was engaged in exercises at the time of the fatal occurrence.
He was stationed at the auxiliary fire service headquarters, Wallace Street, and was a most efficient and popular fireman. Before joining that service he was employed with Fleming & Ferguson, shipbuilders. His hobby was fretwork, in which handicraft he was very proficient. One of his examples is the Paisley Coat of Arms which is displayed at the Wallace Street centre.
Deceased is survived by a widow and three of a family.
(Paisley Daily Express, Monday, October 14, 1940. Page 2.)
Death
ROBERTSON – Very suddenly on the 13th inst. (the result of an accident), Archibald Robertson, dearly beloved husband of Joan (Nana) Peacock, 2 Drums Avenue, and only son of Mr and Mrs D Robertson, 8 Sutherland Street.
(Paisley Daily Express, Monday, October 14, 1940. Page 2.)
Death of ARP Workers
Provost Macnair made reference to the death of Fireman Archibald Robertson in the course of an exercise of the A.R.P. services on Sunday afternoon, when he fell from a mobile machine. He had been connected with the A.F.S. for about fifteen months fulltime, and he had heard nothing but praise for the manner in which he discharged his duties. All his fellows and officers spoke in the highest terms of him, and he had spoken in equally high terms of those with whom he was associated. He went out of his way to add to the duties he had to perform. He (the Provost) had called on his father and mother and also his widow and assured them that they had the sympathy of the community in their grievous bereavement.
That was the second fatality in connection with A.R.P. Services, Thomas N Cochrane had died as he was proceeding to his duty on an earlier date. These two men had given their lives for their country and he thought it was right that acknowledgement should be made at the Council meeting.
(Paisley Daily Express, Wednesday, October 16, 1940. Page 3.)
Funeral of Auxiliary Fireman Robertson
The funeral took place to Hawkhead Cemetery, yesterday, of the late Archibald Robertson (34), auxiliary fireman, who was fatally injured on Sunday afternoon in Renfrew Road when he was thrown off an auxiliary fire service mobile fire engine. There was a large parade of firemen, auxiliary firemen and other A.R.P. personnel under the charge of Firemaster Robert Bowman. Among the mourners were Provost T Dun Macnair, ex-Bailie Allan Maclean (deputy convener, Watching and Lighting Committee), and Mr Alex. Cochran (Town Clerk Depute). The coffin was conveyed on a fire engine to the grave. There were many beautiful floral tributes, including a wreath in the form of a fireman’s helmet, and another with the initials A.F.S. The passing of the cortege from 2 Drums Avenue, Craigielie, the residence of deceased, to Hawkhead, was watched with sympathetic interest by many people. The Rev. J.R. M’Phail, Congregational Church, School Wynd, officiated at the house and at the grave.
Representatives from Glasgow, Darnley and Johnstone Auxiliary Fire Services attended the funeral. Superintendent W. Smith, Glasgow Auxiliary Fire Service, was also present.
(Paisley Daily Express, Thursday, October 17, 1940. Page 2.)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
MRS ROBERTSON and FAMILY and Mr and Mrs DANIEL ROBERTSON wish to thank all friends, neighbours, members of the A.F.S. Burgh Fire Brigade, Wardens of Post J1, A.R.P., and Greenhill Preserve Works for kind expressions of sympathy and floral tributes received in their sudden bereavement; also Rev. J.R. McPhail and the undertaker for their care and attention.
– 2 Drums Avenue