tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71677257759334713192024-02-08T13:18:48.257+00:00Tributes for the War Memorial - 1939-1945Tributes from the Stornoway GazetteADBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737746983905368038noreply@blogger.comBlogger295125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167725775933471319.post-35678247501185534162011-11-10T19:16:00.001+00:002011-11-10T19:16:28.363+00:00Cecil Ian Steen, 6 Newton Street, Stornoway14 December 1945<br />
Lieut Cecil Ian Steen, son of Mrs Steen, 6 Newton, who has been posthumously mentioned in despatches, "in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Burma" was one of Wingate's famous Chindits.<br />
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The members of the battalion have sent Mrs Steen a brooch embodying the badge of the 6th Ghurka Rifles, and a Chindit badge, "as a small memento of one of the most daring and successful operations in military history, in which your son took part". While Major-General Lentaigne, who succeeded Wingate in command of the Chindits, has written her says "your son undertook cheerfully and with no thought of self a task that ranks with the most hazardous and difficult asked of any man in this war."<br />
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Before the war, Lieut Steen was a law student at London University.<br />
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Lieut-Colonel NFR Shaw writes that the brigade to which he was attached came to be known as "Mad Mike Calvert's". Lieut Steen was Animal Transport Officer in Colonel Shaw's column. Their task was to carry everything they needed on their backs, live hard, and operate well behind enemy lines, disorganising, harassing and sabotaging. They got their supplies by air.<br />
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The flew into Burma, landed at a clearing in a dense forest and from there walked for nearly ten days, to their first objective, fighting sundry battles with the enemy. "It was at this time that Ian first showed that great courage which characterised him later," writes Colonel Shaw.<br />
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Most of the enemy attacks used to come at night, at which period the brigade had also to carry out their Air Supply Drops. This involved having large fires along the centre of the position to give the planes a line on which to drop, and these fires had to be kept going ireespective of enemy attacks.<br />
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"Whenever it was the turn of this battalion, it fell to Ian and the Transport personnel to carry out this task. It was entirely by his personal cool leadership that the task was carried out, " writes Colonel Shaw.<br />
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When they had raised the block that was their first objective, and moved north to harass the enemy in another area, Lieut Steen carried out what Colonel Shaw describes as a "very meritorious task". He went off with three other men on a long-range patrol into enemy territory, lasting the best part of three days. By that patrol the battalion were able to get information of enemy dispositions prior to their advance on Mogaung. It was after that patrol that Colonel Shaw moved Ian into the Rifle Brigade as company officer.<br />
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From there, they advanced towards Mogaung, and by the paths they took, they were able to surprise the enemy and capture much material and ammunition of all types at very little cost.<br />
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"From this period until Mogaung itself was taken, it was a succession of fierce engagements in each of which Ian played his part", writes Colonel Shaw. "Ian was killed on the outskirts of Natigigon, a suburb of Mogaung, personally leading his men against a position from which very heavy fire was coming. Thanks to his leadership, these men took that position."<br />
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Ian was buried where he fell, and Colonel Shaw concludes: "We all feel Ian's loss tremendously. He was such a cheery chap and loved a party. You have the pride and we have the honour of knowing that he died very gallantly to fulfill what has been a great achievement."ADBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737746983905368038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167725775933471319.post-80382338626590306972011-11-10T19:15:00.001+00:002011-11-10T19:15:55.334+00:00Donald Macleod, 17 Portnaguran9 November 1945<br />
