93 years ago today - 23:59

The year 1918 is drawing to a close and Big Ben in London is about to start striking the midnight hour. Six hundred miles to the north, HMY Iolaire is ploughing her way north through the Minch, passing between Raasay, Rona and the Scottish mainland. The weather, which had been reasonable upon departure from Kyle, is turning increasingly windy. A heavy swell is beginning to rise in response to the strong southerly wind. The lighthouses, which serve as reference points for mariners in the Minch, blink their messages to Iolaire. Milaid, on the rocky cliffs near Kebock Head; Rona; Tiumpan Head on the eastern extremity of the Point Peninsula; and Arnish, near the entrance to Stornoway Harbour.

In dozens of houses in Lewis, glasses are charged to the New Year. The last year of war is ending.
Dry clothes are draped over beds, a stew is heating over the fire. In the blackhouses in Ness, and the town houses of Stornoway. A kettle is at the ready on the stove. A plate, cutlery and cups on the table. From Eoropie to Brenish, from Lemreway to North Tolsta, and between Manor Park and Newton, the same scene is repeated over and over. Only two hours to go, the boat won't make Hogmanay. But it does not really matter, the boys will be home soon.

The clock strikes midnight. It is 1919. 

To be continued

93 years ago today

It is Hogmanay 1918, and the war has been over for seven weeks. Survivors from the Western Front and the war at sea are flocking home. As are hundreds of sailors from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Three trains pull into the harbourside station at Kyle of Lochalsh, and hundreds pour onto the platform and adjoining quayside to join a ferry home. The Skye men can take the short hop to Kyleakin, or join the steamer north to Portree. The sailors and soldiers from the Outer Hebrides have a longer journey ahead of them.

The mailsteamer for Stornoway, the Sheila is alongside at Kyle, but it very rapidly becomes clear that she has nowhere near enough space to accommodate the hundreds that want to go home to Lewis and Harris. So, a cable is sent to the naval base at Stornoway, and Rear Admiral Boyle sends HMY Iolaire to Kyle to relieve the congestion. Iolaire, the former private steamyacht Amalthea arrives in the early evening, bumping into the pier as she docks.

A disorganised scramble occurs, where the throng of men divides between the Sheila and the Iolaire. No record is kept as to who goes on board which vessel. Some start off by boarding the Iolaire, then switch to the Sheila. Others do the reverse swap. Finally, at half past seven, Iolaire casts off and heads north. The Sheila follows suit in short order.

To be continued.

Remembering today

At the close of 2011, the last posting Remembering Today has just gone up. To complete the cycle, I shall repost the entries related to the Iolaire Disaster (now entitled 93 years ago today) from 7.30pm GMT, just as I did exactly a year ago on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, paralleling the events surrounding the sinking of HMY Iolaire in 1919.

Remembering today - 31 December

Seaman DONALD MURRAY, Merchant Navy, late of 31 Swainbost, died today in 1917 at the age of 26

Leading Seaman DONALD MACLEOD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 42 Upper Bayble, died today in 1918 at the age of 21

Deckhand MALCOLM MACLEOD, Royal Navy, late of 3 Tolsta Chaolais, died today in 1919 at the age of 20

Seaman KENNETH MACIVER, Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve, late of 25 Cross Skigersta Road, died today in 1942 at the age of 31.
Seaman KENNETH MACIVER, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 36 North Tolsta, died today in 1942 at the age of 38.

Remembering today - 30 December

Seaman RODERICK GRAHAM, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 3 Lower Barvas, died today in 1918 at the age of 50
Seaman RODERICK GRAHAM, Royal Navy, late of 3 Lower Shader, died today in 1918 at the age of 50

Remembering today - 29 December

Pilot Officer JOHN BRUCE MACLEOD, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, late of 63 Cromwell Street, Stornoway, died today in 1941 at the age of 21.

Captain HUBERT ARTHUR MACCALLUM, Merchant Navy, late of 29 Kenneth Street, Stornoway, died today in 1942 at the age of 55.

Remembering today - 27 December

Private JOHN STEWART, Gordon Highlanders, late of 46 Benside, died today in 1915 at the age of 19

Private JOHN MACLEOD, Cameron Highlanders, late of 41 Callanish, died today in 1917 at the age of 32

Pilot Officer JOHN BRUCE MACLEOD, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, late of 63 Cromwell Street, Stornoway, died today in 1941 at the age of 21.

Captain HUBERT ARTHUR MACCALLUM, Merchant Navy, late of 29 Kenneth Street, Stornoway, died today in 1942 at the age of 55.

Remembering today - 26 December

Seaman JOHN SMITH, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 32 Lower Shader, died today in 1915 at the age of 46

Second Lieutenant JAMES PARKER ANDERSON, Seaforth Highlanders, late of Glen House Stornoway, died today in 1918 at the age of 34

Remembering today - 25 December

Seaman JOHN MACAULAY, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 3 Sheshader, died today in 1914 at the age of 61

Seaman JOHN MACIVER, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 34 Breasclete, died today in 1915 at the age of 47

Seaman MALCOLM MACLEOD, Royal Navy, late of 3 Gravir Glen, died today in 1943 at the age of 27.
Seaman ALEXANDER MARTIN, Royal Naval Reserve, Patrol Service, late of 17 Vatisker, died today in 1943 at the age of 29.

Seaman ALEXANDER CAMPBELL, Royal Naval Reserve, Patrol Service, late of 7 North Tolsta, died today in 1945 at the age of 37.

Remembering today - 24 December

Piper JOHN MORRISON, Highland Light Infantry, late of 4 Arivruaich, died today in 1914

Second Lieutenant PETER MACKAY MACRAE, Northamptonshires, late of 13 South Beach Street Stornoway, died today in 1917 at the age of 30

Seaman NORMAN MACKAY, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 6 Upper Garrabost, died today in 1940 at the age of 26.

Seaman WILLIAM MACLEAN, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 33 Upper Bayble, died today in 1941 at the age of 42.
Private ANGUS MACLEOD SNR, Military Police, late of 35 Matheson Road, Stornoway, died today in 1941 at the age of 31.

Quartermaster COLIN JOHN MUNRO, Merchant Navy, late of 6 Knock, Point, died today in 1943 at the age of 34.

Remembering today - 23 December

Seaman NEIL MACQUEEN, Royal Navy, late of Stag Road, Stornoway, died today in 1917

Seaman JOHN MURDO MACLEOD, Royal Navy, Patrol Service, late of 93 Seaforth Road, Stornoway, died today in 1943 at the age of 36.
Seaman MALCOLM MACPHAIL, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 7 New Shawbost, died today in 1943 at the age of 32

Who remembers him?

I am currently going through the names of Royal Navy and Royal Naval Reserve personnel who were lost during the First World War, and this record for a John Smith caught my eye.

John Smith
Rank: Krooman
Branch of Service: Native
Cause of Death: Died from disease
Official Number Port Division: N.K.
Death Date: 3 Apr 1917
Ship or Unit: HMS Ascension
Location of Grave: Left Hand Plot. 2. 28.
Name and Address of Cemetery: New Cemetery, Ascension Island
Mother: Yuah Wemah Gbeah, 6, Little Kroo St, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Ascension Island is a remote outpost in the southern Atlantic Ocean, and its New Cemetery contains six Commonwealth burials of the First World War, and two from the Second.

What is a Krooman? It is an ex-slave, rescued from West Africa during the 19th century and locally recruited into the Royal Navy (according to Wikipedia). The Kroo were (are?) a tribe from the Kroo area of Liberia and the adjacent coast who had been regularly employed by the Royal Navy onboard ship for a considerable period pre-WW1. The term Krooman denoted both a member of the tribe and was also used as an official rank by the RN (krooman, head Krooman etc.). It was common for the RN to use local labour on various stations around the world to supplement the regular ships complement - another example would be a Seedie on the Singapore Station. They were entitled to medals although frequently missed out on their awards due to their transient status (they couldn't be employed on continuous service, but had to keep signing up onto a new vessel each time a ship paid off - much like the old RN system).

Who was John Smith? I cannot find anything at all about him. Posting this on a blog, related to another remote island, I hope there are people out there who remember him. If not, at least we do.

Remembering today - 22 December

Private JOHN ANGUS CHISHOLM, Cameron Highlanders, late of 8 Lemreway, died today in 1914 at the age of 20
Sergeant DONALD ALLAN FINLAYSON, Gordon Highlanders, late of 6 Brue, died today in 1914 at the age of 19
Private JOHN MACASKILL, Cameron Highlanders, late of 23 Lower Shader, died today in 1914 at the age of 23
Sergeant JOHN MACDONALD, Cameron Highlanders, late of 13 New Shawbost, died today in 1914 at the age of 40
Private MURDO MACDONALD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 7 Ballantrushal, died today in 1914 at the age of 18
Private DUNCAN MACKAY, Cameron Highlanders, late of 5 Achmore, died today in 1914
Private MURDO MACKAY, Cameron Highlanders, late of 2 Achmore, died today in 1914
Private ANGUS MACKENZIE, Cameron Highlanders, late of 1 Callanish, died today in 1914 at the age of 38
Private ANGUS MACLEAY, Cameron Highlanders, late of 23 Upper Shader, died today in 1914 at the age of 17
Private MALCOLM MACLEOD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 13 New Shawbost, died today in 1914 at the age of 18
Private FINLAY NICOLSON, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 13 Ranish, died today in 1914 at the age of 19
Private NORMAN SMITH, Gordon Highlanders, late of 29 Lower Shader, died today in 1914

Remembering today - 21 December

Private MALCOLM MURRAY, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 10 Tong, died today in 1914

Private KENNETH JOHN MURRAY, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 43 South Shawbost, died today in 1915 at the age of 40

Remembering today - 20 December

Private JOHN CAMPBELL, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 18A Gravir, died today in 1914 at the age of 20
Private ALEX MACDONALD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 26 South Dell, died today in 1914 at the age of 24
Private WILLIAM MACKAY, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 17 Fivepenny, died today in 1914 at the age of 19
Private JOHN MACLEOD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 9 Fivepenny, died today in 1914 at the age of 19
Private NORMAN MACLEOD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 13 Benside, died today in 1914 at the age of 19

Remembering today - 19 December

Private NORMAN MATHESON, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 36 Lower Barvas, died today in 1914 at the age of 32

Lieutenant-colonel DAVID MACLEOD, Gordon Highlanders, late of 12 Arnol, died today in 1917 at the age of 47

Seaman NORMAN MACLEOD, Merchant Navy, late of 4 Garenin, died today in 1943 at the age of 47.

