Julian’s Stirling visit raised £54k
Crowds turn out to see War Savings Tank
A large crowd turned out 100 years ago to greet Julian, the `war savings tank’, which rumbled into Stirling to raise money for the conflict.
It was one of six new tanks touring the country to promote the sale of Government War Bonds and War Savings Certificates.
And the visit to Stirling raised a total of £54,000 which, adjusted for inflation, is equivalent to almost £3 million today.
Among the larger investors encouraged by Julian’s visit were Prudential Insurance Company which gave £3350 and Stirling Royal Infirmary which invested £1600. And both Stirling Hotels Ltd (Golden Lion) and Stirling Cooperative Society each contributed £1000.
Julian had arrived from Callander and was watched by people as it proceeded up Station Road, along Murray Place , Port Street and Dumbarton Road before coming to a scheduled halt outside the recently-opened Municipal Buildings in Corn Exchange Road.
Onlookers were fascinated by this latest weapon of war as tanks had been only first used successfully just months earlier at the Battle of Cambrai.
The Observer said: “Despite its huge weight, the tank moving on caterpillar wheels made less noise than many of the heavy motor vans which periodically pass along the main streets.”
Speaking from on top of the tank, Provost Raffan told onlookers the British Army had grown from 200,000 at the start of the conflict to a force of seven million and he added: “This great war needs money. Last week the Chancellor of the Exchequer asked for £700 million. Some of us cannot offer our individual selves but we can still do our part. Out part is to give the Government money, not as a gift but as a loan.”
He appealed for the 8000 families in Stirling to lend any sum from 15 shillings and sixpence, for a £1 savings certificate, up to £500 and more.
Following the provost’s speech, there was a steady stream of people making donations.
They were admitted to the New Municipal Buildings before having their bonds and savings certificates stamped at the tank.
Job done, Julian made its way back to the station along crowdlined streets carrying several Stirling dignitaries.