We deeply regret to record the death on the 26th October at the early age of 46 years, of Donald Macleod of 17 Portnaguran and Sandwick. He had a period of military service during the latter part of the 1914-18 war in France, where he was gassed and wounded. He served again in this war, and at the time of his death was due to be demobbed, after having been at sea in home and foreign waters for several years. Latterly he had been transferred to shore duties with the army of occupation in Germany, where he underwent an operation. After a period of convalescence at home, his health gave rise to further anxiety, and he was sent to the Naval hospital at Invergordon, where he died. The news came as a shock to the neighbourhood, who feel deeply for the infant daughter and son as for the young widow, who some time ago lost a child in unfortunate circumstances. Donald bore his illness with philosophic calm and patience and was a man highly respected by all who knew him. To the bereaved widow and children, now residing at Bayble, and brother and sisters in Portnaguran, we tender the heartfelt sympathy of the community in their sore loss.ADBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737746983905368038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167725775933471319.post-26522893346952201022011-11-10T19:13:00.000+00:002011-11-10T19:13:10.479+00:00William Fraser, 7 Bennadrove Road, Stornoway5 October 1945<br />
Pte W Fraser, Cameron Highlanders, of 7 Bennadrove Road, Stornoway, who was reported missing in October 1944, is now presumed to have died of wounds sustained in the fighting in North West Europe.ADBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737746983905368038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167725775933471319.post-68024433047816368482011-11-10T19:12:00.001+00:002011-11-10T19:12:29.156+00:00William A Woods, North Tolsta7 September 1945<br />
Only ten weeks after her marriage, Johan, daughter of Mr Donald Macleod, 56 Roadside [North Tolsta], has been widowed by the sudden death of her husband, Lieut Wood, RA. An Australian, Lieut Wood had served four years in the Mediterranean theatre before coming to this country, where he expected to be demobilised shortly. He had called to consult a doctor when he suddenly collapsed and died. The remains were taken to North Tolsta, under charge of Lieut James, RA, and the funeral took place on Friday. Lieut Wood was only 36. His parents were lost in 1942 when on their way to this country to see him. He has a brother serving in the Navy. Deep sympathy is felt for his widow and other relatives in their bereavement.ADBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737746983905368038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167725775933471319.post-50522491898091098892011-11-10T19:11:00.005+00:002011-11-11T12:39:14.544+00:00Murdo Macaulay, 49 Breasclete7 September 1945<br />
Murdo Macaulay, 10 Breasclete, whose death as a result of illness contracted while serving with the Navy, was intimated in our news columns some time ago.ADBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737746983905368038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167725775933471319.post-208770175132295152011-11-10T19:11:00.004+00:002011-11-10T19:15:02.967+00:00Murdo Macaulay, 23 East Street, Sandwick24 August 1945<br />
Not long before the news that the war was over set millions rejoicing in all parts of the world, Murdo Macaulay, 23 East Street, Sandwick, received the sad news that his son, Murdo, who was in the Merchant Navy, had been accidentally drowned at St Malo. In January last, his son, Duncan Alex, was killed in action in Holland, and the only remaining son, John, has been a prisoner of war in Japanese hands almost since the start of the war in the East. The only daughter, Mrs Devlin, is meantime resident at home. No details are available as to the circumstances in which Murdo lost his life, but deep sympathy is extended to Mr Macaulay and the other members of the family in their very sad bereavement. Mr Macaulay himself served as CPO in the last war and won the DSM.<br />
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26 October 1945<br />
Murdo Macaulay, MN, of 23 East Street, Sandwick, who was accidentally drowned at St Malo.ADBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737746983905368038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167725775933471319.post-91672864665922798162011-11-10T19:10:00.004+00:002011-11-10T19:10:47.717+00:00Angus Campbell, 7 North Tolsta10 August 1945<br />
Angus Campbell, aged 20, lost his life off the Normandy beaches in August 1944. He was the youngest son of Mr and Mrs Campbell, 7 North Tolsta.ADBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737746983905368038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167725775933471319.post-9323560697500116912011-11-10T19:10:00.002+00:002011-11-10T19:10:22.533+00:00Murdo Smith, 7 Aird3 August 1945<br />
