Elizabeth Emblem awarded to firefighter who lost his life at Glasgow’s Cheapside Street tragedy
William Oliver was a member of the Glasgow Salvage Corps when he died while tackling a fire at a whisky bond warehouse on 28 March 1960.
A total of 19 firefighters tragically lost their lives that day, 14 first responders from the Glasgow Fire Service and five from the Glasgow Salvage Corps.
At the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters (SFRS) in Cambuslang, Chief Officer Stuart Stevens, awarded the Elizabeth Emblem posthumously to William Oliver, which was received by his sons, Billy and Martin Oliver
The Elizabeth Emblem is awarded as a mark of recognition to the next of kin of those who lost their lives in public service.
Chief Officer Stevens said: “As we remember William Oliver who tragically lost his life at Cheapside Street, we are reminded of his courage, which continues to guide and shape our Service more than six decades later.
“The Elizabeth Emblem is a fitting recognition of his unwavering commitment and dedication as a member of the Glasgow Salvage Corps.
“William Oliver and the other 18 firefighters who lost their lives that day, should be remembered, not only for how they died, but for how they lived, with a pride and purpose to serve and protect others.”
The fire on Cheapside Street escalated rapidly before causing an explosion. Approximately 450 firefighters worked to contain and fully extinguish the fire over the course of seven days.
William Oliver left behind his wife Marion and three young children, Catherine, aged 13; Billy, aged 9 and Martin, aged 3 years. His family has grown to include five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Attending the ceremony at SFRS headquarters were 17 members of the Oliver family.
On receipt of the Elizabeth Emblem, Billy and Martin Oliver said: “Our family are delighted to receive the Elizabeth Emblem to honour our father Bill and to remember his bravery and that of his colleagues on the 28th of March 1960, when he and 18 others responded to the fire bells and never came home.
"We also remember our mother Marion, who would be so proud to know her beloved husband was being honoured in this way.
Our mother brought us up to never forget our father and Glasgow Salvage Corps and Glasgow Fire Service have always held a special place in our hearts
"We would like to thank the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service for remembering us and helping us to honour our father in this special ceremony. We would also like to thank Chief Officer Stuart Stevens for presenting this award today.
“Finally, we would urge other families who have lost a loved one in the line of duty to apply for this honour.”
Notes to Editor:
The five members of the Glasgow Salvage corps who lost their lives at Cheapside Street included: William Oliver, Superintendent Edward Murray, Leading Salvageman James McLellan, Salvagemen Gordon McMillan and James Mungall.
The 14 Glasgow Fire Service personnel included: fire service Sub Officers James Calder and John McPherson and Firemen Christopher Boyle, William Crocket, Archibald Darroch, Alexander Grassie, George McIntyre, Daniel Davidson, Edward McMillan, Alfred Dickinson, William Watson, John Allan, Gordon Chapman, and Ian McMillan.
SFRS continues its commitment to ensuring their memory endures.
Read more about Cheapside Street: 66 years after the tragedy on Cheapside Street
About the Elizabeth Emblem:
The Elizabeth Emblem was introduced by the UK Government in 2024 and is awarded as a mark of recognition to the next of kin of those who lost their lives in public service. The award is the civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross.
Read more about the Elizabeth Emblem and how to apply: The Elizabeth Emblem - application guidance and eligibility - GOV.UK