John Campbell, 13 Melbost Borve

Stornoway Gazette, 26 June 1942
From a friend, who is also on service, comes this tribute:
"The peaceful happiness which reigned in the tiny village of Melbost, Galson, has again been broken by the tragic news of the death on active service of John, eldest son of Finlay Campbell, 13 Melbost. The news brought deepest sorrow to an extremely large circle of relatives and friends on active service as well as to his many acquaintances at home. On attaining the age of 18, he enlisted in the RNR and teh following year he was amongst those who so readily rallied to their country's aid. As the vessel to which he was drafted operated from a foreign station since the outbreak of war, he never had the pleasure of a spell of leave with his family at home. Regardless of his youthful appearance, his natural intelligence won for him a position above the average individual at his age. He was highly respected by all with whom he came in contact, and he was one of the most popular boys in the district. To see him walking the street, his physical fitness would give one good reason to say that he was a fine specimen of the youth of Lewis. It is indeed a sad thought that we shall not see his cheerful face again, but we have one consolation in knowing that he made the supreme sacrifice for a cause that is just and honourable. To his bereaved father, mother and brothers, we extend our heartfelt sympathy in their great loss.

Stornoway Gazette, 24 July 1942
It was with profound sorrow the community learned the sad news of the death of seaman John Campbell, eldest son of Mr and Mrs Finlay Campbell, 13 Melbost, Galson, at the early age of 21 years. John was killed in action on board one of our vessels sunk on Far Eastern waters. He had served in foreign waters since he was called up on the declaration of war and was never home on leave. It is not easy to reconcile ourselves to the fate that robs us of the playmaters of our childhood and the companions of our youth. It is natural that in our grief we yearn for those other days when we were all together in happy harmony. To us it seems incredible that one so young and strong should have been called from amongst us into the great unknown, but his image will linger in our hearts, and his name we shall not forget. He was much respected and loved throughout the district, which he graced with never-failing cheerfulness. His quiet dignity and upright character won the esteem of old and young who knew him. To his parents he was ever a dutiful son and never failed to support them when away from home. The whole village, and friends at home and abroad, extend their heartfelt sympathy to his sorrowing parents and brothers in their very sore trial.