THE GLASGOW SALVAGE CORP

One of the extremely important Salvage Corps of Great Britain is The Glasgow Salvage Corp.
In May, 1847, an Association for rating business was formed, called the Glasgow Insurance Committee. In 1857, the Glasgow Salvage Corp was formed. These two committees amalgamated in January, 1876, and became known as the Glasgow Rate and Salvage Committee. In 1892, the committee was reconstructed and became known as the Glasgow Rate and Salvage Association, by which it is known now.
The Association, as regards Salvage work, acts in the case of Fire in conjunction with the local Fire Brigade. The Association maintains an information bureau which is of great service to its members. The Association is most efficient in every respect, and at all times its apparatus and appliances are up to date.
Few people realise the amount of work that is carried on by the Association, such as inspection in connection with Electric Light and Power Installations, Glasgow Warehouses, and Public Stores. Inspection work is carried on under different classifications-(a) Class "A" Stores: (b) Class "B" Stores: (c) Specially Rated Stores, Railway Stores and Sheds, Clyde Navigation Transit Stores, Private Stores, Bonded Warehouses, Public Timber Yards and Wharves, Fireproof Shutters, Sprinkler Installations, Fire Extinguishers, Theatres, Exhibitions, Bazaars and Cinematograph Film Depots.
Warehouses, Theatres, Wharves, Sheds and Stores, Film Depots, etc., are inspected regularly and reported upon, with the idea of seeing that cleanliness and certain order is kept, and all fire preventative measures are taken.
If any defect is found, the responsible people are advised by letter, if the person responsible ignores the notice of the defect, the Association most likely fixes a special rate for the extra fire risk they consider is being run, owing to their advice being ignored. The inspection work dates from 1891.
(From "AYE READY" A history of the Glasgow Fire Brigade 1601-1935.)

1873 – 1984
The Glasgow Salvage Corps

1873

The story of the establishment of the Corps commences in 1873, but it had its beginnings in what was know as ‘The Glasgow Insurance Committees’ which was formed on the 12^th May 1847, for the purpose of assessing fire insurance rates in the City. A Salvage Corps Committee was formed on the 15^th August 1873, a Chairman and a Secretary being elected and a Surveyor employed to help inspect risks and survey losses. The Salvage Corps became operative on the 22^nd November of the same year. The two Committees were combined and became known as the ‘Glasgow Rate and Salvage Committee’ on the 21^st January 1876 and reconstituted on the 1^st January 1892 under the name:- ‘Glasgow Rate and Salvage Association’.
At its commencement in 1873 the complement of the Corps consisted of a Superintendent, Foreman, Deputy Foreman and five men. A total of eight men and one horse drawn vehicle. Our original premises were situated in Nicholas Street then to 203-213 Albion Street in the late eighteen hundreds, thence to 90 Maitland Street on the 22^nd June 1972, as ‘The Glasgow Salvage Corps’. At present our authorised strength is 60 Officers and men, an ancillary van and three damage Control Units, who work a 42 hour week with a four watch system.
(From a leaflet produced at the Disbandment of the Corps which also had 2 poems by J. F. A. Brown.)

Glasgow Salvage Corps 1873 - 1984
A Brief History.

The Corps was established on the 22nd November 1873 by the “Glasgow Rate and Salvage Association”; maintained by the Insurance Companies on a Non-profit making basis, the groups being Members of the Fire Offices Committee transacting Fire Insurance business in the U.K.
Likewise, Liverpool and London Salvage Corps were also founded in 1842 and 1866 respectively; as we all know all the three Corps were disbanded on 31st March 1984 and only after lengthy and careful consultations with each Fire Authority and Government Departments taken into account at every stage before a final decision was amicably acceptable to all parties concerned. It was quite evident that in the late 60’s and early 70’s the 3 main Ports in the U.K. were rapidly changing over to “Container Ships” and suitable locations for new Container Terminals; e.g. Clyde Port Authority were building a large installation at ‘Greenock” in order to provide speedier handling of exports to the U.S.A. and other main countries of the world. Similarly Prestwick Airport was preparing for much more involvement in enlarging their facilities to handle the future increase in “Air Cargo” to all parts.
Again most cities were engaged in planning New Industrial Estates and most firms were preparing for this move to modern factory units throughout the U.K. all lealding to gaining a share of the new found prosperity. One may say that the progressive attitude of the Glasgow Salvage Corps at this time made the way for the transfer of their excellent New Headquarters at 90 Maitland Street Cowcaddens to become the Official Fire Training Establishment of Strathclyde Fire Brigade. It has been a great success and an excellent arrangement with the appointment of 2 Corps Officers, namely Deputy Superintendents J. Smith & G. Forbes.

Salvage Corps Operations and Training
Period: 1984 - 1987.

With the close cooperation of Firemaster C. B. Halliday and his Staff Officers, all personnel have been receiving first class expertise in handling Corps equipment on an off the 3 Salvage Corps Tenders so that in attending fires at Industrial and Commercial premises they have proved to be very professional and still providing an important service to the community especially in Dwelling-houses.
e.g. A typical example of Salvage Corps Services provided by the personnel of Milngavie Fire Station attending a small fire in dwelling house in the Bearsden area which involved the S.S.E.B. owing to my neighbour requesting my services and advice, since the fire in question turned out to be a faulty mains electric cable located under the floor boards in his downstairs cloakroom.
When the tender arrived promptly at my front door, the Station Officer and 2 Firemen brought Salvage Sheets and immediately they covered the carpets and spread other sheets over the furniture; I was very impressed with the attitude and the concern displayed at an incident which most fortunately turned to be a small electrical fire. It did prove to me that Fire Brigade personnel are continuing to provide an excellent service to the community at large; naturally I did thank the men and had a chat with the Station Officer, now he knows who I am.

“LONG MAY THEY REIGN”

Some personal memories of my Glasgow Salvage Corps Service during the years 1940 - 1973.

Attendances at Fires is not always a serious business - at least that is how I found it - it can be even humorous at times.
e.g.
1. Wrong location given: so confusion - To Burgh Buildings in Barrhead - should have been, near Burgh Buildings, Hillhead; First time I can remember of a Salvage Tender boarding a “Clyde Ferry” at Renfrew - impatient “Chief Officer” sounding the Bells on the river crossing to speed up the “Turn-out”.
2. Attending serious Tenement Fire - again Hillhead, correct location this time; Great hospitality from the householders - (tea, cof­fee, sandwiches etc.) overstayed my leave - all tenders have returned to station; make my own way back to H.Q. by boarding a Corporation Bus - carrying helmet, Conductor all smiles, and very helpful.
3.  Small fire in dwelling house on first floor: Officer examining wall-cupboard directly below on ground floor; discovers quite a lot of Wage-packets unopened; great embarrassment of occu­pants; 2 Retired Ladies present: without further ado, the Police Officer present and yours truly check same in their presence; with great relief all round say cheerio and return to Station.
P.S. There have been many more interludes on the Fire-ground -too frequent to mention right now.
The above article was written by Alexander S. Edmiston, Ex Chief Officer Glasgow Salvage Corp and Secretary G.S.C Former Members Association.
( From Aye Ready Issue 4, Autumn 1988. Page 12.)

The Glasgow Salvage Corp was disbanded on the 1st of April 1984.

If you know of any mistakes in this or have any additional information please let me know.