Remembering today - 18 December

Captain DONALD MARTIN, Merchant Navy, late of Stornoway, died today in 1916

Remembering today - 17 December

Seaman KENNETH MACKINNON, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 8A Ranish, died today in 1940 at the age of 38.

Remembering today - 15 December

Seaman KENNETH DONALD MACLEOD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 40 Church Street, Stornoway, died today in 1941 at the age of 22.

Gunner JOHN RODERICK FRASER, Royal Artillery, 39 Bty., 14 Lt. A.A. Regt., late of 12 Sand Street Coulregrein, died today in 1943 at the age of 35.

Remembering today - 14 December

Private MURDO MACLEAN, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 18 Callanish, died today in 1914 at the age of 21
Private ALEX MACLEOD, Gordon Highlanders, late of 10 Portnaguran, died today in 1914 at the age of 20
Private DONALD MACLEOD, Gordon Highlanders, late of 6 Portnaguran, died today in 1914 at the age of 20
Private JOHN MACLEOD, Gordon Highlanders, late of 15 Carloway, died today in 1914 at the age of 22
Private MURDO MONTGOMERY, Gordon Highlanders, late of 50 Benside, died today in 1914 at the age of 21

Sergeant COLIN MACKAY, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 22 Sheshader, died today in 1917 at the age of 27

Seaman MALCOLM GRAHAM, Royal Naval Reserve, Patrol Service, late of Church Street Borve, died today in 1939
Seaman ALEXANDER MATHESON, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 26 Brue, died today in 1939 at the age of 31.

Cook MALCOLM MACLEOD, Merchant Navy, late of Ard na Sithean Upper Carloway, died today in 1942 at the age of 30.

Remembering today - 13 December

Seaman JOHN MORRISON, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 18 Adabrock, died today in 1917 at the age of 35

Seaman ANGUS MACDONALD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 23 Arnol, died today in 1918 at the age of 24

Seaman MURDO FERGUSON, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 3 Lemreway, died today in 1941 at the age of 35.
Seaman RODERICK MACINNES, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 12 Lemreway, died today in 1941 at the age of 21.

Remembering today - 12 December

Seaman ALEXANDER CRICHTON, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 15 Eagleton, died today in 1939 at the age of 31.

Remembering today - 11 December

Private KENNETH FERGUSON, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 6 Crulivig, died today in 1916

Private WILLIAM MACKENZIE, Manchesters, late of 66 Kenneth Street, Stornoway, died today in 1917 at the age of 23

Seaman ARCHIBALD MACARTHUR, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 29 Carloway, died today in 1918 at the age of 20
Private ALLAN JOHN MACIVER, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 29 Aird Tong, died today in 1918 at the age of 21

Leading Seaman JOHN MACAULAY, Royal Navy, late of 27 New Shawbost, died today in 1941 at the age of 20.

Writer DONALD ANGUS MACDONALD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 28 Upper Shader, died today in 1942 at the age of 20.
Seaman ALEXANDER MARTIN, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 27 Upper Shader, died today in 1942 at the age of 20.

Second Hand DONALD MACIVER, Royal Naval Reserve, Patrol Service, late of Stornoway, died today in 1943 at the age of 35.

Sheriff's Officer deforced

Scottish Highlander, 28 November 1889
Sheriff Officer Deforced

William Ross Macleod, sheriff-officer, Stornoway, accompanied by a concurrent, on Thursday proceeded to Coulregrein, a place about a mile from Stornoway, to poind cattle and effects belonging to some tenants of Lady Matheson, and against whom decrees had lately been passed at her instance for arrears of rent. The tenants lodged applications with the Crofters'Commission to have fair rents fixed, but their cases have not been considered yet, and, meanwhile, the proprietrix is determined to recover her rents by poinding and selling the crofters'cattle and crop. When the officer and his concurrent appeared on the ground, they were prevented from carrying their proposed poindings into effect, a crowd of forty or fifty people, principally women and children, it is stated, attaching him witih stones and sods, and compelling him and his concurrent to withdraw. The officer returned to Stornoway and reported the matter to the Procurator-Fiscal, and it is stated that the police will accompany the officer in carrying out the poindings. The tenants are, however, making the Commissioners to halt proceedings until their applications are considered.

Lady Matheson gives away some land

Scottish Highlander, 1 January 1886
Lady Matheson of the Lewis and Her Crofters

Lady Matheson has made a fair step in the right direction, having re-lotted part of the Portdue forest which was cultivated many years ago by a happy and contented race of tenantry. A number of Lochsmen have now got lands at fair rent. It is to be hoped that this is but the forerunner of a large scheme of reform in connection with the estate management of the Lewis.

[ends]

I take Portdue Forest to be the present-day Eishken Estate, bearing in mind the reference to past tenants. 

Remembering today - 10 December

Lance-Corporal ANGUS MACLEOD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 5 Lundale, died today in 1916 at the age of 36

Remembering today - 9 December

Seaman ALEX MUNRO, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 25 Coll, died today in 1916

Remembering today - 8 December

Gunner NORMAN MARTIN, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 28 Knock, Point, died today in 1917 at the age of 22

Aircraftswoman 2nd class CATHERINE ANN MACDONALD, Women's Auxiliary Air Force, late of 19 Laxay, died today in 1945

Remembering today - 7 December

Seaman ALEXANDER MACDONALD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 25 Coll, died today in 1916 at the age of 35

Leading Seaman ALEX JOHN MACDONALD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 4 Portvoller, died today in 1917 at the age of 22

2nd Officer DONALD CHAPMAN, Merchant Navy, late of 15 North Street, Sandwick, died today in 1941 at the age of 52.

Seaman JOHN STEWART, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 33 Upper Bayble, died today in 1943 at the age of 23.

Remembering today - 6 December

Private JOHN MACARTHUR, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 6 Stenish, died today in 1916 at the age of 25

Stoker EDWARD BD MACKENZIE, Royal Navy, late of 5 Lewis Street, Stornoway, died today in 1943 at the age of 43.

A distant corner

Checking information on naval personnel from Lewis who served (and died) in the First World War, I came across the entry for a Donald Gillies, born 17 February 1881 at Stoule, Inverness. This translates as Stoul, a hamlet along the shores of Loch Nevis, east of Mallaig in Lochaber. Stoul is now abandoned, but it most certainly was not in 1881. We find 1 month-old Donald at 1 Easter Stoule as the grandson of John and Catharine Gillies, and the son of Ewen and Catherine. They had two other infant children, namely Mary and Sarah. The hamlet is enumerated under the parish of Glenelg, and the registration district of North Morar.

View Larger Map Get Directions View Bird's Eye

Donald perished in the sinking of HMS Anchusa on 16 July 1918. He was 37 years of age, and among 78 crew lost on the sloop which went down off the north coast of Ireland. His mother Catherine, by then living at Bracara near Morar, about 3 miles from Stoule, was notified of his death. Donald's remains were never recovered.

Is this the house in which Donald was born?

Image courtesy Flickr user aogg

Remembering today - 5 December

Captain JOHN ANDERSON, Merchant Navy, late of 5 Kershader, died today in 1940 at the age of 48.

Remembering today - 4 December

Private MURDO MACLEOD, Canadians, late of 12 Tong, died today in 1915 at the age of 22

Rifleman ANGUS MACDONALD, New Zealanders, late of Islivig, died today in 1917 at the age of 30

Craftsman ANGUS MACLEAN, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, late of 24 Newvalley, died today in 1944 at the age of 22.

Remembering today - 3 December

Seaman JOHN MACLEOD, Royal Navy, late of 8 Fivepenny, died today in 1918 at the age of 29

Remembering today - 2 December

Private MURDO SMITH, Gordon Highlanders, late of 5 Calbost, died today in 1916 at the age of 19

Deckhand ALEXANDER MACLEOD, Royal Navy, late of 4 Garenin, died today in 1918 at the age of 20

Seaman JOHN MACLEOD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 16 Cross, died today in 1940 at the age of 20.
Seaman NORMAN MACLEOD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 8 Knockaird, died today in 1940

Remembering today - 1 December

Private RODERICK ROSS MACLEOD, Gordon Highlanders, late of 24 Aignish, died today in 1914 at the age of 17

Seaman MURDO MACKAY, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 2 Kirivick, died today in 1915 at the age of 24

Seaman DONALD MACDONALD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 44 Lower Bayble, died today in 1917 at the age of 24
Seaman HUGH BROWN MURRAY, Royal Naval Reserve, late of Seaforth House Scotland Street, Stornoway, died today in 1917 at the age of 52

ALEX MACLEAY, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 33 Lower Shader, died today in 1918
Seaman JOHN MACLEOD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 30 Breasclete, died today in 1918 at the age of 46

Quartermaster MALCOLM MACMILLAN, Merchant Navy, late of 51 Upper Bayble, died today in 1941 at the age of 41.

Seaman JOHN MURRAY, Royal Navy, late of 4 Cross Skigersta Road, died today in 1946 at the age of 22.

Remembering today - 30 November

Private DONALD MACDONALD PATERSON, Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps, late of 5 Upper Barvas, died today in 1944 at the age of 49.

Seaman DONALD MACINNES, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 4 Gress, died in November 1940
Seaman JOHN MACRITCHIE, Royal Navy, late of 34 Lower Barvas, died in November 1942

Additional information

In May of this year, I blogged about two men who had been found dead on North Rona in 1885. Having watched a program on BBC TV, it now appears that the Malcolm Macdonald was one of the men from Ness who climbed the Stack of Handa in 1870. This feat is now credited with being the first recreational rock climb in Great Britain.

