RED CLYDE
Battle of George Square
Paintings © Ken Currie, Reproduced courtesy of The People's Palace, Glasgow
The 1918 so-called "40 hour Strike" was organised to protest against the 56-hour week which was then in operation. The protestors claimed that the reduction in hours would lead to less unemployment and better conditions.
The panel shows the police baton charge. The Riot Act was read and the leaders were arrested.
The following day English troops and tanks were used to disperse the protestors. No Scottish troops were engaged for fear that they would refuse to act against the crowds in George Square. The tank crews, wearing berrets, are shown waiting behind the police.
What is happening in the background of this part of the panel?