Clydebank Blitz: Medals for services ahead of anniversary

Seven medals and a commemorative plaque will be handed out to honour those who helped the vulnerable during the Clydebank Blitz.

With the 80th anniversary of the Luftwaffe raids on the town in March, it is anticipated West Dunbartonshire Council will give the tributes to services involved in helping the people of Clydebank during and after the Blitz.

The Polish Navy, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Scottish Ambulance Service, Royal College of Nurses (Scotland), Royal College of Physicians (Scotland) and Royal Voluntary Service (on behalf of WRVS) will be the recipients of these awards.

Various concerts from the Royal Scottish National Orchestra are also to be scheduled throughout 2021, provided Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.

The plans were discussed at a meeting of West Dunbartonshire Council’s culture committee this week.

George Hawthorn, manager of democratic and registration services, said: “The original specification was for six medals, based on the assumption that a single medal be presented to the British Medical Association (BMA) to recognise the contribution of doctors and nurses.

“It has now since been recognised that BMA doesn’t recognise all nursing staff and therefore it would be more appropriate to give a separate medal to the Royal College of Nursing and another to the Royal College of Physicians.

“It has now also been suggested that a small commemorative patch be created for permanent and imminent display in the Clydebank Town Hall.”

Story by local democracy reporter Catherine Hunter