TEMPORARY CONSTABLE JAMES WRIGHT

Airdrie Burgh Police Cap Badge and Collar insignia – ealry 20th century

TEMPORARY CONSTABLE JAMES WRIGHT

AIRDRIE BURGH POLICE – 1914 to 1915

James Wright was born on the 17^th of December 1876 at 56 Johnston Street in Airdrie. His father was a coal miner. James was educated in Airdrie and when he left school he worked in several jobs until he joined the army. He served during the Boer War between 1899 and 1902.

He was discharged from the Army in 1903 and returned to Airdrie, working as a Carter and living with his family at 110 Motherwell Street. He married Elizabeth Cullen, also from Airdrie, on the 21^st of June 1904. They settled in Airdrie, living at 10 Wellington Street and later 42 High Street. They went on to have six children.

At the outbreak of World War 1, several of the Airdrie Burgh police officers were either recalled to the colours or volunteered for military service. To maintain numbers and efficiency the Burgh Council agreed to hire a number of Temporary Constables for the duration of the war. James was one of the first to join up. The number of Temporary Constables was forty, consistent throughout the period of the war. It was quite an increase when the force only had a strength of seventeen full time Constables.

James had come on duty at about 8pm on Saturday the 13^th of February 1915 and had begun his patrol of the town centre area. He left the police station on Anderson Street, walked onto Wellwynd, crossing Stirling Street into Manse Place and then turning left onto Louden Street. A passer-by saw Constable Wright approach the rear door of A.R. Cowan Ltd, Pawnbroker. As he climbed the steps he collapsed onto the ground.

A passer-by ran over to him and could see that he was struggling to breathe. He loosened his clothing and ran to the nearby police station, on Anderson Street, to alert Constable Wright’s colleagues.

Inspector Kellock and other officers ran to the location, followed shortly after by Dr. Wilson. He administered all the assistance he could, however Constable Wright died on the street. The cause of death was Cardiac Arrest.

The funeral took place on Tuesday the 16^th of February, attended by Chief Constable Christie and  members of the Burgh Police Force.

A service was conducted at the residence of the deceased in High Street by the Rev. John Paterson and thereafter to at New Monkland Cemetery.

James is also remembered at The Scottish Police Memorial, the Scottish Police College, Tulliallan, Fife.

May He Rest in Peace.