Remembering today - 29 November

Leading Seaman ANGUS MACDONALD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 15 Shader, Point, died today in 1918 at the age of 29

Seaman JOHN MURDO MACKAY, Royal Navy, late of 1 Carishader, died today in 1941 at the age of 24.

Corporal DONALD MURRAY, 8th Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, late of 103 Seaforth Road, Stornoway, died today in 1942 at the age of 29.

Remembering today - 28 November

Seaman DONALD MACDONALD, Merchant Navy, late of 39 Lower Shader, died today in 1916 at the age of 27

Seaman FINLAY MACDONALD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 3 Ranish, died today in 1917 at the age of 19

Lieutenant BENJAMIN GREENFIELD, Canadians, late of Free Church Manse Francis Street, Stornoway, died today in 1918 at the age of 33

Remembering today - 27 November

Seaman ALEXANDER MARTIN, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 33 Lower Shader, died today in 1918 at the age of 30

Remembering today - 26 November

Leading Seaman MALCOLM MACKENZIE, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 5 Portvoller, died today in 1914 at the age of 29
Seaman NORMAN MACLEOD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 13 Brue, died today in 1914 at the age of 35
Seaman MURDO MACRITCHIE, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 37 Swainbost, died today in 1914 at the age of 37

Able Seaman RODERICK MARTIN, Merchant Navy, late of 22 South Galson, died today in 1942 at the age of 37.

Remembering today - 25 November

Seaman JOHN SMITH, Merchant Navy, late of 15 Ballantrushal, died today in 1915 at the age of 17

DONALD MURRAY, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, late of 52 North Tolsta, died today in 1943 at the age of 29.

Remembering today - 24 November

Private DUNCAN CAMPBELL, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 6 Broker, died today in 1914 at the age of 22

Deckhand ALEXANDER MACDONALD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 32 Lower Bayble, died today in 1916 at the age of 52
Seaman MALCOLM MACLEOD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 33 Lower Bayble, died today in 1916 at the age of 52

Private DONALD MACDONALD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 32 North Tolsta, died today in 1918 at the age of 21

Remembering today - 23 November

Private JAMES DONALD MACRAE, Canadians, late of 78 Keith Street, Stornoway, died today in 1917 at the age of 28
Trooper JOHN A MACRAE, Yorkshires, late of 26 Lewis Street, Stornoway, died today in 1917 at the age of 39

Private KENNETH MACLEOD, Canadians, late of 2 Laxay, died today in 1918 at the age of 26

Lost in the sinking of HMS Rawalpindi
Seaman DONALD MACARTHUR, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 10 Cromore, died today in 1939 at the age of 20.
Seaman COLIN MACKAY, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 31 South Bragar, died today in 1939 at the age of 29.
Leading Seaman MURDO MACKAY, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 53 Back, died today in 1939 at the age of 33.
Seaman JOHN MACKENZIE, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 21 Swordale, died today in 1939 at the age of 26.
Seaman NORMAN MACLEOD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 25 Swordale, died today in 1939 at the age of 31.
Able Seaman WILLIAM MACLEOD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of Marybank, Stornoway, died today in 1939 at the age of 26.
Leading Seaman JOHN MURDO NICOLSON, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 3 Marybank, Stornoway, died today in 1939 at the age of 36.
Seaman DONALD SMITH JNR, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 52 North Tolsta, died today in 1939 at the age of 19.

IAIN MACDONALD, Royal Navy, late of 2/4 Kershader, died today in 1942 at the age of 32.

Remembering today - 22 November

Private DUNCAN MACKENZIE, Royal Naval Division, late of 37 Newton Street, Stornoway, died today in 1916 at the age of 20

Seaman MURDO MORRISON, Merchant Navy, late of 10 Coll, died today in 1940 at the age of 35.

Rigger's mate DONALD MACKINNON, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 7 Perceval Road Coulregrein, died today in 1943 at the age of 35.

Remembering today - 21 November

Private DUNCAN MACKENZIE, Canadians, late of 5 Knock, Carloway, died today in 1915 at the age of 40

Private MALCOLM SMITH, Canadians, late of 7 Aird, died today in 1916 at the age of 31

Second Lieutenant ANGUS MACLEOD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 18 Portvoller, died today in 1917 at the age of 28

Sergeant MURDO MACDONALD, 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, R.A.C., late of 3 Stag Road, Stornoway, died today in 1941 at the age of 26.

Remembering today - 20 November

Lance-Corporal GEORGE MACDONALD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 29 Coll, died today in 1915

Chief Petty Officer MURDO MACKINNON, Royal Australian Navy, late of 3 Caverstay, died today in 1941 at the age of 23.
Able Seaman MALCOLM MURRAY, Royal Australian Navy, late of 31 Newton Street, Stornoway, died today in 1941 at the age of 29.

Remembering today - 19 November

Private NORMAN MACDONALD, Canadians, late of 1 North Shawbost, died today in 1916 at the age of 29

Second Hand GEORGE MCKENZIE MACDONALD, Merchant Navy, late of 37 Keith Street, Stornoway, died today in 1917 at the age of 33
Seaman DONALD MORRISON, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 12 Adabrock, died today in 1917 at the age of 41

ALEX MACLEOD, late of 14 Aird Tong, died today in 1919

Remembering today - 18 November

Private JOHN CONNING, Canadians, late of 17 Keith Street, Stornoway, died today in 1917 at the age of 26

Remembering today - 17 November

Leading Seaman MURDO MACKENZIE, Merchant Navy, late of 9 Grimshader, died today in 1916 at the age of 29

Private DONALD MACKENZIE, Canadians, late of 23 Upper Bayble, died today in 1917 at the age of 25

Second Lieutenant DONALD MACKAY, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 24 Aignish, died today in 1918 at the age of 31

2nd Engineer AULAY MACDONALD, Merchant Navy, late of 4 Westview Terrace, Stornoway, died today in 1940 at the age of 40

Remembering today - 16 November

Engineman AULAY MACKENZIE, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 13 Newton Street, Stornoway, died today in 1916 at the age of 38

Private MALCOLM MACAULAY, Cameron Highlanders, late of 43 Carloway, died today in 1917 at the age of 21
Private DONALD MACLEOD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 4 Lower Bayble, died today in 1917 at the age of 20

Flying Officer WALTER RODERICK MATHESON, Royal Air Force Voluntary Reserve, late of 14 Newvalley, died today in 1943 at the age of 22

In the Poor House

I happened across an entry in the 1901 census for Stornoway for the inmates of the Combination Poor House. This was built in 1894-6 on the Coulregrein Road, nowadays Westview Terrace, in Stornoway. It was used in 1904 to house some of the survivors from the sinking of SS Norge at Rockall in June that year. About 700 passengers drowned; 9 died after coming ashore in Lewis and lie buried in Sandwick Cemetery.
The building could accommodate 66 inmates, but was found to have 72 beds in 1946. Coulregrein House no longer exists (source workhouses.org.uk).

The 1901 census entry (which I have summarised here) has been analysed by my friend and fellow researcher Direcleit, and I refer to his post from 2010. I am highlighting four people, for whom I could trace further information with a degree of certainty.

Donald Macmaster Cattanach (46)
Married to : Jacobina Cattanach
Born: Kingussie
Occupation: Governor of Poor House
Location: Lewis Combination Poor House
In 1891 he was governor of the Combmaker Poor House in Lerwick, Shetland

Jacobina Cattanach (48)
Wife of above
Born: Glasgow
Occupation: Matron of Poor House
In 1891 she was matron of the Combmaker Poor House in Lerwick, Shetland

Jane A Gowans (34)
Visitor
Born: Pitlochry
Occupation: Former school mistress

Jane Anne Gowans died on 21 August 1915 at Pierce Central, British Columbia, Canada at the age of 48

Inmate Angus Maciver (40)
Born: Uig, Ross-shire
Occupation: Formerly shoemaker

Angus appears in the 1891 census as a shoemaker at Callanish, which is in the parish of Uig, Ross-shire. At the time, he is married to Christina. In the 1901 census, Christina is shown as remaining at 8 Callanish, a shoemaker’s wife, but the head of the household. She is looking after five young children: Donald (9), Neil (8), Maggie (6), Johanna (3) and John (1).

Remembering today - 15 November

Corporal CHARLES MACLEOD, Gordon Highlanders, late of 11 Ballantrushal, died today in 1914 at the age of 21
Private DONALD MACRAE, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 6 Habost, Lochs, died today in 1914 at the age of 21

Private MURDO MACIVER, New Zealanders, late of 8 Portnaguran, died today in 1916 at the age of 30

Seaman DONALD MACLEOD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of Upper Bayble, died today in 1918 at the age of 37

Seaman NEIL BUCHANAN, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 11 Brenish, died today in 1942 at the age of 24.

Seaman DONALD MURRAY, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 21 North Tolsta, died today in 1943 at the age of 30.

Stores assistant RODERICK MACPHERSON MURRAY, Royal Navy, late of Stornoway, died today in 1945 at the age of 21.

Remembering today - 14 November

Captain JOHN MACLEAN, Merchant Navy, late of Shell Street, Stornoway, died today in 1914

Second Lieutenant (Reverend) NORMAN CRICHTON, (MA), Seaforth Highlanders, late of 40 Keith Street, Stornoway, died today in 1916 at the age of 28

Deckhand JOHN MACLENNAN, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 16 Garenin, died today in 1917 at the age of 45
Deckhand JOHN MACLENNAN, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 44 Lewis Street Stornoway, died today in 1917 at the age of 45

Deckhand JOHN MACAULAY, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 12 Kirkibost, Great Bernera, died today in 1918 at the age of 20
Seaman MURDO MACLEOD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 32 Back, died today in 1918 at the age of 21
DONALD NICOLSON, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 22 Gravir, died today in 1918 at the age of 29

Remembering today - 13 November

Private THOMAS STEWART, Highland Light Infantry, late of 12 Coulregrein, died today in 1914 at the age of 31

Lance-Corporal JOHN WILLIAM MACLEOD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 31 Knock, Carloway, died today in 1916 at the age of 20

Private MURDO MACAULAY, Canadians, late of 16 Shader, Point, died today in 1917 at the age of 29
Lance-Corporal ANGUS MACKAY, Canadians, late of 3 Laxdale, died today in 1917 at the age of 26

Lance Corporal DONALD MACKINNON, Seaforth Highlanders, D.E.M.S. Personnel, late of 8 Mackenzie Street, Stornoway, died today in 1940 at the age of 29.

