Gimson, George Stanley
Biography: Born Glasgow, 1915.Educated at Glasgow High School, and studied law at Glasgow University after WWII. Joined the Territorial Army in 1938, and was commissioned into the 2nd HAA regiment, Indian artillery, Singapore in 1941. Singapore fell shortly after, and Gimson was taken as a prisoner of war and worked on the Burma-Siam railway. Due to malaria and dysentry, he was then sent to a prison camp at Changi, where he later became an orderly in the prison hospital. During his time as a PoW, he drew a series of sketches showing the conditions of the camp, and these have appeared in many exhibitions. His experience had a profound effect on him, and later in life he devoted much of his time to looking after the welfare of former POWs who had suffered illnesses and disabilities. Called to the bar, 1949, and set up practice in Edinburgh, dealing with mostly civil cases. Appointed standing junior counsel to the Department of Agriculture and the Forestry Commission. Took silk, 1961, and presided over the enquiry into the extension of runways at Edinburgh Airport.. Sheriff Principal of Aberdeen, Kincardine and Banff, 1972, and after local government reorganisation, Sheriff Principal of Grampian, Highlands and Islands in 1974. He earned himself a reputation as a most able lawyer, and was noted for the polite, kindly atmosphere he engendered in court. Honorary LLD, University of Aberdeen, 1981. He retired as Sheriff Principal in 1982.
Biography Date: 1915-2003
Biography References: Obituary, The Scotsman, 15th Sept 2003.
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