David Wilson
David Wilson lost his life in the line of duty on the 6th May 1941, alongside his colleague John Sydney Furrow. Their Red Plaque was unveiled on the 6th May 2025, on the 84th anniversary of their deaths.
On Tuesday May 6 1941, a German Heinkel He-111 bomber dropped two land mines at around 2am, that parachuted on to Newton Street. One demolished Woodside First Aid Post No 5 in William Street, while the other exploded in Newton Street, caused a massive explosion in the east wing of the West School.
West School was being used as an Auxiliary Fire Station at the time. On duty were 30 year old David Wilson and fellow firefighter 16 year old John Sydney Furrow; both were in a nearby vehicle that was tossed across the road as a result of the huge blast. The Paisley firefighters were rushed by ambulance to the Royal Alexandra Infirmary in Neilston Road but both died soon afterwards. Their colleague James Canavan was badly injured in the same blast but survived.
David was an AFS firefighter and husband to Agnes A. Smith Wilson, of 28 Ferguslie Walk. He was buried at Abbey Cemetery, Elderslie
The unveiling of the Red Plaque occurred at the site of the incident, now West Primary School in Paiseley, with 150 people present, which includes the family of the recipients, FBU Officials, Fire Service representatives and current students at West School. Some of the pupils contributed artwork in the memory of the pair as part of their Forged by Fire history project.
David’s grandson Calum Ross described the ceremony as “an emotional moment” for the family;
“It was a much bigger event than I expected but it was very well organised. All the speeches were great, the plaque unveiling and the wreath laying were appropriately solemn. It is extremely important that we continue honouring fallen servicemen, if it were not for their combined sacrifice we would not enjoy the freedoms or lifestyles that we enjoy and often take for granted today.
It is even more important to educate our young people about the real life consequence of war, unlike the war-themed computer dames that many of them play.
Also important is that we recognise that service men and women out themselves at risk to protect or rescue members or our communities every day of the week, every year.”
Since finding out about the Red Plaque, the family of David Wilson have undertaken internet research and found lots of information about the event that they were unaware, which they have shared with both the grand children and great-grandchildren of David.
“Through the awarding of the Red Plaque and this ‘journey of discovery’ the knowledge of this part of David’s life will be kept alive for many, many more years to come.”
John Sydney Furrow’s relative Joseph Pieraccini thought the plaque ceremony was a “fitting tribute” to those who passed away in the tragic event.
“The event was quite emotional and brought home the importance of family and community. I felt proud that my kids, who are direct relations with John, were able to honour his memory in this way. This also brought up for them the memory of their mum, who was a Farrow, was full of joy and love. It is a real credit to my children who have carried on their family tradition of service and love in their lives going forward.”
FBU Regional Treasurer Seona Hart;
“The Fire Brigades Union is proud to have unveiled a Red Plaque honouring firefighters John Sydney Farrow and David Wilson, who lost their lives during a World War Two air raid.
“This has been a special day, with the community of Paisley rallying round to honour and remember the bravery and sacrifice of these two auxiliary firefighters.
“Thank you to all the local schoolchildren, residents, firefighters, historians and family members whose contributions have made this possible.
“The modern fire and rescue service was formed as a result of the volunteers who battled the huge fires of the Blitz.
“John Sydney Farrow and David Wilson’s stories are part of the history of our fire service and the history of Paisley.
“We will ensure they are never forgotten.”
FBU General Secretary Steve Wright:
“The Red Plaque scheme aims to commemorate all firefighters who have died in the line of duty in the UK.
“Funded through donations raised by our Firefighters 100 Lottery, the project brings firefighters together with local communities to unveil memorial plaques.
“These provide a place of reflection and remembrance, while ensuring that firefighters’ stories are embedded in the histories of the places they serves.
“This plaque will stand as a tribute to John Sydney Farrow and David Wilson in Paisley, so that they will always be remembered.”
Below are memories added by those who knew David Wilson or had a story that they wish to share with you. If you have a tribute for David Wilson that you wish to add, please include your memory below.
Please help support our Firefighters with the Firefighters 100 Lottery, a weekly online lottery created to support firefighters, their bereaved families and to honour the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters killed in the line of duty. With your help we can have schemes such as the Red Plaque Project for memorials to those lives lost.
Learn about the history of the Red Plaque Project and discover other Firefighters that have also received Red Plaques.
Photo credits: Craig MacLean
