Remembering Constable John (Jackie) Currie

Today, we remember Constable John (Jackie) Currie of the Motherwell & Wishaw Burgh Police, who tragically lost his life 73 years ago, on the 23^rd of January 1953. He was only 22 years old.

CONSTABLE JOHN (JACKIE) CURRIE

MOTHERWELL & WISHAW BURGH POLICE – 1950 to 1953

John (Jackie) Currie was born in 1931 in Shotts, Lanarkshire. His father worked as a local colliery worker. The family lived at 133 Main Street, Salsburgh until they moved to the newly built houses at 13 Kirkview Avenue in the village.

Jackie spent his formative years in Salsburgh, receiving his primary education at the local Kirk of Shotts Primary School before continuing his secondary studies in Wishaw.

In 1950, Jackie joined the Motherwell & Wishaw Burgh Police. At the time, he was unmarried and still resided with his parents at Kirkview Avenue. He commuted to and from work on his motorbike.

On Friday the 23^rd of January 1953, Jackie left his home and set out for work on his motorbike. He was rostered to work 188hrs to 0200hrs.

At 5:15 PM, while traveling on the Glasgow-Edinburgh Road near to Newhouse roundabout, he collided with a stationary lorry. Jackie sustained multiple head injuries and died instantly.

Jackie was laid to rest at Kirk o’ Shotts Cemetery on Monday the 26^th of January 1953. His funeral was attended by a large number of mourners, including sixty colleagues from the local Burgh and County police forces. The contingent was led by Chief Constable John. A.R. Murray of the Burgh force.

He is remembered at The Scottish Police Memorial at the Scottish Police College in Tulliallan, Fife.

Rest in Peace, Jackie.