PLYMOUTH |
The Encyclopaedia of Plymouth History |
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Born at Burnley in Lancashire, where he was Town Clerk for 12 years before coming to Plymouth in June 1935. During World War One he had served in the Royal Engineers Signals in German East Africa. He was awarded the King's Coronation Medal in 1937 and the Order of the British Empire (OBE). Following his service during the Second War as Air Raid Precautions Controller for the City of Plymouth, he then guided the City's affairs through the early difficult days of post-war reconstruction. At that time the office of the Town Clerk was at Pounds House, Peverell. He was knighted in January 1952 and became the first local government official in Plymouth to be so honoured whilst still a serving officer. This event was celebrated with a dinner at the Grand Hotel, but not at the expense of the Council: the staff themselves paid for it out by making contributions according to their salary level. It was claimed that his knighthood was delayed by the Government because Plymouth had broken the rules during the early years of post-war reconstruction. Being anxious to get on with the building work, the Council had ordered some steel mesh before seeking a Government permit to do so and thus clashed with Whitehall officials. Sir Colin retired in September 1953.
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