Jack's story begins in 1920 in the London distracts of Peckham, Deptford, and Greenwich, enjoying life as a Cockney Lad in pre-war London, unaware that the years ahead would foster difficult times ending in a deep love for Scotland.

Pitched into World War II having initially joined the Territorial Army he found himself in 1942 a prisoner of war of the Japanese. Surviving harsh conditions on the Thai-Burma railway, he returns to marry his Scottish sweetheart who had waited for him for four and a half years - hoping all the time he was still alive and would return.

Jack found post-war life not easy; he became a widower twice, and happiness and sadness came in equal portions. Life on the railway still haunted him and after 65 years he returns to the Kwai.

Finally he gets back to Scotland and finds a second Scottish bride, thus bringing happiness for the years to come, and the hope for reaching 100 years of age.

Watch an interview with Jack here. 

Taken with permission from the cover of Jack's book, The Scottish Cockney

Schooled at Fairlie Primary then Largs High school.
Enlisted 1971 to Corps Royal Engineers.
Trained with 9 Parra RE.
Joined UN Rapid Response Unit.
Having served in many areas demobbed 1983 to join Cleveland Ambulance Service as a Paramedic Technician.
Returned to Largs 2012 after retirement.

SR

I am an Associate Member of Largs Branch RBLS. I was educated in Largs High School, undertook a career in Nursing (RGN) with Argyll and Clyde Health Board then a degree in Health (BA) at the University of the West of Scotland, and a Certificate in Teaching (Adult Education) at Strathclyde University.

I am now retired and enjoy using my transferable skills to assist a group dear to my heart.

RG

Attended multiple primary schools following my father around the world eventually settled at the Duke of Yorks Royal Military School.

After a quick flirt with Westbury and the RCB qualified as a Marine Engineering Officer in the Merchant Navy. Now currently working in the North Sea sector.

Moved to Largs in 2010. 

DB