The untimely death of Lieut-Commander Murdo Smith, while on his way to Bermuda with a corvette flotilla from Halifax, has cast a deep pall of gloom and sorrow across this Dominion of ours [Canada] and particularly in Toronto, where Lieut-Commander Smith had made his home for some years, and where he was a well-known and highly-respected member of the community.<br />
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Lieut-Commander Smith was born at 7 Aird, Point, Lewis, 45 years ago. The son of the late Mr Donald Smith and Mrs Smith, his father was a one-time well known skipper of the famous "Herring Fisher", and his brother Alex is skipper of the "Lews". In common with many Lewis lads, Murdo Smith had the salt sea in his blood. He served in the British Navy in the last war at the early age of 16 years. He spent some years as a fisherman after the war. In 1924, he sailed to Canada on the SS Marloch, along with many other Lewis boys. He sailed on the Great Lakes on this side of the Atlantic for many years.<br />
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At the outbreak of hostilities, Capt Smith was the master of SS Northton, sailing out of the West Indies. He immediately joined the Canadian Navy as a navigating officer. His superiors were quick to recognise his qualities of leadership and ability, and his promotion came rapidly. He soon found himself in charge of one of those trusty Canadian corvettes on Atlantic patrol. He remained on this Atlantic patrol through those terrible first four years of war, and continued as a Lieut-Commander on this patrol until his death. Altogether Lieut-Commander Murdo Smith has spent 30 consecutive years at sea. This is a splendid record for a man who was still in his 45th year.<br />
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He became master of the SS Lockwell 8 years ago, and at 37 years of age was one of the youngest if not the youngest masters on the Great Lakes. In 1932, as first mate of the SS Boland, he and another Lewisman, Roddie Macleod from Ranish, Lochs, were instrumental in saving many lives when the SS Boland foundered in Lake Erie during a terrific storm. By that high grade of seamanship, for which Lewismen are famous, Murdo and Roddie manoeuvred the ship's lifeboat in the storm they kept baling with their shoes to the men struggling in the water and pulled many into the boat, and then, by dint of superb seamanship, took the boat safely to land.<br />
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If Lieut-Commander Murdo Smith had lived, there is no doubt he would have gone very far in his chosen vocation. As it is, no one will deny but that he had an outstanding career. Murdo Smith was a very unselfish man who was admired by all who knew him. He was also a deeply religious man who held very closely to the tenets of Christianity. Yet he was a very cheery companion to have, and we feel sure that many a Canadian sailor was glad to have such a man as Lieut-Commander Murdo Smith on board during those long, cold nights on Atlantic patrol.<br />
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A young man who always looked on the grander and finer things of life, his memory will long be cherished by those who were privileged to know him. The Island that gave him birth will miss him, his early demise is a loss to us all.<br />
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Besides his widow, formerly Mary Mackay from Garrabost, and his two children, Catherine Isabel, 6 years, and Alastair Duncan, 7 months old, he is survived by three brothers. Alex, skipper of the "Lews", Malcolm, married in Stornoway, Donald recently married at home. There is also a married sister, Mrs Donald Graham, at home. We send our heartfelt sympathy to them all.<br />
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Lieut-Commander Murdo Smith was buried with full naval honours in the British Naval Cemetery at Hamilton, Bermuda, in a grave carved from the coral reef close by blue waters of the Atlantic he knew so well.ADBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737746983905368038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167725775933471319.post-46796331010737400062011-11-10T19:09:00.001+00:002011-11-10T19:09:27.265+00:00James Macfadyen, Stornoway20 July 1945<br />
Lance Corporal James Macfadyen, of the ROyal Corps of Signals, who died in a South of England hospital from wounds sustained in Germany, while fighting with the 51st Division, was a son of Mr W. Macfadyen, 70 Househillmuir Road, Nitshill, Glasgow and a grand-nephew of the late Provost Alexander Maclennan, StornowayADBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737746983905368038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167725775933471319.post-48830518461608807742011-11-10T19:08:00.002+00:002011-11-10T19:08:33.217+00:00Roderick Morrison, Tarbert6 July 1945<br />
