HMT River Clyde

Stornoway Gazette, 16 August 1940
Reference was made in our last issue to some of the Lewis casualties sustained on HMT River Clyde, although at that time it was not possible to mention the vessel's name. At least three Lewismen lost their lives and one was wounded. Donald Smith, 23 North Bragar, and Malcolm John Macdonald, 3 Garynahine, were killed. Macdonald originally belonged to Crulivig, but the family have recently settled at Garynahine. [check surname] His brother Angus is in the Army. Murdo Maclean, 10 North Bragar, and Donald Smith, 25 North Shawbost, were wounded, Smith later succumbing in a naval hospital.

Transcriber's note: Malcolm John Macdonald's surname is quoted verbatim from the Gazette article, but it should be borne in mind that that is an error. His surname is Mackay - see below tribute. 

Stornoway Gazette, 9 August 1940
It was with deep and genuine regret that all in Bernera heard the sad news received by Mr and Mrs Donald Mackay, formerly of 4 Crulivig and now resident at Garynahine, that their elder son, Calum John, seaman, RNR, had been lost in HM minesweeping trawler "River Clyde" sunk by enemy mine last week. Callum John, who was a quiet and respected young lad, was well known in Bernera and well liked and esteemed by all for his sterling qualities. The tragic death of so popular a lad is deeply regretted, and we who knew him so well deeply sympathise with his father, mother, sisters and only brother, who is also on active service, in their sore and grievous loss. This is the first war casualty in the Crulivig district. 

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