Survivor joins commemoration of 92 first aiders killed in Paisley bombing

The oldest survivor of a bomb blast which killed 92 first aiders has commemorated the victims at a special memorial service.

Jenny Enterkin, 102, survived the Nazi parachute bomb which hit the first aid post in Paisley 75 years ago this week, claiming the lives of 92 volunteers.

The direct hit on the Woodside First Aid Post in the early hours of May 6 1941 was the town's worst wartime disaster.

A second bomb dropped the same morning killed two firemen on West Street.

Ms Enterkin laid a wreath in memory of her lost colleagues at the commemorative cairn in Woodside Cemetery during the 75th anniversary memorial service on Sunday.

The names of those lost were read out at the moving ceremony which was led by Reverend George Prentice.

Relatives and friends of those killed in the bomb blast attended the service, including James Ferguson whose father went to help emergency services on the scene after the bomb hit.

Renfrewshire's Provost Anne Hall laid a wreath on behalf of the people of Renfrewshire and Dr Stella Gibson, whose father was the chief medical officer at the post, laid the final wreath.

Ms Hall said: “The Woodside First Aid Post bombing claimed the lives of 92 people in Paisley's worst wartime disaster.

“They paid the ultimate sacrifice in the fight for freedom that day. By coming together, we honour their lives taken from them that day and keep their memory alive in our hearts.

“The Woodside disaster affected families and friends within the community, many who are gathered here today, and it was moving to hear how they came together to support one another through their grief.

“Anniversaries are always poignant moments of reflection for the community and we should never forget the bravery of the men and women in this tragedy.”

The service was organised by the Renfrewshire Family History Society, the Board of Woodside Cemetery and Renfrewshire Council.

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