Jimmie Guthrie (1897-1937)

Racing motorcyclist

Jimmie Guthrie served with the Royal Engineers as a dispatch rider. On demobilisation he joined the Hawick Motorcycle Club and took part in the Isle of Man tourist trophy (TT). By 1926 he was Scottish speed champion and in the 1930s broke the world record several times, became European 500cc champion and won TT races and nine grand prixs. He was close to winning another when he was involved in a fatal crash aged just 40. His funeral was held in Hawick and the museum there has a permanent Jimmie Guthrie exhibition to commemorate his life and achievements.

Birth in 1887

James Guthrie was born on 23 May 1897, the son of James Guthrie, plumber journeyman, and Grace Johnston Donaldson. The entry in the statutory register of births for Hawick gives his place of birth as 5 Rosevale Cottages in Wilton.

Birth entry for Jimmie Guthrie (26 KB jpeg)
National Records of Scotland, 1887/789-2/56

Marriage in 1931

James Guthrie, motor engineer (master) married Isabella Compton, hospital nurse on 31 December 1931. They met in 1929 when he was receiving treatment at the Hawick Cottage Hospital following a crash. The entry in the statutory register of marriages for Annan (her parish) gives his address as Parkdaill in Hawick.

Marriage entry for Jimmie Guthrie (44 KB jpeg)
National Records of Scotland, 1931/812/1

Death in 1937

Jimmie Guthrie died on 8 August 1937 at the Kuchwald Hospital in Chemnitz after an accident at the German Grand Prix. His death was registered at the British Consul in Dresden with details supplied by the local registrar. The entry is included in the Consular Returns which are part of the Minor Records of births, deaths and marriages overseas.

Death entry for Jimmie Guthrie (38 KB jpeg)
National Records of Scotland, 1937/173-CL/page 506