First Glasgow unveils new war memorial garden ahead of Remembrance Day
First Glasgow has unveiled its new war memorial garden at its Caledonia depot paying tribute to former tram operators who lost their lives in the First World War.
Unveiled shortly before Remembrance Day, the garden features four memorials including a freestanding monument dedicated to workers from the city’s Whitevale tram depot, surrounded by three plaques in memory of workers from the city’s Newlands, Dennistoun and Langside depots.
All four memorials are originally from Glasgow’s tram depots, which supported the operation of one of the largest tram networks in Britain at the time of the First World War. The first motorbuses were introduced in Glasgow in 1924 and gradually replaced trams until 1962, when the last Glasgow tram service operated.
The project, which was funded jointly by First Glasgow and the depot’s Unite union members, has been a key focus for teams across the depot
Tony O’Connor, Depot Operations Manager at First Glasgow’s Caledonia Depot, said: “As the legacy operator of Glasgow’s bus network, we are proud to continue to pay tribute to those that paid the ultimate price during the First World War.
“While awaiting the construction of the new garden which is accessible to the public from Cathcart Road, we worked closely with specialists to ensure the memorials were looked after in the correct way and were carefully restored ahead of their unveiling today.
“It is therefore fitting that the memorial garden gives our colleagues, their families and members of the public the opportunity to pay their own respects for generations to come.”
Mick Connor, Area Chairman for the Glasgow Ayrshire Dumfries and Galloway Area of Legion Scotland said: “As the guardian of remembrance, Legion Scotland want to thank First Bus for this monument pertaining to those that worked on the transport industry and gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country.”
Paul Anderson, Unite representative at Caledonia depot, added: “Our members take great pride in the history of the company and the people who have been before us, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice representing our country during conflicts.
“Ever since I joined the old Parkhead depot, we have always had visitors coming to pay tribute at the war memorial and often people travelling from all over the world to trace family members. It’s something we have always taken great pride in and we’re delighted to have played our part in building this lasting memorial at Caledonia depot.”
Former service personnel and current First Bus drivers William David Greene and June Shanley attended the unveiling and said the new war memorial garden gave them an extra sense of pride in the company they worked for.
William David Greene, who spent eight years with the Royal Highland Fusiliers and later spent time serving with MPGS before joining First Bus as a driver, said: “I’m very proud that First Glasgow has provided the memorial garden, as it gives us a focal point to remember those that paid the ultimate price. Each name on the memorial is a person and there’s a story behind every one of those names. It’s therefore fitting that the memorial garden give colleagues and the public somewhere to pay their respects to our fallen comrades for generations to come.”
FIRST BUS TO OFFER FREE TRAVEL TO ALL CURRENT AND FORMER MILITARY PERSONNEL
On both Remembrance Day (Friday 11th November) and Remembrance Sunday (Sunday 13th November), First Glasgow and First Aberdeen are offering free bus travel across their entire network.
First Glasgow and First Aberdeen hope that free travel will help all serving Armed Forces personnel, cadets, and military veterans to travel and attend commemorative events to remember the service and sacrifice of their comrades.
To claim free travel, all current and former military personnel should show the driver their Armed Forces ID card or veteran’s badge or wear their uniform or their medals.
ENDS
Notes to editors
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For further information, please contact Craig Dennett, PR Manager for First Bus Scotland at craig.dennett@firstbus.co.uk
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