Remembering today - 12 November

Private DONALD MACARTHUR, Scots Guards, late of 20 Cromore, died today in 1914 at the age of 31
Private JOHN M MUNRO, Gordon Highlanders, late of 2 Knock, Point, died today in 1914 at the age of 19

Private ALEX FINLAYSON, Gordon Highlanders, late of 10 North Tolsta, died today in 1917 at the age of 23

Leading Seaman MALCOLM MACASKILL, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 16 Aignish, died today in 1918 at the age of 31
Seaman NORMAN MACLEOD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 8 Lower Bayble, died today in 1918 at the age of 39

Armistice Day 2011

It is the 11th hour on 11th day, of the 11th month, of the 11th year. 93 years ago today, the guns fell silent on the Western Front, bringing to an end more than four years of carnage in the trenches and on the high seas.

Of the 6,200 men who enlisted from the Isle of Lewis in the First World War, more than 1,300 never returned. More than 200 of those perished on 1 January 1919 in the sinking of HMY Iolaire, which was returning island servicemen home after the war.

I am not certain how many people from the Isle of Lewis joined up in the Second World War, but about 450 perished between 1939 and 1945. The majority served in the Merchant Navy and Royal Navy.

A listing of the Fallen from the Isle of Lewis can be viewed on these two links:

First World War
Second World War

Tributes have been transcribed from the Stornoway Gazette for the years 1917 and 1918, as well as for the years 1939-1945. Further links to my local history (and particularly military history) research can be found on this page.

They went with songs to the battle, they were young.

Straight of limb, true of eyes, steady and aglow.

They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,

They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

We will remember them.

Remembering today - 11 November

Private GEORGE MACKENZIE, Cameron Highlanders, late of 46 Balallan, died today in 1914 at the age of 23
Corporal MURDO MACKENZIE, Scots Guards, late of 3 Upper Bayble, died today in 1914 at the age of 31
Private WILLIAM PATERSON, Cameron Highlanders, late of 20 Brue, died today in 1914 at the age of 19
Private ALEX SHAW, Gordon Highlanders, late of 10 Newvalley, died today in 1914 at the age of 24

Deckhand DONALD MACLEAN, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 9 Dun Carloway, died today in 1918, on the day Armistice was declared.

Leading Seaman NORMAN GRAHAM, Royal Naval Reserve, Patrol Service, late of 9 South Dell, died today in 1941 at the age of 26.

Leading Seaman NEIL MATHESON, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 22 Crowlista, died today in 1943 at the age of 27.

Seaman ANGUS MURRAY, Royal Navy, late of 26 South Dell, died today in 1947 at the age of 26.

Remembering today - 10 November

Seaman DONALD MACDONALD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 21 Lower Sandwick, died today in 1916 at the age of 50

Lieutenant-commander DONALD MACDONALD, Royal Naval Voluntary Reserve, late of 10 Holm, died today in 1918 at the age of 25

Seaman JOHN MACLEOD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 8 Upper Garrabost, died today in 1942 at the age of 33.

Remembering today - 8 November

Lance Sergeant JOHN MACDONALD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 2 Crowlista, died today in 1914 at the age of 28

Private JOHN MACLEOD, Canadians, late of 21 North Street, Sandwick, died today in 1917 at the age of 28
Private MALCOLM MACRITCHIE, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 3 Benside, died today in 1917 at the age of 27

Piper DONALD MACKINNON, 4th Seaforth Highlanders, late of 24 Marvig, died today in 1941 at the age of 24.

Sister/Lieutenant EFFIE MACPHAIL, Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service, late of 24 North Bragar, died today in 1943 at the age of 30.

Remembering today - 7 November

Sergeant DONALD STEWART, Royal Garrison Artillery, late of 85 Cromwell Street, Stornoway, died today in 1915 at the age of 25

Lieutenant DUNCAN IAIN MACPHAIL, 3rd Madras Regiment, Indian Army, late of Cnoc an Eoin Knock, Carloway, died today in 1943 at the age of 22.

Seaman ANGUS MACDONALD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 9 Ballantrushal, died today in 1944 at the age of 29.

Remembering today - 6 November

Private JOHN R MACDONALD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 15 Newvalley, died today in 1914
Private KENNETH MACIVER, Gordon Highlanders, late of 41 Lower Bayble, Park, died today in 1914 at the age of 19

Private KENNETH MACLEAN, Canadians, late of 8 Guershader, died today in 1917 at the age of 37

Carpenter ALLAN MORRISON, Merchant Navy, late of 31 North Street, Sandwick, died today in 1939 at the age of 51

Emigrants for Australia - 1923

Nambour Chronicle, 2 November 1923, page 9

Typical Emigrants for Australia
ISLAND EXODUS CONTINUES
(From a Home Correspondent)
Stornoway is still pouring forth contingent upon contingent of hardy Hebrideans to the distant lands across the seas. The port was the scene of tremendous bustle last weekend, when a large party of Lewis emigrants set out for London on the first part of the long journey to Australia.

At the quayside they were given a rousing farewell. The people of the Lewis have grown accustomed to the departure of their fellow islanders in search of that which has been denied them in the land of their birth but there were evidences on all sides of suppressed emotion on the part of aged parents and brothers and sisters.

They comprised of 99 men, women and children, ranging in age from 60 years to six months, and included several families, all of whom it is proposed to settle on the land near Perth, Western Australia. The single men hope to get employment on sheep ranches in Victoria.

FATHER OF ELEVEN
The outstanding personality of the party was a crofter-fisherman, Mr Frank Mackinnon, the father of 11 children, who, with his wife and family, left the Lochs district of Lewis on the previous Tuesday morning for their journey to London, and thence to the great Southern Commonwealth.

Speaking of his decision to emigrate, this man said that he had lost patience, waiting for a small-holding, and had made up his mind that the only opportunity open to him was to try his fortune in a new land.

The contingent left London by the SS Bendigo from Tilbury. They were all entertained to breakfast by Sir William Mitchell Cotts, MP for the Western Isles, who also received them on their embarkation on board the SS Bendigo in the afternoon, accompanied by Mr White, branch manager of the P and O company.

All the men are ex-soldiers or ex-sailors with war service, but none of their families had ever seen a railway train or a great liner. Every one of the men is a teetotaller. Physically, they are a splendid sample of Hebridean manhood.

They are, indeed, hardy, hardy folk these islanders. Many have signed up for Australia, and another party will be despatched at an early date. Mr Murdo Maclean of Stornoway, the official agent for the Government of Australia, conducted the immigrants to London.

Remembering today - 5 November

Private MURDO KENNEDY, Cameron Highlanders, late of 29 Balallan, died today in 1914 at the age of 33

Private FINLAY MACLEAN, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 35B Breasclete, died today in 1915 at the age of 20

Corporal DONALD CAMPBELL, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 27 Lionel, died today in 1917 at the age of 29
Private NORMAN ANGUS MACDONALD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 6 Hacklet, Great Bernera, died today in 1917 at the age of 28
Private MALCOLM MACIVER, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 34 Lower Bayble, died today in 1917 at the age of 22
Corporal WILLIAM PATRICK MACLEOD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 9 South Beach Street Stornoway, died today in 1917 at the age of 31
Seaman JOHN MORRISON, Royal Navy, late of 30 Vatisker, died today in 1917
Private ALEX MURRAY, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 11 Skigersta, died today in 1917 at the age of 24
Private RODERICK MURRAY, Seaforth Highlanders, late of Aird Dell, died today in 1917 at the age of 20
Private JOHN SMITH, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 8 South Dell, died today in 1917 at the age of 20

Sergeant ALEX JOHN MACLEOD, Canadians, late of 5 Knock, Point, died today in 1918 at the age of 25

Lieutenant ATHOLL MACLEAN, Royal Artillery, late of 7 Westview Terrace, Stornoway, died today in 1942 at the age of 22

Point lads remembered

These two men, one from Aird, the other from Portvoller, are (to the best of my knowledge) not remembered on the local Roll of Honour or on the memorials at Garrabost or Stornoway. I happened across Murdo Mackenzie through a search for the age at death for Norman; the two are mentioned on the same "service return" from the General Registry Office of Scotland.

Norman's age at death is listed as Unknown on the CWGC website, but the GROS file shows it to be 38.

Seaman MURDO MACKENZIE
Last address in Lewis: Aird
Son of Donald and Catherine Mackenzie, of Stornoway, Isle of Lewis.
Service: Royal Naval Reserve (Patrol Service), HMS Greenfly
Service number: LT/X8100C
Date of death: 2 November 1939 at the age of 28
Lost through drowning after a fall
Interred: Tynemouth (Preston) Cemetery, Sec. F. Uncons. Grave 11835.


Seaman NORMAN MACKENZIE
Last address in Lewis: 3 Portvoller
Service: Royal Naval Reserve, Patrol Service, HMS Lady Elsa
Service number: LT/JX 242662
Date of death: 1 September 1944 at the age of 38
Died in Addington Govt Hospital, Durban, of head injuries sustained on 27 August 1944.
Interred: Durban (Stellawood) Cemetery, Block F. Grave 458.

