Today marks the 63rd Anniversary of the Cheapside Street Disaster where 19 firefighters lost their lives while tackling a fire at a whisky bond in Glasgow.<br /><br />A commemorative ceremony took place at Glasgow’s Necropolis today at 11am. Wreaths were laid in honour as family members and the SFRS paid their respects.<br /><br />The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has paid tribute to 19 firefighters and crew who died tackling a warehouse blaze 60 years ago.<br /><br />Due to coronavirus restrictions, a wreath was laid at a memorial in Glasgow instead of the usual service.<br /><br />Fourteen firefighters and five members of the Salvage Corps died tackling a blaze at a whisky bond in Cheapside Street, on 28 March 1960.<br /><br />It was the biggest loss of life ever suffered by the UK's fire services.<br /><br />SFRS statement , "Today we remember the 19 men who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the people of Glasgow from harm.<br /><br />"The loss at Cheapside Street was catastrophic. It continues to resonate to this day, and the spirit and bravery of these firefighters will never be forgotten.<br /><br /><br />"These men were devoted fathers, husbands, brothers and sons. Their bravery represents a proud part of our history, and our thoughts will always be with their families."<br /><br />An explosion inside the building caused its 60ft walls to crash down into the streets below.<br /><br />The men who died putting out the fire at the Arbuckle, Smith and Company bond were:<br /><br />Sub officers James Calder and John McPherson;<br />Firemen John Allan, Christopher Boyle, Gordon Chapman, William Crocket, Archibald Darroch, Daniel Davidson, Alfred Dickinson, Alexander Grassie, George McIntyre, Edward McMillan, Ian McMillan and William Watson;<br />Superintendent salvageman Edward Murray,<br />Leading salvageman James McLellan; and<br />Salvagemen Gordon McMillan, James Mungall and William Oliver.
