John Macaulay, 27 New Shawbost

Stornoway Gazette, 27 February 1942
Leading seaman John Macaulay, aged 20 years, son of Mr and Mrs Donald Macaulay, 27 New Shawbost, is reported "presumed killed in action". Ian Domhnuil Doll, as he was known locally, volunteered for the Naval Patrol Service on reaching his eighteenth birthday in November 1939, and was called up in January 1940. In the same month, he joined an armed trawler on which he served until July 1941.
No doubt he saw a good deal of fighting on board this vessel, but John always kept silent about it. He gave satisfactory service, however, and his skipper recommended him for his ability as a seaman. He was recalled to barracks and promoted leading seaman. He was granted a few days embarkation leave and on returning to his depot was drafted to the Mediaterranean, to the trawler "Lady Shirley" which sank a U-boat last October.
The Lady Shirley with a complement of only 30 men attacked a 1000 ton U-boat with depth charges, forced her to surface and opened fire on her with her 4-inch gun. When the Lady Shirley had scored several hits, the U-boat surrendered and the crew of 44 were taken as prisoners to Gibraltar.
The whole village mourns the death of this promising young lad, who was of a pleasant and cheerful disposition. In giving gallant service to King and Country, he was following in the steps of his father who served as a sergeant-major with the Australian Expeditionary Force in the First World War, distinguishing himself by winning the MM nad DSM. His Army career came to an end when he lost his right arm on the battlefield in 1918. John's younger brother Murdo is on war work for which he volunteered last autumn. The whole community extends heartfelt sympathy to the parents, sisters and brothers in their loss of a most dutiful son.