19 February 1943
On Saturday 6th February, the village of Shawbost was cast into deep gloom when the sad news went round that Mr and Mrs Angus Gillies, 23 South Shawbost, had been notified that their son, Angus, was missing, presumed killed.
"Saighdear", as he was locally known, although he was never a soldier, was 30 years of age. Being a naval reservist, he was called up before the outbreak of hostilities and was constantly at sea since then, except for occasional short breaks. He was a survivor from the "Salopian", and, after a brief spell in barracks, he was drafted to anothe rship, on which he went to foreign service. Late last autumn again his ship was torpedoed and sunk, but he survived this shipwreck, also without ill effects. In his letters he made little mention of his experiences and the fighting he had seen. At the time of writing, it is not known whether he was on a ship when he met his untimely death, but from the official notice, we should assume that he was. The "Saighdear" was of a most genial disposition, his pleasant smile and ready wit made him a favourite with young and old. To us, it seems incredible that one so cherished and whose wit was so lively and entertaining in the ceilidh house, should have been called so suddenly from our midst, but treasured memories of his personality will always linger in our hearts. His three brothers are on active service - Murdo and Donald in the navy and Donald William in the Air Force. Donald and Donald Wm are on foreign service. His sister, Chrissie, is on war work. to them and to his sorrowing parents and sisters, we extend our deepest sympathy in their sore loss of a most dutiful son and brother.
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