One life is enough
A POIGNANT tribute to a local hero by Bishopbriggs reader Alex Sturgeon...
I came across the poem about a Springburn hero, Sandy Deuchar, and wanted to know more about this man's sacrifice.
When I read the poem, I just felt the man was due some recognition.
I'm sure many ex-railway workers in Kirkintilloch, Bishopbriggs and, of course, Springburn may remember the story.
The following verse was printed on Alex Deuchars' memorial card at his funeral.
It was written by Fred Easton, a neighbour, as a tribute.
A Common Hero
Not there alone upon the plains of strife
Where martial music cheers the quivering nerve;
But even in the common walks of life
There heroes prove that they can bravely serve.
In Britain's mills and deep in Britain's mines,
Upon the railway and the mighty sea;
There is the field where common courage shines,
Where humble toilers prove their chivalry.
Think, now, of Alex Hay Deuchar, who cried
"Jump mate, one life is enough," and then
He sprang into the scalding steam, and died,
Giving his life to save his fellow men.
No V.C. will adorn his breast; no spoil
Of victor with his loved ones screen,
But there upon the Cenotaph of toil
We'll carve his name and keep his memory green.
One life is enough...
These days, when every "have-a-go" hero seeks recognition, as indeed they should, and in many cases compensation or reward, I should like to introduce, or resurrect, the name of Alexander Hay Deuchar.
Alex (Sandy) Deuchar was an engine driver, and lived in a tenement overlooking the Cowlairs Incline.
He had a special whistle code to let his family know he would be home shortly and that all was well.
Sadly on May 27, 1922, that whistle was silent. Sandy, with his fireman, were on the Edinburgh to Glasgow run. It was a Saturday and the 8pm express was packed with passengers.
Sandy had been experiencing some minor problems and told his fireman that they would check things out at Manuel Junction.
However, just before Manuel the big-end pierced the firebox.
Pressurised steam, in a scalding torrent, roared onto the footplate, driving white-hot coals before it. In seconds, the footplate was a hell of fire and scalding steam.
Alex Deuchar pushed his fireman onto the step.
"Jump mate! One life is enough," he cried.
Knee deep in burning coals, he groped his way through scalding steam, reaching for the regulator and brake valve, and brought the train to a halt without loss of life.
Through his courageous action, a massive, tragic accident had been averted.
Some time later, Sandy lay on a bench at Manuel as two doctors, who had been passengers, did what they could to lessen his severe pain.
A neighbour and workmate leaned over, and Sandy gasped: "Tell them at home that I'll be alright."
Sadly Alex Deuchar died the following Wednesday.
He was laid to rest at Sighthill Cemetery, close to the Cowlairs Incline, in full view of his home.
A slab of Aberdeen granite bears his name, and the inscription: HE GAVE HIS RICHEST GIFT, HIS LIFE ... ON THE ALTER OF HONOUR.
Of course all of this took place many years ago.
But it's refreshing to know that heroes, such as Alex Hay Deuchar, once walked these streets, and, who knows, other heroes may walk them again.
Meanwhile, let us thank God for the selfless courage and sacrifice of Alexander Deuchar.
Alex Sturgeon
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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