Erskine Honoured to Receive Prestigious Commemorative Coin

Erskine is deeply honoured to have received a rare commemorative coin, minted to mark the 50th anniversary of the lives lost during Exercise Bold Guard and to pay tribute to Brigadier General Alastair "Jock" Stevenson Pearson, CB, DSO***, OBE, MC, TD, DL. Brigadier Pearson founded the 15th Parachute Battalion (15 Para) and was one of Britain’s most decorated soldiers.

Brigadier Pearson enjoyed an extraordinary military career and later served as Lord Lieutenant of Glasgow and Dunbartonshire. His strong connection to Erskine included roles as Vice Chairman, and his legacy is commemorated in Pearson House, named in his honour. The entrance to Pearson House displays the Parachute Regiment wings, the 15 Para tartan patch, and photographs celebrating his distinguished life.

On 11th September 1974, 15 Para, alongside the 4th Battalion of the Parachute Regiment, participated in Exercise Bold Guard, a major UK Joint Airborne Task Force deployment. Tragically, six paratroopers lost their lives during a nighttime drop into Germany’s Kiel Canal. Their sacrifice is honoured annually in September, when ex-members of 15 Para gather to remember them.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of this historic event, a limited edition of 50 coins was created. One of these coins was gifted to Veterans Chaplaincy Scotland, which conducts regular services for Veterans at The Erskine Home. Recognising the shared legacy of Brigadier Pearson and the high regard in which Erskine is held by the 15 Para community, Veterans Chaplaincy Scotland presented the coin to Erskine Veterans Charity.

Former 15 Para Padre, Rev. Jim Smith, remarked: "Through our Chaplaincy visits, our relationship with Erskine and its Veterans has grown into a genuine friendship. This coin is a token of our appreciation for the exceptional care Erskine provides to Veterans and their families."

The coin’s design reflects its deep significance. One side features Brigadier Alastair Pearson, while the reverse displays the Parachute Regiment wings set against the 15 Para tartan patch—a symbol introduced by Brigadier Pearson in 1947. Adding a personal touch, the coin was mounted on a handcrafted wooden plinth made by a member of the Erskine Reid Macewen Woodwork group.

Wing Commander Ian Cumming, CEO of Erskine, expressed his heartfelt gratitude: "We are privileged to receive this remarkable tribute to the Parachute Regiment soldiers who lost their lives during Exercise Bold Guard. This coin symbolises their courage and sacrifice, and it holds a special place in Erskine’s heart, given our deep connection to Brigadier Alastair Pearson. We are honoured to be entrusted with this piece of history, which will stand as a lasting tribute to their memory."

Ex-members of 15 Para joined the presentation to commemorate this significant occasion. Erskine is proud to uphold the legacy of Brigadier Pearson, the history of 15 Para, and the values of dedication and service they exemplify.

For further information please contact Susan Hamilton, Communications Officer, on 0141 814 4719 or email susan.hamilton@erskine.org.uk