Also known as: Gala Jim.
Gala Jim Thomson was born in 1924 in Galashiels (hence the nickname).
Before the Second World War he was a fireman on the steam trains. Although he was in a reserved occupation, he joined the RAF flying in B-24 Consolidated Liberators in South East Asia during the Second World War with 357 Squadron.
After the war he joined the National Fire Service serving in Galashiels and finally moving to Edinburgh in 1960 after being located at Dalkeith Fire Station. He served until 1978 retiring as an Assistant Divisional Officer.
He then took up a post as Fire Prevention Officer for the South East of Scotland Psychiatric Hospitals, finally finishing off his working life as a doorman at the King's Buildings Union at Edinburgh University.
He passed away on July 4, 2006 from complications following a fall which resulted in a broken hip. He is sadly missed by his two sons and one daughter and six grandchildren.
Added by: Jim Thomson on 5 July 2010.
Comments
Whilst Browaing the Fire Service Sites, I unfortuneately Came accross,this Site which to my regret showed a long lost friend had passed on. Fraser Ballantyne writes [8 January 2012]:
We served together @ Gala, then in Edinburgh I then moved to the South Western Brigade in Ayrshire where we lost Touch, as Happens!! I visited Jim while he Served @ Marionville Station in Edinburgh on a few occasions when we were over in the City
Whilst @ Gala Jim & I run almost everything and was known as the two " Skylarkers " by the then Boss Stn.o Whyte who proficied that we would never be Promoted!!, but we both made it, but it was unfortunate that Mr Whyte died shortly after his retirement. and never knew the goal we both reached
This has brought back some happy memories, I have two Photos you may be interested in ! the fireman's Ball & one of the Gala-day in the early Fifties 1951 I think ?
"E" Mail Address < fraser.ballantyne@btinternet.comm>
Kind Regards Fraser.
Return to the top of the page...
add comments
Please mark your visit to this page with a few words, it all helps to keep the memories alive.
additional images
Click the thumbnails below to view as the main image.
charity information
Every year, thousands of fire fighters are injured whilst protecting the public. Every 30 seconds in the UK, fire fighters are called to an incident, putting their lives on the line, and often sustaining physical injuries whilst carrying out their duties. The Fire Fighters Charity is here for fire fighters during their times of need, and assists thousands of individuals every year, by providing pioneering treatment and support services.