James Downie

Died

22 August 1896

Age

Rank

Sergeant

Force

Ayrshire Constabulary

Cause

Train

Duty Status

On Duty

Roll of Honour Citation

Struck by a train while walking along railway tracks.

Roll of Honour Citation

Struck by a train while walking along railway tracks.

Circumstances

Sergeant Downie was returning to his station at Dalry from policing the annual Merrymass races in Irvine. The train he boarded did not stop at Dalry but when it stopped for a signal at a junction near the town, Sergeant Downie took the opportunity to jump off, with the intention of walking back. It is thought he walked up the line to speak to the crew of the engine before leaving, but was struck by an express train coming from Glasgow and was killed outright.

Sergeant Downie was returning to his station at Dalry after policing the annual Merrymass races in Irvine. The train he boarded did not stop at Dalry but when it stopped for a signal at a junction near the town, Sergeant Downie took the opportunity to jump off, with the intention of walking back. It is thought he walked up the line to speak to the crew of the engine before leaving, but he was struck by an express train coming from Glasgow and was killed instantly.