GARSCADDEN Primary was used as an American military base during World War II, a former pupil has said.

The man, who now lives in Hardgate, came forward to the school to recount his childhood memories after an appeal by the Post to track down former pupils in order to put together a farewell performance ahead of the school’s closure.

Teacher Laura McMillan said people have offered memorabilia, such as class photos, from during the school’s almost 90-year history but some had interesting stories to share too.

The gentleman handed in his former class photo from the 1940s and told of the dozens of huts that littered the school’s playground used by the American forces who would frequently pass him chewing gum through the school fence.

She said: “He brought us a map showing us where the huts were from the US military.

“So I Googled and I saw that the US navy were on the Clyde at that time because of the war so I think this would have been the base as it’s so close by.

“But it’s hard to get records from that time because nothing is on the internet.

“He said it wasn’t a hospital, as we first thought, but it was used by the Americans.”

Another former pupil is attempting to travel from England to say goodbye to the school where he was a rebellious youngster, despite becoming a police officer in later life.

Laura added: “One gentleman was quite funny. He emailed me and he remembered he stole crayons from the school stationery cupboard and the school called the police.

“He got in big trouble with his parents, the school and the police but he actually went on to become a police officer for 30 years.

“He’s just retired and lives in Suffolk but I asked if he would come back up for the show and he is going to try to make it to Glasgow.”

The project has brought more intrigue for Laura as to what the building was used for prior to 1945, when there are first records of pupils attending the school.

Laura said: “We can’t find any records from 1930 although it was built then.

“We know pupils were decanted during the war and there is reference to a Garscadden Primary but it seems to be in a different building.”

Laura added: “We’ve had people say ‘I saw this in the Clydebank Post, here’s my school photo’ so I’m still waiting to get some more.

“I want to know so much more about it now.”

Staff are continuing to seek out those who can shed a light on their beloved school’s history, but specifically the 1930s.

All the research will go towards a school show titled Through the Decades, where the pupils will take the audience on a journey of the school’s history, and an event where former pupils can come along for a visit one last time.

Tickets are extremely limited and cost just £1, which will include refreshments after the show.

The show will be on Monday, June 19, at 1.30pm and 6.30pm, Tuesday, June 20, at 6.30pm and Wednesday, June 21, at 1.30pm. The final tour of the school lasts from 3.15pm to 5pm on Monday, June 5 and Tuesday, June 6.

To share memories or book tickets to the performance, contact gw11macmillanlaura@glow.ea.glasgow.sch.uk.

Meanwhile a second school due to enter the new Clyde Campus this August has released an appeal for former students to come forward.

St Brendan’s Primary School will close on June 27 and staff have planned numerous celebrations to mark its final days. 

School teachers have urged residents to share their past photos, events and memories of their time at the Hawick Street building and they’re looking for everything from old class photos to first communions, from school shows to sports days. 

Former staff, pupils and parents will have the chance to return to the building and walk the halls once again just one last time before it closes its doors.

The school, which will remain it’s own separate establishment when it enters the new campus, will host an open door event from 3pm to 5pm on June 6. 

All mementos must be handed in to the school office or emailed to headteacher@st-brendans-pri.glasgow.sch.uk by Friday, May 19.

All original copies of documents will be returned to their owner. 
The school has also released three class photos from previous years and are keen to trace those pictures. 

Anyone who recognises a former pupil or for more information on the open door event should call the school on 0141 952 4449 or headteacher@st-brendans-pri.glasgow.sch.uk.