Fallen officers honoured at Scotland’s Memorial Service of Remembrance

The Scottish Police Memorial Trust’s Annual Memorial Service of Remembrance returned to Police Scotland Headquarters, Tulliallan, on Wednesday (September 7) after two years of virtual ceremonies because of the pandemic.

This year, the names of 16 officers who died between 1850 and 1934 have been added to the roll of honour, which commemorates the life and service of every Scottish officer who has died on duty since 1812.

The memorial stones now bear 328 names, among them 12 law enforcement officers who have died serving with a policing agency while in Scotland, including a Metropolitan Police Service officer, ten Royal Ulster Constabulary GC officers, and a US Secret Service agent.

Co-founder of the Scottish Police Memorial Trust, Christine Fulton MBE, whose husband PC Lewis Fulton was killed on duty in Glasgow in 1994, said: “Having been unable to hold a service since 2019 it is wonderful to be able to welcome our families and guests back to the Scottish Police Memorial.

“Since the last service a further 30 names have been added to the memorial, of whom 28 are historical. It is our honour to ensure all of those officers will be remembered, and respected, for generations to come.”

Police Scotland Chief Constable Sir Iain Livingstone QPM, a trustee of the charity, said: “Today is an important and poignant event, for the loved ones of the officers we honour, and for the police family in Scotland and further afield.

“Policing is more than a job – it’s who we are. Officers work selflessly for the good of their communities, at times placing themselves in harm’s way. Behind every one of our officers are family and friends who provide invaluable support to officers as they undertake their duties.”

Wreaths were laid by the chief constable, Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans Keith Brown MSP, and the Lord Lieutenant of Fife, as well as on behalf of the Scottish Police Memorial Trust, British Transport Police, HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland, the Scottish Police Authority, the Scottish Police Federation, the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents, and the Retired Police Officers Association, Scotland.

A Lone Piper’s Lament was played by the grandson of a Central Scotland Police officer, who died on duty in 1967, prior to a minute’s silence, followed by the release of doves to conclude the service.

The Scottish Police Memorial now bears 328 names, with the following officers’ details being added before this year’s service:

Constable Archibald McDonald, Edinburgh City Police (02/01/1850) – Constable McDonald died when he fell into the Water of Leith while chasing a suspect wanted for assault. He and another officer attempted to cross the river, but he slipped on ice and fell into the water and was lost from view. His body was recovered some hours later. He had about 18 years’ police service.

Constable William Leslie, Leith Burgh Police (12/05/1857) – Constable Leslie died after he fell into Leith Harbour on night duty and drowned. He was 26 years old and was unmarried.

Constable James Fitzgerald, City of Glasgow Police (26/03/18620 – Constable Fitzgerald died after he was found insensible at the foot of the stairs in the common close at 174 Main Street, Anderston, Glasgow. He was taken home by colleagues and medical attention sought for his head injury; however, nothing could be done, and he died a few hours later. He was 51 years of age and was survived by his wife and family.

Constable John Graham, Greenock Burgh Police (11/04/1864) – Constable Graham became unwell on duty at Steamboat Quay, Greenock and made his way towards the police station to be relieved of duty. While passing through Cathcart Square he collapsed and was taken home where he subsequently died. He was 48 years old and was survived by his wife.

Constable Peter Skirving, Edinburgh City Police (28/06/1869) – Constable Skirving was helping to extinguish a fire among the whin bushes on Calton Hill when he fell and broke his leg. He was removed to the Royal Infirmary but a week later it was found necessary to amputate his leg.  Constable Skirving died a few days later. He was 33 years old and was unmarried.

Constable William Swanson, Edinburgh City Police (13/11/1870) – Constable Swanson failed to return from day duty and all enquiries as to his whereabouts proved negative. The next morning, his hat was found floating in the Union Canal at Fountainbridge and a further search located his body.  He was 48 years old and was survived by his wife.

Constable Archibald Buchanan, Greenock Burgh Police (21/11/1880) – Constable Buchanan took ill on duty within Greenock police station and was conveyed to his home where he subsequently died. He was the oldest member of the Burgh Police and was serving as nightshift Turnkey. He was 76 years of age and had 45 years’ police service.

Constable Hugh Fleming, Greenock Burgh Police (24/02/1884) – Constable Fleming collapsed and died in Greenock police station having returned for a rest after feeling ill on his beat. He had been unwell for some time and had just returned from sick leave. The force drill instructor, he was 46 years old, had seven years’ police service and was survived by his wife.

Constable John Jamieson, Partick Burgh Police (17/10/1886) – Constable Jamieson collapsed and died in a common close on his beat at Downie Place, Dumbarton Road, Partick. He was 46 years of age and was survived by his wife.

Constable George Thomson, Dundee City Police (19/03/1891) – Constable Thomson took ill on duty at Dundee Harbour and was conveyed home where he subsequently died.  He was 60 years old and had 31 years’ police service.

Constable William Murchie, Renfrewshire Constabulary (17/05/1896) – Constable Murchie collapsed and died in Lawmarnock Road, Kilbarchan on his beat as he conversed with a farm servant. He was 41 years old, had 12 years’ police service and was survived by his wife.

Constable James Stewart, City of Glasgow Police (18/05/1901) – Constable Stewart died after he was struck by an electric tram car on Sauchiehall Street at Wellington Street, Glasgow. He had assisted an elderly woman across the road and was returning to his point when the tram knocked him down, into the path of a horse car travelling in the opposite direction. He was 47 years old, had about 25 years’ police service and was survived by his wife and three children.

Sergeant John Robinson, City of Glasgow Police (26/10/1907) – Sergeant Robinson collapsed while dealing with fans exiting Hampden Park after the Glasgow Cup Final. He was removed to hospital but died in the cab nearby. He was 57 years old, had 27 years’ police service with the City of Glasgow Police having served six years with the Royal Irish Constabulary. He was survived by his wife.

Constable Peter Creamer, Glasgow & South Western Railway Police (03/08/1909) – Constable Creamer collapsed and died on duty within St Enoch Railway Station, Glasgow. He was conversing with a colleague from the City of Glasgow Police when he took ill and was assisted to the left luggage office. Medical assistance was summoned but he died before anything could be done for him. He was 64 years old and was survived by his wife.

Constable Duncan Taylor, Fife Constabulary (03/08/1916) – Constable Taylor collapsed while on duty on his beat in Inverkeithing. He was taken to the cottage hospital in Dunfermline where he underwent an operation but subsequently died.

Inspector Alexander Henderson, London & North Eastern Railway Police (25/05/1934) – Inspector Henderson collapsed and died within Waverley Railway Station, Edinburgh. He was 58 years old, had about 30 years’ police service and was survived by his wife and daughter.