AS the people of Glasgow paid their respects to the dead of the two world wars, a special plaque was unveiled in the city centre.

The passengers rushing on and off trains to London from Central Station on Armistice Day may not have realised, but they were following in the footsteps of Glasgow's heroes.

Every Scottish serviceman and woman heading south to do their bit in the First World War - including 18,000 Glaswegians - departed from Platform 1 or 2.

Now a new memorial, unveiled as part of yesterday's Armistice Day commemorations, pays tribute to them all.

The black marble plaque bears the inscription "On these platforms, in two world wars, hundreds of thousands of servicemen and women said goodbye to their families, some for the last time."

Keith Brown MSP, the Minister for Veterans, carried out the unveiling with retired Colonel Bobby Steele, area secretary west of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

Mr Brown said: "When WW1 began 100 years ago, few could have imagined the scale of the conflict.

"It is important that this and future generations should continue to remember the sacrifice and this plaque is a fitting way to do it."

Colonel Steele added: "In 1914, those leaving from here thought they were heading off on a great adventure.

"Sadly, of course, many did not return."

He added: "It was called 'the war to end all wars' but we know now that was not true. Since 1918 until the present day, 1968 is the only year in which a British serviceman or woman has not been killed on active service."

David Dickson, Network Rail's route managing director for Scotland, said: "The unveiling of this plaque provides a poignant reminder to today's travellers of the role this station played in both world wars.

"Those ordinary Glaswegians who risked their lives for our freedom will always be remembered."

The idea for the memorial was Jimmy Murray's, formerly of Hyndland and now living in Canada, who got in touch with old friend Alan Carlaw to get the scheme off the ground.

Alan explained: "Five years ago, I sent a copy of Dugald Cameron's book, all about the history of the station, to Jimmy in Canada.As he looked through the photographs and read the stories of the soldiers and sailors departing for the wars, he figured Platforms 1 and 2 must have a tale to tell."

Jimmy, Alan and Dugald, a former head of Glasgow School of Art, approached Network Rail about the possibility of installing a privately-funded memorial.

Alan, now 83, smiled: "It's fitting that, after all this time, the plaque should be unveiled as we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the First World War."

Jimmy's daughter, Lorna, who attended the unveiling, said after the service: "Dad couldn't be here today, but he is with us in spirit.

"He's delighted the plaque is now in place."

Lorna added: "It has such poignancy. One of my neighbours, who is 93, spoke to me recently about how so many families poured in to the station to say goodbye... there was such sadness, she said. "It's easy to imagine that, standing here today."

Jimmy and Alan attended Glasgow Academy together, so it was appropriate than some of the school's current pupils, including army cadet Christopher Rae, 17, and Royal Navy cadet Shaina Mahal, 17, attended the service.

"It's a great way to remember the thousands of men and women who passed through here on the way to war," said Christopher.

Shaina added: "Many of them would be the same age as we are just now, it makes you think."

Andy Nisbet, a retired captain of the Parachute Regiment Association of Glasgow, said the plaque was a "fitting addition to the station's war commemorations".

He has a further, poignant connection to the station.

"I was collecting donations in here last year and noticed the name 'George Nisbet' on the other memorial, at the entranceway," he explained.

"I wondered if we were related and I was astonished to discover he was my great uncle.

"He was a railway porter, a Lance Corporal who fought and died in Palestine, and none of the family knew anything about him.

"It was incredible, a really strange coincidence.

"George would have been one of the thousands of troops who left from this platform, so I feel even closer to him today."

ann.fotheringham@ heraldandtimes.co.uk