Malcolm Macmillan, 51 Upper Bayble

Stornoway Gazette, 16 March 1942
A cablegram from the master of his ship records the loss at sea of Quartermaster Malcolm Macmillan, 51 Upper Bayble. It is with deep regret we pass the information on to a wide circle of friends and relatives. He was locally known amongst us as "J", and it seems only like yesterday we had him with us on a fortnight's leave from his ship. Possessed of a courteous and likeable personality,he was held in high respect by those with whom he came into contact. His ready smile and quiet speech we shall always remember. While quite a young lad, Malcolm joined the Seaforth Highlanders, serving with that regiment at home, and on Indian frontier stations, for a period extending over 8 years. He attained the rank of sergeant, although he reverted to private at his own request later on. A particularly good shot, he won trophies on the rifle ranges of the frontier stations on many occasions. He was everything that a good soldier should be in efficiency and was discharged according to regulations when time-expired with an exemplary character. Later he took to a seafaring career where he proved his efficiency and ability. His services with the Ellerman Associated Lines were appreciated and he was always in demand. He was deservedly popular with his officers and feelow quartermasters and we quote here an extract from a letter received from a shipmate, by his sorrowing mother: "Dear Mrs Macmillan, no doubt you have already been informed of your son's tragic death, bu, as these official notices are all too formal and seemingly unsympathetic, I take the liberty of writing on behalf of the quartermasters and myself. I find this no easy task, however, as Malcolm was loved by each and all of us, as a most sincere and worthy friend, in truth a friend indeed. Although gone now, he leaves behind hima most cherished memory, the memory of a man with a deep understanding in all things, a man of great ideals, a friend to have been proud of. So, it is with sad regret that we offer you, his mother, our deepest sympathy in your sad bereavement. Yours most sincerely, R. I. Ironside, quartermaster". To this tribute we add and extend our own heartfelt sympathy to his bereaved mother, for the loss of her only son, and to his sisters at home and abroad in the loss of a loving and dutiful brother. Deceased was 41 years of age.