Gold coloured shield shaped medal with a white enamel safety lamp
and a cartouche of a Weg breathing apparatus engraved on the surface.
3.5×3.5cm
Exhibition label Text: Proficiency Medal, 1912.
Presented by the Fife & Clackmannan Rescue Station to Alexander Gilfillan in 1912 for
proficiency in Mines Rescue.
Digital image on Keeper’s computer – S:/Keeper/MyPictures/Exhibitions/DisplayNewVisitorCentre. Taken November 2003.
A Gilfillan, 1878-1923. Worked in Auldhouse Burn Pit in 1890s, rescued from the disaster there 11/0/1898 aged 20. As deputy at Bowhill was a leading member of the Fife and Clackmannan Mine Rescue Team. Attended the Cadder Pit Disaster at Bishopbriggs 3-5/08/1913, helping to recover 22 bodies while using WEG breathing apparatus. Went on to serve in the Royal Army Medical Corp in 1914-18 war , before untimely death in a pit accident, Bowhill colliery, 27/01/23. See photographs x 2- 1997.0282.