Much sorrow was occasioned at Tarbert, and all over Harris, when it became known on Saturday, 16th June, that Roderick Morrison (Roddy), a son of Mr DA Morrison, Belmonth, Tarbert, had passed away at Edinburgh that day. Roddy joined the Army in June 1942, and served for two and a half years in the Royal Artillery. For two years he did continuous duty as one of those who manned the guns of the Dover defences. No doubt, owing to the strain and exposure experienced by him on these duties, his health was affected, and in November 1942 he was invalided out of the Army.<br />
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In civil life he followed the calling of a banker. His apprenticeship was served at the Leverburgh sub-branch and the Tarbert Branch of the Bank of Scotland. He afterwards served with the Bank of Scotland at Grantown on Spey, Saltcoats and Brodick. At all these places he was esteemed and respected by all who came in contact with him. His courtesy, gentleness of disposition and eagerness to help and oblige in all circumstances, earned for him an almost unique place for such a young man to enjoy, in the affection of those who came into contact with him. He was the type of young man rare perhaps in these days, who refused to offend, but was ever ready to use the kind word and act the kind part. His attitude to life generally and to those he came in contact with, was on a Christian pattern, and this is the reason why his passing at the age of 31 has caused so much sorrow in the community. His remains arrived at Tarbert on Tuesday and were interred at Luskentyre on Thursday. His funeral was largely attended. In the absence of Rev Duncan Macleod, DD, the funeral service was conducted by Mr W. Duncan, missionary, Grosebay, assisted by Mr John Macleod, missionary, Marig and Mr Angus Morrison, missionary, Uig, Skye. Much sympathy is felt for the sorrowing father, surviving brohters, sisters and other relatives, but they will have consolation in the knowledge that Roddy has left behind him a memory which deserves to be cherished.ADBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737746983905368038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167725775933471319.post-30958982130278340222011-11-10T19:07:00.001+00:002011-11-10T19:07:25.797+00:00Malcolm Mackenzie, 11 Aird, Point29 June 1945<br />
As we reported in our columns some time ago, Pte Malcolm Mackenzie, 11 Aird, died as a result of gunshot wounds inflicted by a German guard while Pte Mackenzie was a prisoner of war. Forty-one years of age, he had served 23 years with the Seaforth Highlanders and was captured at St Valery.ADBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737746983905368038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167725775933471319.post-65766243049408412642011-11-10T19:06:00.002+00:002011-11-10T19:06:49.058+00:00Kenneth M Macleod, South Shawbost22 June 1945<br />
Constable Kenneth M Macleod, aged 22 years, of the Inverness County Police, who was killed in action in Italy while serving as a signaller with the Royal Field Artillery, was the younger son of ex-Sergeant Kenneth Macleod, of Inverness Burgh Police, a native of South Shawbost. Before joining HM Forces in 1942, Constable Macleod was stationed at Banavie.ADBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737746983905368038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167725775933471319.post-38573018865484982112011-11-10T19:05:00.003+00:002011-11-10T19:05:53.766+00:00Malcolm Mackenzie, 83 Keith Street, Stornoway1 June 1945<br />
We regret to record that Malcolm Mackenzie, son of Mr J Mackenzie, 83 Keith Street, who has been missing on active service since November 1944 is now presumed to have been killed in action. Malcolm worked for the burgh before the war. He was called up not long after the outbreak of hostilities, and drafted into the Pioneer Corps. He served with the Pioneer Corps in North Africa, and then returned for a time to this country. He crossed to France on D-Day. In October, he indicated in a letter home that he expected to go further afield. A letter from his Colonel now gives the sad news that he is presumed to have been killed in action at sea. The circumstances in which he met his death are not disclosed, but the Colonel adds that, before the War Office came to the decision that he had been killed in action, inquiries were made at every source from which information could be obtained about his fate, and it is now unlikely that any further information will be discovered.ADBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737746983905368038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167725775933471319.post-5826080263602395052011-11-10T19:05:00.000+00:002011-11-10T19:05:20.057+00:00Angus Macleod, 30 Balallan1 June 1945<br />
