Glasgow Street in Svensson Heights has been included in Bundaberg Regional Council’s Streets of Remembrance program, honouring the service of Private James Franklyn Glasgow during WWI.
Secretary of the Burnett Heads Memorial Park Committee Tracie Regan provided further information on Private Glasgow who lived in Burnett Heads before he enlisted.
“Remembering our servicemen and women and honouring their selflessness in defending our country is even more important in times of peace,” Tracie said.
“Capturing their stories and using visual reminders, such as the Streets of Remembrance project, ensures their bravery and sacrifices can be learned by future generations.”
Private Glasgow was born in Bundaberg to Robert and Ellen Glasgow, the eldest of six children.
He was 18 years old when he enlisted on 12 August 1915 and his unit, the 9th Battalion, embarked for the Front from Brisbane on board HMAT A69 Warlida on 5 October 1915.
The Bundaberg Mail and Burnett Advertiser (Qld.: 1892 to 1917) reported the following on the day of his departure:
“On Friday evening last between sixty- and seventy of the residents of the Burnett Heads met at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Lee to say good-by to Private James Glasgow, who was on final leave to see his parents before embarking for the Front.
“Mr. Jorgensen, a very old friend of the Glasgow family, proposed the health of the guest.
“Mr. Jorgensen expressed his approval and his admiration for the action that the young soldier had taken, and on behalf, of the residents he presented Private Glasgow with a wristlet watch and a pocket wallet.”
Private Glasgow was killed in action at the beginning of the Battle of Pozières in France on 23 July 1916 with no known burial.
He was one of four Burnett Heads soldiers who died in action during this battle.
His death was acknowledged in the Bundaberg Mail and Burnett Adviser on 24 February 1917:
“The last toast in honor of our two gallant fallen lads, namely James Glasgow and Willie Noakes, both scholars of Burnett Heads School was drunk in silence, with head bowed in sympathetic grief.”
Private Glasgow’s mother Ellen was an active member of the Burnett Heads Red Cross Society throughout WWI.
Find out more about the Streets of Remembrance program here.
