James Lobban

James was born in Perth, his family moving to Dundee in 1924. His father, whose name he shared, was a plumber. He left school at 16, following his father by taking an apprenticeship at James Robertson and sons, while also srudying for the relevant certificates at Dundee Technical College. His employer recorded, “he is a very industrious and capable workman, one that we can thoroughly recommend with all confidence.”

An essay he wrote as a candidate for the Worshipful Company of Plumbers Travelling Scholarship in 1934 earning a £50 award. It was published in the Plumbing Trade Journal for Dec 1935 earning him a £6 fee, a substantial amount at the time.

On the outbreak of war he was directed to work for JP Finister of Dundee. His obituary records his membership of the Home Guard, but makes no mention of Auxiliary Units, suggesting he kept this quiet. Local newspaper report fines for showing lights from his house in the blackout, though it may be his father being penalized.

On 7 Feb 1942 he married Mary Adam at the Royal British Hotel, Dundee, with Alex Dallas as his best man. By the time his son was born on 31 Dec 1944 he was already overseas having been called up. Most likely this was in April 1943 after restrictions for Auxiliers were lifted.

After the war he moved into a prefab house with his family. He qualified as a technical teacher returning to Dundee Technical College to work. He was a committed member of the Dundee branch of the Registered Plumbers Association and when he died was the oldest member of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineers.

He was reported to have a keen interest in mathematics, read scientific and nature journals and shared his knowledge with others. He enjoyed music and studied the piano in retirement. He was a fan of slapstick comedy from childhood and throughout his life.