Remembering today - 4 November

Leading Deckhand MALCOLM MACRAE, Royal Navy, late of 42 Lower Bayble, died today in 1916 at the age of 30
Bombardier ROSE A SUTHERLAND, Royal Field Artillery, late of 41 Newton Street, Stornoway, died today in 1916 at the age of 25

Seaman ALEX JOHN MACDONALD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 6 East Street, Sandwick, died today in 1917 at the age of 18

Sergeant MURDO PATERSON, Highland Light Infantry, late of 3 Park Carloway, died today in 1918 at the age of 26

Linked to Habost, Ness

Private NORMAN MACKENZIE
Last address in Lewis: 51 Back Street, Habost, Ness
Son of Angus Mackenzie
Service: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 14327301
Date of death: 8 August 1944 at the age of 20
Interred: Banneville-la-Campagne War Cemetery, grave V. B. 2

Norman is not mentioned in the Roll of Honour Ness to Bernera, or on the North Lewis War Memorial at Cross.  His name surfaced in a tribute in the Stornoway Gazette of 1 September 1944, which I reproduce below.

On August 19th, the sad news was received by Mr Angus Mackenzie (Aonghais Fhionnlaidh), 51 Back Street, Habost, that his second eldest son, Pte Norman Mackenzie, Seaforth Highlanders, has been killed in action in Normandy. Norman was a bright young lad of a little over 20 years of age. He was employed on work of national importance until he was called to a still more important task in the fight for freedom, in which he was now given his precious and promising young life. Our heartfelt sympathy is with his sorrowing father and mother and the rest of the family, of whom two others are serving their country.

Remembering today - 3 November

Private JOHN MACLEOD, Gordon Highlanders, late of 33 Gelir, died today in 1914 at the age of 19

Seaman KENNETH MACAULAY, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 5 Breasclete, died today in 1918 at the age of 27
Private WILLIAM MORRISON, Canadians, late of 2 Coulregrein, died today in 1918 at the age of 33

Seaman MURDO MACKENZIE, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 21 Swordale, died today in 1939 at the age of 28.

Seaman MURDO MACLEOD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 6B South Bragar, died today in 1940 at the age of 36.

Closed to mariners

Canada Gazette, 6 November 1915

Mariners are hereby warned that Stornoway harbour is closed from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise.

All vessels, with the exception of local boats, arriving during the night should anchor outside until one hour before sunrise, reporting to the Guard vessel off the port before attempting to enter the port.

Remembering today - 2 November

Seaman JOHN MORRISON, Merchant Navy, late of 83 Cross Skigersta Road, died today in 1940 at the age of 25.

Lance Corporal MALCOLM MACLEOD, 2nd Seaforth Highlanders, late of 11 Garenin, died today in 1942 at the age of 31.

Remembering today - 1 November

Private KENNETH MACKAY, Canadians, late of 34 Valtos, died today in 1915 at the age of 43
Leading Seaman MURDO MACKENZIE, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 15 Crossbost, died today in 1916 at the age of 34

Private EVANDER MACDONALD, Scottish Horse, late of 1 Upper Bayble, died today in 1918 at the age of 26
Seaman JOHN SMITH, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 24 North Tolsta, died today in 1918 at the age of 28

Private MALCOLM MACKENZIE, 144 Coy, Pioneer Corps, late of 83 Keith Street, Stornoway, died today in 1944 at the age of 37

Remembering today - 31 October

Seaman NORMAN MACINNES, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 1 Breaclet, Great Bernera, died today in 1914 at the age of 41
Private ANGUS MACLEOD, Gordon Highlanders, late of 2 Eoropie, died today in 1914 at the age of 25
Seaman DONALD MACLEOD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 30 Cross, died today in 1914 at the age of 39

Linked to Direcleit

Many a man with roots in the Outer Hebrides lost his life in the service of King and Country during both World Wars, without the link to the islands being acknowledged. One such example is Donald Mackillop Ridgway. A tribute in the Stornoway Gazette of 11 August 1944 serves to highlight the Harris connection.

Mr Norman Mackillop, Dereaclate, has received news that his nephew, Lieutenant Donald Mackillop, Ridgway, died on Sunday 30th July in a military hospital in England after a short illness. Lieut Ridgway was the eldest son of Mr Alfred Rdigway, Brumley, Scanthorpe. His mother before her marriage was Miss Ann Mackillop, a daughter of the late Donald Mackillop, Dereclete. The deceased, who paid many visits to Harris was a young man of much promise. He was a qualified chemist and was settled in practice for two years before joining the army. He was 24 years at his death which is deeply regretted by many in Harris. Sympathy is felt for the parents and other relatives.

Without the tribute in the Gazette, he would have gone down as a loss to the county of Lincolnshire. Whilst that is entirely appropriate, it is equally appropriate to highlight the Harris connection.

Donald, Rest in Peace.

Remembering today - 30 October

Steward DONALD M MACDONALD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 8 East Street, Sandwick, died today in 1914 at the age of 18

Captain KENNETH MACKENZIE MACIVER, South Africans, late of Green Park Upper Bayble, died today in 1918 at the age of 38
Leading Seaman NEIL MACLEAN, Canadians, late of 14 Leurbost, died today in 1918 at the age of 34
Seaman JOHN SMITH, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 26 Coll, died today in 1918 at the age of 30

Seaman ANGUS JOHN PATERSON, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 3 Brue, died today in 1939

JOHN MACINNES, Merchant Navy, late of 4 Gress, died today in 1940 at the age of 27.

Remembering today - 29 October

Private DONALD GRAHAM, Gordon Highlanders, late of 30 Borve, died today in 1914 at the age of 21
Private RODERICK A MACKENZIE, Gordon Highlanders, late of 3 Plantation Road, Stornoway, died today in 1914

Seaman MURDO C GRAHAM, Royal Naval Reserve, late of Flesherin, died today in 1918 at the age of 18

Seaman D MACLEOD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 7 Knock, Carloway, died today in 1920

Remembering today - 28 October

Private DONALD KENNEDY, Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders, late of 4 Maciver's Buildings, Stornoway, died today in 1914 at the age of 20

Seaman JOHN MACDONALD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 2 Swordale, died today in 1915 at the age of 19

Seaman KENNETH JOHN MACLEOD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 8 Kirivick, died today in 1918

Remembering today - 26 October

Private JOHN MACAULAY, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 3 Lundale, died today in 1914 at the age of 22
Seaman ALLAN THOMPSON, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 15 Swainbost, died today in 1914 at the age of 45

Private DONALD JOHN MACLEOD, Canadians, late of 2 Habost, Lochs, died today in 1917 at the age of 25
Private NORMAN MACLEOD, Canadians, late of Catherine Hill, Back, died today in 1917 at the age of 41
Private DONALD WILLIAM MURRAY, Canadians, late of 20 Newton Street, Stornoway, died today in 1917 at the age of 29

Seaman ALEX MURRAY, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 4 North Tolsta, died today in 1918 at the age of 19

Deckhand DONALD MORRISON, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 24 South Bragar, died today in 1919 at the age of 20

Remembering today - 25 October

Private MALCOLM MACKAY, Gordon Highlanders, late of 3 Havelock Court, Stornoway, died today in 1914 at the age of 23
Private MALCOLM MACKAY, Gordon Highlanders, late of 37 Newton Street, Stornoway, died today in 1914 at the age of 20

Seaman / Gunner KENNETH MACAULAY, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 19C Breasclete, died today in 1915 at the age of 23

Private ANGUS MACNEILL, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 3 Keith Street, Stornoway, died today in 1918 at the age of 25
Deckhand JOHN MARTIN, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 1 Fivig, Bragar,, died today in 1918 at the age of 18

Leading Seaman MURDO MACLEOD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 48 Swainbost, died today in 1943 at the age of 28.
Leading Seaman MURDO MCLEOD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 6 Balallan, died today in 1943 at the age of 29.

Crashed on St Kilda, buried at sea

Stornoway Gazette, 23 June 1944
Rev Lachlan Macleod, St Columba's, Stornoway, visited St Kilda by Admiralty trawler last week to conduct a funeral service for ten airmen who lost their lives when a Sunderland flying boat crashed on St Kilda. The bodies were found at the summit of the second highest hill in the island, scattered round the wreckage of the flying boat. Bearer parties of RAF personnel who had gone to St Kilda for the purpose carried the bodies to the little jetty, whence they were transferred to the trawler and buried at sea. Several of the crew of the crashed plane were New Zealanders. The rest were English. [article ends]


There were three planes that crashed on St Kilda during the Second World War, and those lost are remembered on a memorial on St Kilda. The names of the crew of Sunderland ML858 which crashed on Gleann Mhor on 8 June 1944 were:

WO Cecil Osborne RNZAF
F/O Richard Dillicar Ferguson RNZAF
F/O William Alexander Thompson RNZAF
W/O John Raymond Lloyd RNZAF
F/Sgt Bryan Bowker RAF
Sgt Roy Lewis RAFVR
Sgt James Scoular Thomson RAFVR
Sgt Francis Matthew Robertson RNZAF
Sgt David John Chubbin Roulston RNZAF
F/Sgt Oliver George Reed RNZAF

Remembering today - 24 October

Private MALCOLM JOHN BUCHANAN, Cameron Highlanders, late of 11 Brenish, died today in 1914 at the age of 26
Private MALCOLM CROCKETT, Gordon Highlanders, late of 9 Bayhead Street, Stornoway, died today in 1914 at the age of 20

Private IAIN BUCHANAN, 5th Cameron Highlanders, late of 89 Newmarket, died today in 1942 at the age of 20.
Private JOHN MACDONALD, 5th Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders, late of 23 South Galson, died today in 1942 at the age of 18

The Broadbay drownings of January 1881 and December 1874

Glasgow Herald 24 January 1881

THE STORM
LOSS OF TWO FISHING BOATS AND TEN MEN

Our Stornoway correspondent writes:

A sad boat accident occurred on Friday week in Broadbay, resulting in the drowning of a boat's crew and the swamping of their boat.

