Constable William GORDON (45)
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PC Gordon died after falling into the harbour at berth 48 in the early morning whilst on night duty. He was survived by his wife and seven children.
Constable William Gordon, City of Glasgow Police, ‘marine’ division, was drowned on 17th March 1882 after falling over the quay on his beat into the river Clyde during the night.
Two watchmen on the SS Allora saw PC Gordon ‘walking along the quay in a half sleeping state’ as he had apparently ‘been unable to have his usual time for rest the previous day’.
The two watchmen immediately raised the alarm and Sergeant McDonald came running from nearby with a ‘life hook’, but Gordon had sunk without trace.
A native of Aberdeen, he had about 20 years police service and left a wife and 7 children.
PC Gordon’s name is inscribed on the Scottish Police Memorial and will never be forgotten.
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'On duty' includes travelling directly to or from a station of report or recall to duty (either by identification or action, e.g. intervention in an ongoing incident or attempting a rescue).
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