John Bertram was born in Stranraer, Wigtownshire on 21st August 1913 to James Bertram, (Headmaster of the Sheuchan School,) and Emily Bertram, nee Mclennan (teacher at the Sheuchan School). He had a younger sister, Nan, who studied languages at the University of Glasgow. John won a scholarship and attended the University of Glasgow between 1931 and 1935, graduating on 20 April 1935 with a BSc in Electrical Engineering. In his first year, 1931-1932, he studied Chemistry, Mathematics and Natural Philosphy. In 1932-1933 he took Higher Mathematics, general engineering and drawing. In 1933-1934 he studied Electrical Engineering (specified course) and in his final year took Mechanics 111-1, Electrical Engineering 111, Electrical Design 11, Mathematics V11.
After graduating, he worked in Rugby and then in London during the war years doing research into radio valves. He was also a part-time fireman in London during the war and spent several nights on duty in places like St Paul's Cathedral during the Blitz. At the end of the war he was given a commission and spent some time in Germany trying to contact other researchers in his field of work. He worked for Edison, BTH (British Thomas Houston), Associated Electrical Industries, Mazda Lighting and finally Thorn Electrical Engineering (Lighting Division) where he was the Distribution Manager, based in Leicester.
While in Leicester Mr Bertram was active in the local Caledonian Society, the Presbyterian Church and amateur dramatics. He was also Chairman of the local Conservative Party in South Knighton district and a governor of Leicester School. Mr and Mrs Bertram retired to Newton Stewart, Wigtownshire around 1976. Mr Bertram cultivated his garden, orchard and vegetable plot, went swimming, played golf, curling and indoor carpet bowls. He was also active in the local church. He died on 24 February 2002
From the guide to the Papers of John Bertram, 1913-2002, electrical engineering graduate, University of Glasgow, Scotland, 1933-1935, (Glasgow University Archive Services)