Early that morning, a number of fishing boats left Portnaguran and other fishing villages in the Broadbay for cod and ling fishing, and remained out most of the day. In the afternoon the weather became very thick with snow showers, and very squally, and all the boats having drawn their lines set sail for home. In making Portnaguran, a fishing boat, which was prevented from entering Coll on the opposite side of Broadbay owing to the heavy surf, was caught in a squall and upset a few hundred yards from the shore. The sheet of the sail being tied the boat floated, and the crew clung to her until rescued in an exchausted condition by a boat which put off from the shore. One of the crew is still under medical treatment. At night it was found that an open fishing boat from Portnaguran, belonging to and fishing for Angus Macleod, fishcurer, Portvoller, had not arrived, and fears were entertained for her safety, as the boat was seen leaving the fishing ground between four and five o'clock, and had been lost sight of during a heavy snow shower. On Saturday the oars and two baskets with lines belonging to the missing boat having come ashore about 13 miles from here confirmed the worst forebodings, and on Monday nine boats were out with grappling lines searching for the bodies, without success. The boat was found floating full of water with the sheet of the sail tied, and the vest of one of the crew, and the long lines, with some fish, in the boat, which was allowed to drift away. There can thus be no doubt but that the boat was caught, with the sheet tied, in a sudden squall, and filled with water. The names of the unfortunate men, who all resided at Portnaguran, are as follows [highlighted in bold with annotations by the transcriber in italics]:

Donald Macdonald (Norman's son), married, aged 32, leaves a widow and four children. He was skipper of the boat. His mother's name was Catherine, and Donald was four years younger than his brother Colin and eight years old than his sister Catherine. He married Janet Ferguson in 1873. She was the eldest of five children, two of whom also died in this tragedy (see below). Janet's parents were called Peter and Chrissy. 

Malcolm and Norman Ferguson, sons of Peter [and Chrissy, see above], both unmarried, aged 20 and 18. Donald Macdonald was married to their sister, Janet.

Donald Macdonald (Donald's son), married, aged 27, leaves a widow and three children.

Angus Graham (Donald's son), unmarried, aged 20.

John Smith, son of the widow of Donald Smith, unmarried, aged 20. He was the sole  support of his mother, his father and a brother having been drowned six years ago by the swamping of a boat near the same place. Mrs Smith is left quite poor. The drowning which took Donald Smith occurred on 21 December 1874, when he was 50 years of age. His boat, the Thistle, was swamped by a heavy sea 500 yards off Tiumpan Head. There were at least five other deaths, namely Murdo Macdonald (50) and Murdo Graham (33), Donald Mackay (30), Murdo Macdonald (27), Angus Smith (22). None of their bodies were recovered. Their deaths were recorded for the information of the Procurator Fiscal on 12 January 1875 .

Norman Ferguson and Graham were in the Royal Naval Reserve.

The accident has caused quite a gloom over the fishing villages in the district, and has meantime put a stop to the prosecution of the cod and ling fishing which had just commenced. Every effort is being made for the recovery of the bodies of the deceased.

The January snowstorm of 1881

The Glasgow Herald, 24 January 1881, issue 20

THE STORM
SUFFERINGS IN THE OUTER HEBRIDES
Our Stornoway correspondent telegraphs as follows on Friday night regarding the effects of the snowstorm in the Lewis:

The storm which we are no experiencing is the most severe which has been felt here for upwards of twenty years. The fall of snow is very great, and in some places, the wreaths [drifts] are from eight to ten feet deep, and the roads are scarcely passable. The post runner between Tarbet, Harris, and Stornoway, a distance of 34 miles, left the former place early on Wednesday on horseback with the mails, and only arrived this evening, thus taking three days instead of one for the journey. The depth of snow in some places was 12 feet. Several houses were snowed up on the outskirts of Stornoway, and in some instances the inmates had to be cut out.

The cold is most intense, 23 degrees of frost [-5C] being registered today. The weather is clear, with the barometer registering as high as 31½ degrees [1065 mbar]. On Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, it blew a perfect hurricane, with blinding showers of snow. The mail steamer was forced to put back on Wednesday, after proceeding about ten miles, and the steamer Princes Alice, from Liverpool to the East Coast, was detained here thirty hours by the storm. The barque Elizabeth, of Inverness, which left on the 15th, put back today, having encountered terrific weather. She got as far as Dunnet Head.

There is much destitution and great scarcity of fuel among the poor, and relief committees have been formed for the purpose of supplying coals among the poor and opening a soup kitchen for their benefit. On the mainland the mails are repeatedly detained  by the snow, being carried between Garve and Ullapool by a sledge.

Malcolm Morison, Dalibragh, South Uist, while going to see his brother, residing at Kilphager, wander in the snow on to the ice on a freshwater loch and fell in. He was rescued by some people who heard his cries, but he died shortly afterwards. On Tuesday last a woman named Mackary, with her Donald, while crossing the moor from Knock Queen to Loch Eport, North Uist, got exhausted. The man went for assistance, but was too much exhausted to accompany the parties who went to aid his mother. On their going to the moor they could not find the woman, and her body was afterwards discovered buried in the snow, life being extinct. In the Uist, the weather is described as the most severe experienced there for many years, the snow on the roads in some places being six feet deep. Sheep are lying on the hills, and hand-feeding with fodder is quite common. Many sheep are found buried in the snow.

Remembering today - 23 October

Private JOHN MORRISON, Gordon Highlanders, late of 12 Port of Ness, died today in 1914 at the age of 22

Seaman DONALD MACKAY, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 8 Portnaguran, died today in 1916 at the age of 38
Sergeant ALEX MARTIN, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 13 Portvoller, died today in 1916 at the age of 22

Company Quarter-master Serjeant NORMAN MACINNES, Cameron Highlanders, late of 6 Tong, died today in 1917 at the age of 39

Seaman JOHN MACLEOD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 29 Vatisker, died today in 1918 at the age of 33

Private COLIN GUNN, Australian Infantry, 2/43 Batallion, late of 5 Knockaird, died today in 1942 at the age of 43.

Seaman JOHN CAMPBELL, Royal Navy, Patrol Service, late of 33 Arnol, died today in 1946

Remembering today - 22 October

Sergeant ANGUS MACDONALD, Cameron Highlanders, late of 3 Carloway, died today in 1914 at the age of 29
Private DONALD MACDONALD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 13 Habost, Ness, died today in 1914 at the age of 38

Gunner KENNETH MACKENZIE, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 7 Marvig, died today in 1918 at the age of 22

Leading Seaman MURDO NICOLSON, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 8 Battery Park Road, Stornoway, died today in 1940 at the age of 28.

Able Seaman NEIL MACMILLAN, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, late of 33 Gravir, died today in 1941 at the age of 30.

Flying Officer MURDOCH CAMPBELL MURRAY, Royal Canadian Air Force, late of 5 Eorodale, died today in 1943 at the age of 33.

Able Seaman MURDO MACIVER, Royal Navy, late of 49 Coll, died today in 1944 at the age of 26.

Remembering today - 21 October

Private ANGUS FINLAYSON, Cameron Highlanders, late of 18 Skigersta, died today in 1914 at the age of 19

Seaman DONALD MACDONALD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 7 New Shawbost, died today in 1918

Remembering today - 20 October

Sergeant NORMAN CAMPBELL, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 37 Gelir, died today in 1914 at the age of 35
Private AULAY MACAULAY, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 32 Breasclete, died today in 1914 at the age of 32
Seaman JOHN MORRISON, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 4W Adabrock, died today in 1914 at the age of 41

Seaman JOHN SMITH, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 20 Aird Tong, died today in 1915

Private JOHN MACFARLANE, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 27 Kenneth Street, Stornoway, died today in 1916 at the age of 24

Trimmer / Cook WILLIAM SCAMBLER, Royal Naval Reserve, late of Branxton, Innerwick, Berwick-upon-Tweed, died today in 1917 at the age of 30

Seaman DONALD MACARTHUR, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 6 Borrowston, died today in 1918 at the age of 41
Private JOHN MACMILLAN, Gordon Highlanders, late of 21 Aird Tong, died today in 1918

Seaman MURDO DONALD MACDONALD, Royal Naval Reserve, Patrol Service, late of 6 Portvoller, died today in 1940 at the age of 22.

Seaman DONALD MCLEOD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of Stornoway, died today in 1945 at the age of 46.

Remembering today - 19 October

Private WILLIAM GRAHAM, Gordon Highlanders, late of 29 Borve, died today in 1914 at the age of 23

Private DONALD MACDONALD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 2 Eorodale, died today in 1918 at the age of 22

Seaman JOHN MACMILLAN, Merchant Navy, late of 6 North Tolsta, died today in 1943 at the age of 21.

Private JOHN NEIL MACLEAN, 6th Gordon Highlanders, late of 20 North Beach, Stornoway, died today in 1944 at the age of 22

Remembering today - 18 October

Seaman JOHN SMITH, Royal Naval Division, late of 6 Lower Bayble, died today in 1917 at the age of 39

Sailor ANGUS MACARTHUR, Merchant Navy, late of 45 Upper Carloway, died today in 1940 at the age of 25.

Remembering today - 17 October

Private MURDO GRAHAM, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 24 North Tolsta, died today in 1914 at the age of 31

Private HUGH D DISHER, Scottish Rifles, late of 3 Stag Road, Stornoway, died today in 1917

Seaman MURDO MORRISON, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 29 Lionel, died today in 1940 at the age of 20.

Remembering today - 16 October

Private DONALD STEWART, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 10 Bells Road, Stornoway, died today in 1914 at the age of 25

Hardship in Scarp - or was there?

Stornoway Gazette, 4 February 1944
The Island Of Scarp
Recently the Island of Scarp has suffered hardship, through the lack of communication with the mainland. The recent stormy weather has been the cause of this and only on one occasion between the 3rd and the 29th Januarv were the Island's inhabitants able to reach Hushinish, for the purpose of fetching mails and goods. This is the worst plight they have been in for years despite the fact that they are now provided with out-board motor boats. It has been said that some of the Islanders are anxious to leave the Island and settle On the mainland. Their recent experience may force a decision in the matter.

