Broughty Ferry may appear to have been distant from the Battles of World War 2 but the Tay estuary and docks of Dundee were to play an important role in Scotland’s war efforts. This role was to have tragic consequences for Police Constable Stirrat of Broughty Ferry.
On 5th May 1941PC Stirrat was called to investigate a strange object that had washed up onto the foreshore at Fisher Street. Upon arrival the young 24 year old constable was perhaps unsure of what it was but concluded it was of interest and moved in to secure it from floating away on the next tide.
The object was a small sea mine and as he tied it off to the sea wall it detonated with a huge blast that propelled debris across the street and destroyed the windows of nearby houses. Local residents rushed to the aid of the badly injured constable and summoned an ambulance. Sadly PC Robert Stirrat would succumb to his injuries and passed away that afternoon at Dundee Royal Infirmary.
The memory of Robert is recorded on a plaque at the point where the mine came ashore thanks to local historian Alastair Derrick who approached Dundee City Council with the story whilst the sea wall was being constructed in 2022.
