Angus Macleod, Tiumpan Head

14 January 1944

It is with deep regret that we record the death of Sub-Lieut Angus Macleod, RNVR, at the age of 24. Angus was the elder son of Mr and Mrs Norman Macleod and his father, previous to leaving the district a few weeks ago, had been for over six years principal lightkeeper at Tiumpan Head. Angus was educated at Montrose Academy, and while his parents stationed at Breasclete, at the Nicolson Institute. He possessed ability considerably above the average, and shone in all his studies with special aptitude for English, drawing and painting. He won the love and respect of his schoolfellows and the approval of his teachers. He was the soul of unselfishness and always considerate of others, and these characteristics ripened with the years. Angus made friends wherever he went. the magnetism of his own fine personality invariably drew the best in people. On leaving school he took up employment as clerk with the Standard Telephone and Cable Co and the high standard of his work won for him the esteem of his employers. In 1941, he joined the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, and soon afterwards was marked out for promotion. He entered the naval college, where he got a first class pass, and his commission at the early age of 22, and a year afterwards, when he took ill, he was due for further promotion. Angus was a true son of the Navy, and was inspired with a deep loyalty and love for its traditions. He sought service on a corvette because of the extra hazards and perils. He performed his duties, which some times involved being in full command of the ship, with efficiency, resourcefulness and thoroughness, his infectious smile and good humour a happy antidote against depression. over a year ago, during a most hazardous trip to Iceland, the corvette encountered foul weather and other difficulties which delayed them. Their stock of provisions gave out and the crew lived for days on a barrel of salt herring from Stornoway. Angus was reported dangerously ill on arrival. His devotion to duty, grit and marvellous powers of endurance had enabled him to carry on long after he should have given in and his chances of recovery were defeated thereby. His one regret was that he had been forced to give in before the final victory was won. He gave his life as so many others have done and are doing in the supreme confidence that it was for the ultimate good, and we hope and trust that their sacrifices will not be proved to have been in vain. The memory of his courage and self-sacrifice, and of his love and zest for the life which he laid down without regrets will help us, who had the privilege of knowing him, to preserve our ideals, as he did his, untarnished and secure from the corrosion of bitterness and disillusion. We mourn him in deep sympathy with his father, mother and sister Peggy, at Arbroath; his brother Andrew, who is serving with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, and his grandparents and other relatives in Lewis, Harris, and the Shetlands.