A plaque to commemorate a police officer killed by an unexploded mine washed up on Broughty Ferry beach has been unveiled.
PC Robert Stirrat was on duty on May 5 1941 when he was called to investigate a report of an “unfamiliar object” on the beach close to Fisher Street and Dundas Street.
When the 24-year-old tried to secure it – to stop it drifting back out to sea and into shipping lanes – it detonated.
The blast was said to have been so powerful that it blew out the windows of nearby buildings.
PC Stirrat was taken to Dundee Royal Infirmary but died of his injuries at 3.16pm that afternoon, leaving behind a young widow.
It was only 55 years later, in 1996, that his name was added to the Dundee Police War Memorial.
He was the only Dundee police officer to lose his life on home duty during the Second World War.
His selfless courage has now been honoured with the unveiling of a memorial plaque in honour of the Ayrshire-raised hero.
Alastair Derrick, a local historian who runs guided history and heritage walks through Dundee and the Ferry, started campaigning for the memorial a year ago – around the 80th anniversary of PC Stirrat’s death.
He had read of the incident years ago and started researching it in February 2020 while he was writing a specialised tour on the theme of Dundee in war and peace.
“Guests on my walks have always been moved by his story and the day before the 80th anniversary of his death, I posted it on the Dundee Waterfront Walks Facebook page, but also to a few other Facebook pages including Dundonian History for All, Meh Dundee and Old and New Broughty Ferry,” said Alastair.
“Many people responded, wondering why they had never heard of this incident. A good number felt that PC Stirrat should be commemorated down at the Ferry waterfront, which was my own view.
“It seemed to me that with the beautiful new walkways and walls which have been constructed in the area, it was a perfect opportunity to have a tasteful memorial placed where people passing the spot might spend a moment to remember a courageous young officer.
“He has no known surviving relatives and this seemed like unfinished business which we had an opportunity to address.”
Alastair approached Dundee City Council planners and Police Scotland, finding them to be “very positive” towards the idea of a memorial.
Civil engineers McLaughlin and Harvey, who carried out the waterfront works, generously paid for the plaque and its fitting.
Tayside’s divisional commander Chief Superintendent Phil Davison dedicated the memorial in the presence of other serving and former police representatives on April 2.
Ex-police superintendent Sandy Brodie played his pipes on the waterfront and Alastair gave a speech to honour the fallen officer.
Chief Supt Davison said: “For him to lose his life in active service is tragic but it is also a show of sacrifice for others. His actions that day were selfless.”
