Buddies pay tribute to Paisley war hero

Memorial marks 75th anniversary of tragedy

Dignitaries gathered at a poignant remembrance ceremony commemorating 75 years since the loss of a Paisley WWII hero.

Flight Sergeant John Colhoun was only 25 when he died following a plane crash in Ireland.

Flt Sgt Colhoun was lost with all crew members when the plane he was piloting crashed in County Wexford, Ireland, on September 16, 1943.

The group assembled at Hawkhead Cemetery in the town to mark the 75th anniversary of the tragedy and to pay their respects to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

The ceremony was joined by Lord Lieutenant Guy Clark of Renfrewshire, Provost Lorraine Cameron and members of Paisley Royal British Legion, including former servicemen and women.

The group also laid wreaths donated by funeral directors and arranged by area florists at the poignant tribute.

Gordon Powrie, vice chairman of the Royal Engineers as public relations officer for the Royal British Legion, heaped praised on all those who helped

He said: “Last Sunday we assembled at Hawkhead Cemetery Paisley on the 75th anniversary of the death of Flight Sgt John Colhoun, aged 25 years, who tragically lost his life on September 16, 1943 with all crew when the plane he was piloting crashed in County Wexford, Ireland.

“Special thanks to Deacon John for conducting the graveside remembrance at Hawkhead Cemetery, Steven Cameron Funeral Directors for providing two flower arrangements beautifully done by Geri Macneil from Flowers in Thyme Renfrew, and for Provost Lorraine Cameron and the Lord Lieutenant Guy Clark of Renfrewshire.

“A final big thanks to Peter Hutchison for all the work involved from the Paisley Historical Society in researching and allowing the people of Renfrewshire to remember this hero from Paisley who paid the ultimate sacrifice during World War II.”

John Colhoun was born in Paisley on July 22,1918, the son of Patrick and Margaret Theresa Colhoun.

He excelled at school and was granted help from the Carnegie Grant Trust to allow him to enrol for a degree course at the University of Glasgow.

He graduated with a Master of Arts in 1939 and listed his profession as a teacher living at Andrews Street, in the town, in January 1940.

He joined the RAF following the outbreak of war and became a Flight Sergeant.

He is also remembered by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and in the University of Glasgow Roll of Honour.