Jim Glasgow

James (Jim) Glasgow

JIM GLASGOW who died in 2021 at the age of 92, was former Deputy Managing Director for VSEL.  

The former Barrow Grammar School educated man was an example of the local boy made good.  Starting in the Ship Drawing Office at Vickers - Armstrongs in Barrow-in-Furness shortly after the War, Jim rose to the role of Deputy Managing Director by the time of his retirement in 1990.

Over a career spanning 45 years Jim was well known and held in high esteem both locally and throughout the UK Shipbuilding Industry, Royal Navy and Ministry of Defence. He was highly respected by all who knew him, as a gentleman and tributes have already reflected that people regarded it as an honour and privilege to have known him.

Jim Glasgow was born in Hindpool, Barrow-in-Furness on 31st October 1929. The newspaper headlines were still talking about the Wall Street Crash and the great depression was about to begin.  The eldest of 3 sons, to Annie (nee Jackson) and James, a craftsman in Vickers Engineering Works at Barrow.  

He attended Blake Street School, before moving to Vickerstown on Walney Island, in order to benefit from the creature comforts of electricity and hot water (the inside toilet would have to wait!).

Jim went to Vickerstown School and following success at the 11+ exam was accepted at Barrow Grammar School at the beginning of the War. 

In 1945, he decided not to stay on into the 6th Form, but instead became an Apprentice in the Ship Drawing Office (SDO) of Vickers - Armstrongs, Barrow.  

On leaving the Grammar School he left the Headmaster's study with the words “Glasgow, you will regret this day as long as you live…” ringing in his ears.

In 1953 he graduated from Kings College, Newcastle, (then Durham University) and was the only person to return to shipbuilding with a 1st Class Honours Degree in Naval Architecture. 

From the Ship Drawing Office he moved to the Naval Architects Department as Ship Designer.  Due to be called up for National Service in 1954, he took a short service commission in the Royal Air Force. 

After spells at Jurby, Henlow and Middelton St. George he subsequently became the last Engineer Officer with 612 County of Aberdeen Squadron at Dyce, that flew Gloucester Meteors.  He often reassured the pilots that the aircraft were in the safe hands of a Naval Architect!

On his return from the RAF in 1957 he began working on tankers and new designs for the Naval Yard at High Walker in the Naval Architects Department. 

In 1959, Shipyard General Manager, Len Redshaw authorised Shipyard Manager Bill Richardson to recruit an Assistant Manager for the Oriana. Jim was selected and the largest liner to be launched from an English Shipyard always remained his favourite vessel.

He subsequently spent two years at HMS Vulcan, the Dounreay Submarine Prototype, as Site Manager and on his return looked after the build of HMS Valiant, the first all British Nuclear Submarine, the Tanker British Grenadier, and various conventional submarines.  

He often commented that at the time it was easier to get the Vickers Board in London to approve capital expenditure related to super-tankers rather than nuclear submarines!

In 1963 he returned to the Ship Drawing Office as Technical Manager where he had to treble the size of the office to deal with the demands of the UK Polaris Programme as the yard was Lead Yard for Type 42 and the Invincible Class.

In 1975 he was appointed to the Board in Barrow as Shipbuilding Manager, later becoming General Manager of the Shipbuilding Works. Jim led the team responsible for the construction of the Devonshire Dock Hall, opened by Margaret Thatcher in 1986. He was also Project Director for HMS Invincible. He was at the first meeting where the concept of a “through deck cruiser” had been discussed and ultimately handed the vessel over to the Royal Navy as the Shipbuilders representative.

Appointed Deputy Managing Director in 1982 he was part of the team that led the buyout of VSEL Consortium plc from British Shipbuilders in 1986, eventually retiring in 1990 after 45 years in “the Yard”.

During retirement he undertook consultancy work for both VSEL and British Maritime Technology. 

During his career he was also a British Shipbuilders warship building board member, Chairman of Barclay Curle, Glasgow, and Chairman of Warship Design, Bath.  

Outside of work he had at various times been; President of the Royal Society of St George, Furness Branch; Chairman of Trinity House Sub Commissioners of Pilotage for Barrow and Heysham, Chairman of Barrow and District Engineers, Chairman of the Trustees Furness Maritime Trust, Chairman of Vickers Sports Club, President of St. Johns Ambulance Brigade (Barrow Corps), Furness Area Development Committee Member, first President of HEFF (Hospital Equipment Fund for Furness), first President of SDO Football Club. He was a Member of Barrow Cricket Club and for many years Vice-President of Barrow Rugby League.

He was a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Royal Institute of Naval Architects, having been a member for almost 70 years, previously being a member of the Council and the Education and Training Committee.

Jim was always regarded as a ‘people person’ who was hugely appreciative of the knowledge and skills of those at the sharp end of the business. He was highly respected both inside and outside of work and was as home with the workforce in the Shipyard as he was with Directors, senior politicians and Royalty. 

Always firm but fair, he had the ability to put people at ease, make them feel comfortable and get the best out of those around him. He will be long remembered for his friendship, wise counsel and good humour. As a great man, great shipbuilder and great friend.

Jim’s wife Ricia passed away in 2018 and he is survived by his two sons, Allan and Keith, 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Jim Glasgow, born October 31st 1929, died November 19th November 2021.