Angus John Macleod, son of Mr and Mrs R. Macleod, 30 Balallan, was lost at sea last year. His brother, Donald, was lost at sea in 1943ADBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737746983905368038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167725775933471319.post-72722552911417931032011-11-10T19:04:00.001+00:002011-11-10T19:04:05.054+00:00Donald Munro, 15 Benside25 May 1945<br />
It was a great shock to the whole village, and to his many friends far and wide, to hear the tragic news that on 25th March, Coy Sergt Major Donald Munro, youngest son of Mr and Mrs K Munro, 15 Benside, had been killed in action in North West Europe. "Domhnull", as he was familiarly called, will be sorely missed by al who knew him. Possessed of a most endearing nature, he was a great favourite with young and old alike. He had been twice wounded at El Alamein and again, shortly after D-Day. Being of strong physique, he soon recovered, and was back in the fighting line once more. It was at the Rhine crossing that Donald made the supreme sacrifice. His Major, writing of him says:<br />
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"Never have I seen a man looked up to and respected as he was. The way he handled his men was superb. I grew to know him well, and loved him dearly."<br />
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We all mourn a gallant soldier, and a dutiful son, who gave his life for his country. The heartfelt sympathy of the whole community is extended to his bereaved parents, brothers and sisters, in their great loss.ADBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737746983905368038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167725775933471319.post-79526611108184102102011-11-10T18:58:00.003+00:002011-11-10T18:58:25.484+00:00John Hepburn, 9 Holm18 May 1945<br />
A cloud was cast over the victory celebrations in Stornoway at the weekend when it became known that young John Hepburn, who was taken prisoner with the Ross Battery at St Valery had died in Germany. Until Saturday it had confidently been hoped that John would return in due course with the other prisoners but a telegram from his father, now resident in Edinburgh, to his brother with the RAF in Lewis brought the sad news that a returned prisoner of war reported that John had died. No further details were given in the telegram.<br />
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At the thanksgiving service in Martin's Memorial on Sunday, Rev Ian Carmichael referred to Hepburn's death, one of the congregation, and the son of a former office bearer. "Last night I was called upon to perform one of the hardest tasks I have ever had to perform as a minister", he said. "Our boys, who have been prisoners of war, have been returning home. There are some of them here today, and we extend a most hearty welcome to them. We know how parents and loved ones have been waiting day after day for word, and when it arrives they rejoice. But there was one, the wife of John Hepburn, waiting like the other, afraid to move from the house in case she might miss her husband on his return. Word came last night that John is dead. The manner of his death we know not, but it was my sad duty to break the news to his wife and to his only child, A child who never saw her father in life, and who never will. The father himself never saw his child. John Hepburn is gone, having fulfilled his duty to the end and having paid the greatest price for his services to his fellow country-men".<br />
Hepburn, who was a steady, well-doing lad, was married in the early months of the war to Margaret Kemble, 9 Holm. He went to France with the Ross Battery and, as stated, was taken prisoner at St valery.ADBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737746983905368038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167725775933471319.post-38759745239363485472011-11-10T18:58:00.001+00:002011-11-10T18:58:02.553+00:00Malcolm Macinnes, 2 Lemreway18 May 1945<br />
A gloom was cast over the district when official notification was received that Malcolm Macinnes, second eldest son of Peter Macinnes, 2 Lemreway, was lost when his ship was sunk by enemy action. He had been home on leave just a fortnight before he was lost. Malcolm, an RNR, was called up on the outbreak of war, and, except for a few months' spell on shore duty after his call-up, he was throughout the years on service with a destroyer flotilla. Latterly he was engaged for more than a year in the hazardous task of escorting northbound Russian convoys. His accounts of the inevitable air and sea encounters off Norway were a tribute to the unflinching spirit of the men who go down to the sea in ships. He lost his wife in February 1943, and since then his two children have been staying with their maternal grandparents, Mr and Mrs John Macmillan, 32 Lemreway. Their aunt, Miss C.A. Macmillan, who was for many years a teacher at Seaforth Head Side School, relinquished the post on her sister's death to come home and nurse the baby daughter. To his aged father, who lost his eldest son in the Iolaire disaster, his brother and sister, and especially to the two orphan children and their grandparents and family who are doing so much for them, the sympathy of the entire community is extended.ADBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737746983905368038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167725775933471319.post-50261247794067929712011-11-10T18:57:00.002+00:002011-11-10T18:57:24.736+00:00Norman Morrison, 22 New Shawbost18 May 1945<br />
