Dunkirk

Stornoway Gazette, 7 June 1940
The news last week was followed with anxiety in the Island. Pride in the great heroism which made the evacuation from Dunkirk possible was tempered by the knowledge that many Lewis and Harris lads were in the thick of the battle both on land and sea.

There has been news of casualties but happily there has also been news of miraculous escapes. Many families in all parts of the Island had telegrams at the weekend from sons safely back in England and one or two men of the BEF and some reservists arrived home on leave.

Two Lewis reservists were killed in action last week on board one of HM trawlers. They were buried on Tuesday afternoon by their shipmates in an English naval port. They were; Murdo Macleod, Ranish and William Murray, 6 North Dell, Ness. Macleod's death is particularly tragic. It is only about 6 weeks ago that he married a girl from Grimshader. Since then he has had only one spell of leave at home for a few days after his return from active service in Norway. Originally there were four brothers from this family on service, but Colin was invalided home and now Murdo has given his life. Their father is Malcolm Macleod, Ranish.

William Murray, North Dell, was a son of John Murray. He was the oldest of four brothers on service with the forces. He was unmarried. Great sympathy is felt for the relatives of these lads in their sad loss.