Stornoway Gazette, 11 February 1944
Letter to the Editor

Sir,
As I feel my face somewhat hot since I listened to the BBC announcement on January 31st, regarding distress in the island of Scarp, I write to inform the public that this was nothing less than a "tissue of lies". The announcement stated that this island was isolated from 3rd to 29th January, which I do deny, as a boatful of foodstuffs came here on the 4th and not less than five boats called at Hushinish before the 29th.

Then the propaganda went on to say that we were sending out distress signals, a thing which we never dreamt of. Even if the whole community of North Harris had happened to be on this island for the twenty-six days mentioned, they would not have starved, and I may say they would have been fed just as well as where they reside. Anyway, to whom were we going to signal? And why? There's no boat on the mainland opposite Scarp, or a crew to man one, and who could cross our channel, when we, the people who are used to it, couldn't?

Every household here, during the month of January, had plenty meal and we were getting our regular supply of rations thanks to our supplier, Mr Maclean. I have travelled in several parts of the world since this crisis commenced, but I never saw a place I loved so much as my dear native island, and, wherever I happen to die, my greatest desire on my death-bed will be to lay my remains in my native island's soil.

Before I conclude, let me guarantee to you that we are living a happy life, rising and sleeping when we like, getting a regular supply of foodstuffs, having plenty of clothes, plenty of tobacco, and our purses are not empty either, so I can assure you that Scarp is not one of "God's forgotten islands". Yours etc,

A SCARPACH AND PROUD OF IT.

Remembering today - 15 October

Seaman MALCOLM MACLEOD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 39 Arnol, died today in 1916 at the age of 26
Private ALEX MORRISON, Canadians, late of 3 Cross, died today in 1916 at the age of 31

Stoker 2nd class WILLIAM MUNRO, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 21 Cross Street Coulregrein, died today in 1944 at the age of 21.

Seaman JOHN SMITH, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 75 North Tolsta, died today in 1947

Remembering today - 14 October

Second Lieutenant DONALD JOHN MACIVER, Cameron Highlanders, late of 8 Callanish, died today in 1915 at the age of 24

Private JOHN MACLEOD, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, late of 39B Balallan, died today in 1916 at the age of 34

Casualties of the sinking of HMS Royal Oak at Scapa Flow
Seaman SAMUEL GRAHAM, Royal Naval Reserve, late of Vatisker, died today in 1939
Seaman JOHN MONTGOMERY, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 16 Ranish, died today in 1939 at the age of 35.

Remembering today - 13 October

Private NEIL SMITH, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 2 Maciver's Buildings, Stornoway, died today in 1914 at the age of 22

Private KENNETH MACPHAIL, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 4 Arnol, died today in 1916 at the age of 19
Private DONALD MURRAY, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 5 South Dell, died today in 1916

Private MURDO MACLEOD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 2 Geshader, died today in 1918 at the age of 35

Flight Sergeant JOHN NEIL MACIVER, Royal Canadian Air Force, late of Laxdale, died today in 1942 at the age of 21.

Remembering today - 12 October

Private ROBERT PATERSON, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 17 Leurbost, died today in 1915 at the age of 20

Sergeant KENNETH CAMPBELL, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 35 Swainbost, died today in 1916 at the age of 23
Private DONALD MACKINNON, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 2 Balallan, died today in 1916 at the age of 35
Private DONALD ALEX MACRAE, Seaforth Highlanders, late of Post Office Callanish, died today in 1916
Private JAMES MACRAE, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 49 Benside, died today in 1916 at the age of 42
Sergeant MURDO MURRAY, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 2 North Tolsta, died today in 1916 at the age of 23
Sergeant MURDO MURRAY, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 8 Stag Road, Stornoway, died today in 1916 at the age of 28

Private NORMAN MACIVER, Cameron Highlanders, late of 27 Garenin, died today in 1917 at the age of 26
Corporal ALEX MACLEAY, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, late of 10 Ballantrushal, died today in 1917 at the age of 33
Sergeant DONALD MACLEOD, Cameron Highlanders, late of 5 Park Carloway, died today in 1917 at the age of 23
Private NORMAN MACLEOD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 69 Keith Street, Stornoway, died today in 1917 at the age of 24
Private DONALD MORRISON, Cameron Highlanders, late of 32 Lower Barvas, died today in 1917 at the age of 34
Private ROBERT MURRAY, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, late of 20 Church Street, Stornoway, died today in 1917 at the age of 21

Seaman ANGUS MACLEOD, Merchant Navy, late of 42 Coll, died today in 1941

Remembering today - 11 October

Private DONALD MURRAY, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 22 North Tolsta, died today in 1915 at the age of 19

Private MALCOLM MURRAY, Canadians, late of 24 South Dell, died today in 1918 at the age of 27

St Kilda - 1877

Aberdeen Weekly, 19 May 1877

THE DISTRESS IN ST KILDA

ARRIVAL OF HMS FLIRT IN ABERDEEN

Yesterday afternoon HM gunboat Flirt arrived in Aberdeen from Stornoway. She left Greenock on Tuesday 8 May for St Kilda, with provisions and seeds for the inhabitants. The island of St Kilda consists of three rocks, only one of which, however, is inhabited. It belongs to Macleod of Macleod. It is situated in the Atlantic 36 miles from the nearest island of the Hebrides - the Monach - and 70 miles from the mainland.

As we have reported from time to time, great privation existed on the island, and owing to the publicity given to the state of matters by the press, the Government took the matter up, and the result was the despatching of the Flirt with food. The Flirt arrived on the following Saturday night, and the captain got out the provisions, put them in the ship's boats for transference to the boats belonging to the islanders - the Flirt's boats being unable to reach the shore owing to the peculiar construction of the coast. It being Saturday night, however, the islanders refused to land them for fear of encroaching on the Sabbath. The anchorage at St Kilda being unsafe, Captain O'Rorke was very anxious to get the supplies ashore without unnecessary delay. He therefore went ashore and remonstrated with them, but acting on the instructions of the Free Church minister the islanders refused to land the goods. His remonstrances were unavailing and he was reluctantly obliged to reship the goods and remain till Monday. All the provisions were landed on Monday morning, between two o'clock and seven o'clock, and the vessel sailed for Stornoway at eight o'clock.

Staff-surgeon Scott went ashore and visited the sick, and sent all the medicines that were likely to be of any use on shore. There were no serious cases, the chief troubles being rheumatism and dyspepsia - the latter due to the nature of the food. The most of the inhabitants appeared healthy and well fed. The families live in 18 one-storey cottages, built of stone and roofed with zinc. The total number is 75 individuals. The officers of the Flirt attended the church on Sunday, the congregation of which numbered 40 women and 20 men. The service was conducted by the Rev Mr Mackay, who preached in Gaelic. The singing was of a most unusual description, and resembled the wailing of a pibroch. The men were dressed like Aberdeen fishermen. The women wore a Rob Roy tartan plaid folded over their heads, blue serge short petticoats reaching to their ankles. white stockings, and no shoes. The few that had shoes took them off immediately on entering the church, and put them on again when they retired.

Each house has about an acre of ground attached to it, in which are sown corn  seed, potatoes &c. The occupation to which the inhabitants are most devoted is the catching of the fulma, a species of seagull. The capture of this bird is attended with great difficulty. The men are lowered down steep cliffs by means of ropes, and catch the birds in their nests. The egg of the fulma is larger than a turkey's. The flesh is eaten by the natives, and the oil and feathers are transported to Glasgow principally. There are about 600 sheep on the island, the pasture being very good. The turf is also used for fuel. It is collected, heaped up and covered over with stones until it dries. The inhabitants were very thankful for the stores brought to them by the Flirt. None of them speak English, with the exception of one woman - a Mrs Macdonald, from Skye - and she acted as interpreter to Dr Scott in his visits to the sick. Before the arrival of the Flirt, Macleod had sent a quantity of provisions, but the supply of weed was short. The islanders said they could make whisky from their barley, but that industry is discouraged by the clergyman.

Remembering today - 10 October

Private ANGUS GILLIES, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 15 Lionel, died today in 1916 at the age of 28

Sergeant DONALD MACLEOD, Cameron Highlanders, late of 14 Carloway, died today in 1918 at the age of 20

Sailor DONALD MACLEOD, Merchant Navy, late of New Shawbost, died today in 1946 at the age of 24.

137 years ago this month

Glasgow Herald, 24 October 1874

WRECKS IN THE HEBRIDES

TWENTY-FOUR SEAMEN DROWNED - SEVEN BODIES WASHED ASHORE

Telegraphing last night, our Stornoway correspondent says:
The effects of the gale have been more disastrous than at first expected, and it is feared several wrecks, involving great loss of life, have occurred along the Western Islands. After Wednesday's gale, a large three-masted vessel was seen in the Atlantic, a long distance off Barvas, about twelve miles west from Stornoway. She appeared to be quite helpless, and to be driving towards land. On Wednesday, the gale increased, with heavy showers of rain, and next morning no vessel was to be seen. In the afternoon large quantities of wreckage were found on the beach at Barvas, together with men's clothing and women's apparel. Later on  in the day a man's body, dressed in sailor's clothes was found and the following among other articles discovered:

A seaman's cap with "forty-five" stitched into it; a piece of a boat's stern with "Maju, London", painted in black letters on a white ground; a brass plate on the binnacle with "P. A. Feathers & Son, Dundee", engraved upon it; and a brass plate fastened to a piece of teak, with "G. H. Wilson, Bank Hall, Liverpool". A dead pig and large quantities of ham, pork and other articles were also found. It is supposed the ill-fated vessel was on her first trip. Yesterday, three more men's bodies were cast ashore, one being quite naked. The others were dressed in seamen's clothes. A mate's certificate was found in a pocket-book; it was in favour of William J. Aitken, aged 25 years, belonging to Edinburgh. From the appearance of the bodies, it is supposed they were not long in the water. Three lower masts also came ashore, all bound together. From all appearance, the ship seems to have foundered on some rocks about 150 yards off Aird, Barvas, near the parish church of Barvas, and there went to pieces. No portion of her hull or cargo has come ashore. At Gallon (Galson), about 20 miles from Stornoway, a chest has come ashore. In the chest were found clothes, and a book with "Robert Anderson, Greenock" upon it; and on the West Coast of Uist several boxes, chests, pieces of boats, and other articles have also been discovered; "James McMaster" was upon one chest. While the Clydesdale steamer was crossing from Lochinver on Thursday, she met a large quantity of timber floating in the Minch, near the mainland side. Latest advices from Barvas report that two additional bodies and a man's leg have come ashore, and that another body has been seen in the surf. The captain and mate are supposed to be among those recovered. The head of the former is very much bruised.