Trooper N. Morrison, 22 New Shawbost, serving with a Recce Corps, was posted missing while fighting with the BLA in Holland, and is now officially reported killed in action.ADBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737746983905368038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167725775933471319.post-40437184712359323872011-11-10T18:56:00.001+00:002011-11-10T18:56:20.193+00:00Norman A Donaldson, Lemreway18 May 1945<br />
We record with deep regret the death in action late in February of Captain Norman A Donaldson (Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders) of Toronto at the early age of 29. His mother, who emigrated to Canada some 30 years ago and is married to a native of Motherwell, is Mary, third daughter of the late Mr and Mrs Norman Campbell, to Lemreway, and sister of the late Donald Campbell, proprietor of the Hotel Windsor, Durban, South Africa, where Lewis seamen were always welcome. Shortly before he was killed, Captain Donaldson had sent word to his two aunts, Miss Christy Campbell and Mrs Nicolson of Lemreway, that he looked forward to visiting his mother's native village, but, alas! it was not to be. Enlisting in the army as a private in 1942, Captain Donaldson graduated from Three Rivers in January 1943, with a commission as lieutenant. He went overseas the following July, and saw service in France, Belgium and Holland. He was wounded at Falaise in August, 1944, and again at Bergen op Zoom in October. prior to his enlistment he was employed with the C.P.R. He was married in December 1942. Surviving also are his parents, a brother and a sister.ADBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737746983905368038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167725775933471319.post-68812456194252792772011-11-10T18:55:00.003+00:002011-11-10T19:09:53.891+00:00Donald Morrison, 13 Reef4 May 1945<br />
Tribute to a loved comrade<br />
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It was a great shock and sorrow to his many friends when the news came that Sergt. Navigator, Donald Morrison, a native of 13 Reef, Uig, had passed to the greater life from the field of battle. He was killed in action in operations over Germany. I, like many others who knew Donald well, will not forget our loving and loyal comrade. He was, at all times, the first to help a chum in distress, and his happy spirit and gentle manner soon put a brighter aspect on the darkest situation. He made many friends. In Stornoway, when he was at the Nicolson Institute, and later, when he worked with Messrs James Macdonald, Ltd. A keen footballer, he gave good service to the school and later to the Athletic. He leaves a young widow (nee Murdina Mackay, Uig) and an infant son to mourn him. to them we extend our heartfelt condolences. Two of his brothers are in the forces - one in the army, the other in the navy. A third is a policeman in London.<br />
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27 July 1945<br />
Sergt-Navigator Donald Morrison, 13 Reef, Uig, who was killed in action over Germany in the closing stages of the European war, was an exceptionally popular young man, and had many friends both in Uig and Stornoway.ADBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737746983905368038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167725775933471319.post-25634903376151605322011-11-10T18:54:00.001+00:002011-11-10T18:54:14.552+00:00Donald John and Angus Macdonald, 9 Ballantrushal27 April 1945<br />
Donald John and Angus, sons of Mr Kenneth Macdonald, 9 Ballantrushal, were lost on active service within a fortnight of each other. Donald John was lost on patrol duties off the Normandy coast, Angus was lost while serving at sea in foreign waters.ADBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737746983905368038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167725775933471319.post-28026739241446115882011-11-10T18:53:00.001+00:002011-11-10T18:53:38.027+00:00Angus Smith, 40 Callanish27 April 1945<br />
