Down Memory Lane

S for Sugar: Sweet success blessed this wartime bomber crew which had amongst its number a Carmichael man, Leading Air Craftsman Geordie Johnston (front row, 2nd from left). The photograph, taken when Geordie and his colleagues were based at Lisset in Yorkshire in 1944, is a fine illustration of just how big a `team’ it took to operate just one of the Halifax bombers which were part of their squadron, No 158. The picture shows both ground crew - of which Geordie was a member - and the flight crew, this one on bomber S for Sugar making, eventually, 128 missions over enemy territory. At the time this picture was taken, the painted bombs on the side of the plane shows that 36 raids had already been completed in this aircraft. Despite the flight crew being most directly in the line of fire - half of all Bomber Command crews perished in action - they were the first to pay tribute to the work Geordie and his ground-based colleagues did to keep them flying and ensuring their plane was fit for combat, boosting survival chances.

50 YEARS AGO

n Thieves broke into the office of Messrs. Russell & Co, Whiteshaw Foundry by breaking open two doors. However, only money of little value was stolen.

n A Carluke woman was killed and two others injured when their car collided with a van. The crash happened at the junction of the A71 Glasgow - Carlisle and A70 Ayr - Douglas roads.

n A Carluke woman gave up her hunger strike, which she started in protest against the Army’s failure to give her and her husband proper married quarters while they were stationed in Singapore.

n Hearts FC player John Cumming gave pupils from Law Primary School a pep talk and coaching session.

n A local driver had a lucky escape when his lorry plunged 60 feet to the edge of a river at Bridge-of-Dee in Kirkcudbrightshire.

n St Andrew’s Church Guild held its annual jumble sale. Although there was a small attendance, everyone who did go along enjoyed it.

n Lanark United were rarely troubled in a 2-0 victory over Larkhall Thistle at home. The goals came from McGinlay and McLachlan.

100 YEARS AGO

n A meeting was held at Lanark’s Templar Hall to offer an explanation of the National Insurance Act. Provost Forrest presided over a large attendance.

n At Lanark Sheriff Court seven men from Tarbrax were charged with a breach of the peace and fighting on a public road. They all pleaded guilty and were each fined 15s.

n Two miners were found guilty of conducting themselves in a disorderly manner and committing a breach of the peace. They were fined £1 each.

n Former Law Junction station-master William Napier gave notice that he was going to retire.

n Carluke man Thomas Grossart JP was appointed a member of the Advisory Committee for the Upperward of Lanarkshire.

n A musical evening for members of Carstairs Literary Society was a fitting climax to a successful season. Soloists Miss Copland and Miss Yule were highlights.

n Carluke Milton Rovers faced Burnbank Athletic in the Lanarkshire Junior League at Whitehill Park. Rovers won the match 1-0.