A FORMER soldier from Neilston paid tribute to his comrades from the Armed Forces at the launch of a new exhibition at the Kelvin-

grove Museum, Glasgow.

Corporal David Timmins, who holds the Queen’s Gallantry Medal, served in the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team and was deployed on two operational tours of Afghanistan.

After nine years of service, he lost an eye and suffered multiple severe injuries in a bomb explosion in Afghanistan during Operation Panther’s Claw in 2009.

Before his own injuries, Mr Timmins helped to save a wounded colleague, and was subsequently awarded the QGM for bravery.

Mr Timmins was speaking at the opening of Frank Brangwyn in World War I: Art In Aid Of Blind Soldiers And Sailors series. The exhibition illustrates the experience of a soldier in the First World War who was blinded on the battlefield, admitted to hospital and then supported to learn a new trade.

Speaking at the event, he said: “As all veterans do, I think it’s important to remember the sacrifices made by our forebearers in combat.

“This exhibition highlights the challenges faced by

those soldiers who lost their sight on First World War battlefields, which I can relate to following my own experiences.”

The series is a set of five lithographic prints, which were completed by Frank Brangwyn in 1915.

A supporting public programme will include a family day hosted by Scottish War Blinded.

Veterans will share their experience, display their own artworks and, together with the Glasgow Museums Learning and Access team, deliver related family activities.

Rebecca Barr, head of

Scottish War Blinded, said: “We are pleased to work with Glasgow Museums to raise awareness of all those affected by sight loss.

“We are so pleased

Kelvingrove Museum has made great strides to allow everyone to interact with this display.

An iPad has been installed to provide audio descriptions of the objects on a continuous loop.

For more information see: www.glasgowmuseums.com