On Saturday 14 April, the peace and happiness of Callanish was torn asunder when the Smith family of No 40 got word from the War Office that their son, Angus, had died of wounds. Not long ago, Alister Anna, the name by which the father is so familiarly known) had the brightest letter of all from Angus, stating that he had made another safe landing and adding cheerily, "Now, Dad, I have got myself a pram to carry my equipment". The letter was dated the day before the War Office reported that he had died of wounds, which at least leaves the consoling through that his suffering from the wounds could not have been for many hours. Of a very cheerful, affectionate nature, making new friends, but ever mindful of the old, it is doubtful if any soldier became more popular than Angus during his few short visits to his native Callanish and the Lews since 1943. In the spring of 1933, as a young lad of 17, he enlisted in the County Regiment, the Seaforths. He saw service with his Battalion in many parts of the world. He was with the last few of his Battalion to leave the station in China where the Battalion was doing garrison duty when the Japs attacked in 1935. From China he went to the Malay States and then to North Africa, where he served in many of the hard fought battles in which the Seaforths took part until the last German was captured or chased out. when Britain first decided to form an airborne army and the call for volunteers was sounded, "Bridain", as he was familiarly known, was one of the first to respond. Another journey and soon he was undergoing training in this country with the Airborne Troops after which he was granted his first leave home since 1934. As recently reported in the Gazette, he dropped into France before 1 am on D Day, and wherever the services of the Paratroops were urgently needed (including Arnhem), "Bridain" was there, until he made his last trip with an airborne division beyond the Rhine and well into Germany. After each major operation, he was granted a short period at home, periods which he, his family and associates, enjoyed to the full. The horrors of war were not the substance of his conversation. He left that all behind in France, Italy and North Africa, and his cheerful mind found plenty humorous things that happened in these countries to talk and laugh about. Pte Angus Smith, of the Seaforths and Airborne Troops, who was only 29 years of age, is survived by his grandmother on his mother's side (Callum Iain Ruaigh, a nonagenarian who came in recent years from Balallan to live at Callanish), his father and mother, four brothers and one sister on active service, one sister at home and another sister, Mary, married in Tong. They mourn they loss of a charming son and brother. Callanish and Breasclete, in fact all of East Uig, as well as Brue and Balallan, are sincere in their thoughts and constantly with the family in this heavy blow. Angus lived his life, enjoyed every hour of it, indeed saw daylight in the darkest scene. So long, Bridain, rest until dawn and the final roll call.ADBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737746983905368038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167725775933471319.post-7582267710410819712011-11-10T18:52:00.003+00:002011-11-11T16:38:23.399+00:00John Morrison, 12 North Dell6 April 1945<br />
Mrs A Morrison, 5 North Dell, has been officially informed that her gallant and most worthy son, Flying-Officer John Morrison, passed away in a prisoner of war hospital in Belgium on 20 April 1944. His bomber was reported missing after the first big-scale attack on Nuremburg, March 30th, 1944, but nothing was known of his fate until very recently. The Air Ministry has now disclosed that his bomber, on its homeward journey, crashed on Belgian soil. Apparently, only John and one other member of the crew managed to extricate themselves. The Red Cross authorities have discovered that he was taken into hospital where, after three weeks, he died. The Commanding Officer speaks of this lad's manliness, ability and engineering skill in the highest terms of admiration. He considered him "one of the most efficient and reliable flight-engineers of the Squadron". John proved this on a previous bombing mission when, by conspicuous bravery and ingenuity he saved the whole crew from having to bale out in enemy territory. John was of outstanding ability and high moral character. His life was a shining promise to which all those who knew and loved him looked forward with keen expectation. But, ere his prime, he was caught in the raging storm and was prematurely swept away, with his powers undeveloped and unfulfilled. And so the old question recurs - is that the end of all things for him? If that were so, we must all have been born and fashioned to be mocked and life itself is but a despairing sham. The human heart instinctively and periously refuses to cherish such a sombre thought. And Easter Week provides the greatest and most glorious answer