New plaques unveiled for Dundee firefighters killed in line of duty
Two plaques have been unveiled at Blackness Road Fire Station in Dundee to commemorate the sacrifice of two firefighters of the Angus Area Fire Brigade who died in the line of duty 61 years ago.
John Jamieson Buist died at a fire at Grants Jute Warehouse, Dundee on 13th April 1962, after being trapped by burning bales of jute. His colleagues attempted to rescue him from the burning debris for over two hours. He lived with his wife, a former firewoman, and young son at the Northern Fire Station. He was 53 and had 30 years’ service.
The second firefighter to be commemorated is William Carnegie, who was fatally injured less than three months later while attending a fire on Mains Road, Dundee, on 14th June 1962. He sustained severe head injuries after falling 30 ft from the roof of a two-storey tenement at 58 Mains Road. He was taken to hospital and died of his injuries on July 8th, at 44 years of age and was survived by his wife and their 17-year-old son.
These Red Plaques are part of a scheme set up by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) during its centenary to commemorate firefighters who died in the line of duty.
The ceremony took place at 1pm on 13th April 2023, at Blackness Road Fire Station, Dundee, attended by family members including John Buist's son, Ron, members of the community and local councillors. It included speeches from FBU senior officials and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service senior officers, with an FBU piper and Lord Provost, Bill Campbell, on behalf of Dundee City Council.
FBU Regional Treasurer, Seona Hart, said:
'John Buist and William Carnegie lost their lives while serving and protecting the people of Dundee. The Red Plaques we have unveiled today will ensure the memory of their sacrifice lives on. Both firefighters died while attending fires in the local area, and both left behind loving families and a bereaved community. As firefighters we will never forget those who have died in the line of duty, and with these plaques they now have their place in public memory as part of the history of the city’.
Tam McFarlane, FBU National Officer said:
‘Every Red Plaque represents a firefighter who lost their life in the line of duty. There are now over 80 of these memorials representing almost 200 fallen firefighters across the UK, reminding us of our shared history. Each unveiling ceremony is a moving tribute to firefighters who sacrificed their lives, as well as to their families and colleagues. Today we have come together as a community to remember the enormous bravery and sacrifice of John Buist and William Carnegie. We will ensure they are never forgotten.’
NOTES
- Contact: [email protected] and Seona Hart on [email protected] and 07801 575375.
- The Red Plaque Scheme is fully funded by proceeds from the weekly Firefighters 100 Lottery which has been able to create several Plaques each year since it began in 2017. Over time, as supporters of the Lottery continues to grow, more Red Plaques can be placed at the heart of communities affected by firefighter fatalities.
- More detailed reports from 1962 on both deaths can be found at graemekirkwood.co.uk: William Carnegie and John Buist
- Images can be found here (Credit: Craig MacLean): https://www.flickr.com/photos/101622111@N05/sets/72177720307485785/