of all. Against the painful sense of life's incompleteness we have the sure hope and promise of its development and completion in another world. We remember that the best qualities which this lad so richly possessed were deathless. He wanted life, high, heroic life. In its quest he fell. But let us not unduly grieve for him. He has found the life he sought - life at the maximum, life that never palls or stales, life replete with eternal interest and zest. We grieve not for his young life, for he is safe, but we grieve for the home which has lost the companionship of a most worthy and gallant son.ADBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737746983905368038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167725775933471319.post-61614100733402412032011-11-10T18:52:00.000+00:002011-11-10T18:52:04.614+00:00Donald A Kennedy, 2 Calbost30 March 1945<br />
It is with deep regret that many friends will learn of the death of Donald A Kennedy, 2 Calbost, on Saturday 17th March at the age of 30 years. A son of Mr and Mrs Donald Kennedy, he had served in the Navy for some time until he was discharged on health grounds. Then he was employed in Stornoway by Mr D G Mackenzie and became quite well-known to those engaged in the tweed trade.<br />
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Some months ago, he was obliged to give up his employment and return home. He was a very popular lad as was shown by the large attendance at his funeral to Gravir Cemetery, including people who had travelled from Stornoway and other parts of the Island to be present. The service was conducted by Rev Mr Macleod, Free Church, Gravir. Great sympathy is felt for the parents and the four sisters and brother who survive. Donald Angus is the fourth son whom the family have lost. The oldest son was lost in the last war.ADBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737746983905368038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167725775933471319.post-34651144284169495762011-11-10T18:51:00.003+00:002011-11-10T19:16:57.111+00:00John Campbell, 33 Arnol30 March 1945<br />
The funeral of Gnr John Campbell, RA, elder son of Mr and Mrs Donald Campbell, 33 Arnol, took place to Bragar Cemetery on 16th March. Gnr Campbell who was in th earmy for about four years, was due to go out East when he fell ill, and had to be removed to hospital in Watford, where he died on 8th March. The remains were accompanied to Lewis by a Musselburgh lad, who had been his pal during his four years of army service. Gnr Campbell who was aged 23 was a weaver before the war. The funeral service was conducted by Rev Mr Macleod, Barvas. Deep sympathy is extended to the relatives in their bereavement.<br />
<br />
24 August 1945<br />
Deep gloom was cast over this community when it became known some time ago that Gunner John Campbell, 33 Arnol, had passed away in a military hospital in London, at the early age of 23 years. John, who joined the army three years ago and had seen service in many parts of the country with a mountain regiment became suddenly ill a few hours before his regiment embarked for foreign shores. High hopes were entertained for a speedy recovery, but these, alas! were doomed to disappointment. Endowed by nature with a kindly disposition, his ready smile, his quiet an unobtrusive ways, his unsophisticated tastes, his unpretentious manner, endeared him to old and young, among whom he was very popular. He possessed quiet virtues of his own which were not apparent to superficial observers, but which, to those who had known him all his life in the intimacy of close relationship, were truly great. In filial devotion and duty, none could surpass him. Many of his youthful comrades, scattered far and wide by the exigencies of war, will learn with profound sorrow of the passing of a friend who claimed their respect by the very uprightness of his character. To us at home it is difficult to realise that he who left us not so long ago, so young, so gay, in the prime of manhood, will return no more. To his sorrowing parents, sisters and brother, the heartfelt sympathy of the whole community goes out in this, their second, sore bereavement within a short period of years. Ample testimony to his popularity was provided by the large number of mourners who followed the cortege to the Bragar Cemetery, where all that was mortal of John Campbell were laid to rest, where the surges of the Atlantic keep a ceaseless vigil "till the day breaks and the shadows flee away".<br />
<br />
21 December 1945<br />
As reported in our columns some weeks ago, Gunner John Campbell, 33 Arnol, fell suddenly ill just as his unit was about to embark for service overseas, and has since died in a military hospital in London.ADBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737746983905368038noreply@blogger.com0