A telegram has been received intimating the total loss of the smack Mary and Jane, of Stornoway, in Loch Eriboll, on Wednesday morning. The crew were saved. The vessel was bound from Thurso to Stornoway, was caught in Wednesday's gale and driven ashore. She was insured.

The following telegram from our Dundee correspondent supplements and explains the story of the wreck sent from Stornoway.

We understand that a telegram was received yesterday afternoon by Messrs Brown & Simpson, shipbuilders, Dundee, conveyin the intelligence that the Maju, of London, had been lost in the vicinity of Stornoway, where a mate's certificate and the ship's papers were picked up and a body had been washed ashore. The Maju left Dundee on Friday, with a crew of 24 in all, including the captain. The Maju and Lochee, the latter being the first of the Dundee line of clippers, left together, and were in company when the disaster to the Maju occurred. The Lochee, it appears, had time to run into some place for shelter before she had got into actual danger, but the Maju, being ahead and fully exposed to th estorm, was overtaken. The Maju was a splendid ship of 1000 tons register and belonged to Messrs Killeck, Martin & Co, shipowners, London. She was commanded by Captain John Smith, who previously commanded the Min and Lahloo and was built for the China trade. The following are the names of the crew:

John Smith, captain, native of Fife
Wm. Aitken, chief mate, Edinburgh
Chas. S. Scantleburgh, second mate, Cornwall
David Taylor, carpenter, Dundee
John Waters, sailmaker, Kirkcaldy
John Waterston, steward, Anstruther
Wm. Henderson. cook, St Andrews
Henry Smith, A.B., Hull
David Hosie, A.B., Carnoustie
J.S. Eleridge, A.B. Boston, England
George Caithess, A.B., Westhaven
George Drummond, A.B., Tayport
S. Haesbrook, A.B., Ostend
Charles Seven, A.B., Sweden
William Allen, A.B., Portsmouth
Thomas Guy, A.B., Dundee
Frank Langley, A.B. Jersey
Charles Wallace, A.B., Youghal
Thomas Murray, O.S., Dundee
John Milne, O.S., Aberdeen
Reuben Kerr, apprentice, Edinburgh
William Brown, apprentice, Edinburgh
Duncan Paul, apprentice, Edinburgh
Daniel Henessy, apprentice, Dundee

Postscript
The wreck of the Maju is recorded on the RCAMHS website as being a mile from Barvas Manse.
On the Wrecksite.eu, her cargo is quoted as coal and her destination Rangoon. 
Maju was an iron barque, measuring 61,4 x 9,8 x 6,4 m [200 x 33 x 21 feet], 953 grt.
She was lost on 21 October 1874 with all hands, in the same year that she was built.

The trial of the Bernera rioters - 1874

The Glasgow Herald, 22 July 1874

THE BERNERA EVICTION RIOTS

ACQUITTAL OF THE FISHERMEN AND CONVICTION OF THE SHERIFF OFFICER
Angus Macdonald, Norman Macaulay, and John Macleod, fishermen, Bernera, have just been tried before Sheriff Spittal and a jury, at Stornoway, for assaulting Colin Maclennan, sheriff officer, in revenge for serving summonses of removings, in March last, upon 58 crofters in Bernera, "by surrounding him in a violent and excited manner, seizing hold of him by the breast or collar, or parts of his person, and pulling and jostling him, and also seizing hold of his topcoat, waterproof coat, and leggings, and maliciously tearing and rendering the same useless, thereby putting him into a state of great terror and alarm." Mr Ross, Procurator Fiscal, prosecuted, and Mr Charles Innes, solicitor, Inverness, defended. The accused pleaded not guilty. In the course of the trial, which lasted eleven hours, it came out that the present crofters in Bernera and their forefathers had held, in connection with their crofts in Bernera, shielings or summer grazings at Cualinhall for a long number of years. From these they wer removed three years ago to Earshader, and Cualinhall grazings were turned into a deer forest or shootings, on the apparent understanding that they were not to be removed from Earshader so long as they paid their rents and held their crofts in Bernera; and after, they say, a verbal promise was made them to that effect by the factor, they built, at much expense, a dyke extending from six to seven miles round the new grazings ground, so as to separate it from some shootings. But from Earshader grazings, as well as their crofts and houses in Bernera, the people were summoned to remove last March without any clear promise made them of remuneration for the dyke. The people, considering that faith had been broken with them, and although the new grazings offered them in exchange were more valuable or extensive, felt somewhat indignant at the way they had been used, and it was while serving these removings that this alleged assault was committed. It was further stated that after they had served most of the summonses, the officer and his assistant were attacked in the dark with stones and clubs, and the officer, getting exasperated at his treatment, vowed, if he had a revolver, he would have shot at his assailants. This threat he repeated several times next morning in Bernera; and further, that if he had a revolver, there would be lamenting in Bernera. His remarks, having become reported, the excitemeent of the islanders increased, and it was determined to demand an explanation from him. Accordingly, the accused and ten others followed after the officer and stopped him, and the alleged accused then took place. At the close of the evidence, Mr Innes made an able and eloquent address, in which he commented very severely upon the way matters were managed in Lewis, and the poor Bernera men were used by the proprietor or his factor. After a lucid summing up by the sheriff, the jury, without retiring, found all the accused not guilty. The verdict was received with much applause. Throughout the day, the Court House was crowded to suffocation, and the trial was watched with intense interest and keen excitement by all classes of the community.

The Hebrides - 1867

The below article from the Pall Mall Gazette of 15 July 1867 paints a reasonably dispassionate image of the Hebrides at the time. Particularly noteworthy is the reference to the disappearance of superstition under the influence of the minister, who (with other local worthies) appears to have taken over from the clan chiefs as heads of the community.

THE HEBRIDES.
THE isolation of the Hebrides sufficiently accounts for the comparative ignorance of most Englishmen in regard to them, as well as for the peculiar character and habits of the people. Skye, indeed, may be easily reached, but the traveller who seeks to penetrate its recesses or to explore the outer islands must prepare to encounter a formidable array of discomforts, hardships, and even perils. Mr. Alexander Nicolson, who has just written a very able and interesting report on this part of the kingdom for the Scottish Education Commissioners, gives us some idea of the difficulties of travelling. In going from Eigg to Coll, a voyage of some thirty-five miles, he was twelve hours at sea, landing at 4 A.M. in a storm of wind and rain, after beating about for some hours in a dark night off that rocky shore. From Tiree to Barray the only means of transit was in an open smack, across so wide and turbulent a bit of the Atlantic that the journey, which began at noon, termiuated about seven in the evening, after which there was a walk of four or five miles in darkness and rain, to the hospitable refuge of the manse. Again, the passage of the ferry from Barray to South Uist, which with a fair wind may be crossed in less than an hour, took five hours against wind and tide, in a boat of rather frail construction, with sails to match. When you quit one island for another it is hard to say how long it may be before you are able to return or to pursue your journey in any other direction; and there is a story of the minister of Harris being kept a prisoner for seven weeks by the winds and waves in an outlying part of his parish, whither he had gone to conduct some services. Under these circumstances it is scarcely surprising that the Hebrides should be so little visited. Of the host of tourists who annually resort to the Scotch Highlands, few are courageous enough to surrender themselves to the coarse fare and rude travelling of the Western Islands. The scenery is, no doubt, very grand, but a certain sense of comfort and security is essential to a proper appreciation of the picturesque. The tourist who is kept half his time tossing in an open smack at sea, and the other half jolting over terrible roads in a primitive car without springs, and who is constantly haunted by doubts as to where he will get his next meal, or lay his weary head and aching bones at night, may be excused if he misses some of the natural beauties of the country he is traversing. The total number of inhabited islands (including every rock with a lighthouse) on the west of Scotland outside the Firth of Clyde, is reckoned at 106, with a population of 80,587. Here the Gael is to be found in perhaps his purest and most unsophisticated form. The actual condition of the islanders differs equally from the conceptions of the sanitary economist who insists upon the necessary association of dirt and squalor with moral and mental degradation, and the fancies of romantic people who have exalted notions of the virtue of simple habits of life. In Harris, Sir J. Matheson has exerted himself to introduce a better class of dwellings; but the descriptions of the Old Statistical Account of seventy years ago still hold good as to the general character of the houses. The walls are built of stone, mixed with turf; Windows are a rare comfort, and chimneys are unknown. Through a porch, like a small cave in a hill-side, you stumble, eyes smarting with the pungent peat smoke, into the dark interior, with its family circle clustering round the fire in the centre of the floor, and the cows tranquilly ruminating in the further end. Furniture there is next to none. A board for a table, a bench, and perhaps a cutty stool or two, supply the modest requirements of the inmates. In one house the gude wife apologized to Mr. Nicolson for the absence of “the chair ;” it had been lent to a neighbour to do honour to a call from the minister, and was being passed on from house to house for the same purpose. The first impression produced on a stranger by the sight of one of these wretched hovels is that of wonder and pain; but Mr. Nicholson is with those who insist that there cannot be a greater error than to jump to the conclusion that life in a dirty and smoky hut must necessarily be a state of misery and degradation, if not of sin. The Registrar-General’s returns answer the conjecture of the sanitaryreforrner that chronic dirt, with spare diet and scanty clothing, must produce excessive sickness and mortality. The counteracting agencies of fresh bracing air, abundant water of good quality, and sufficient exercise, must be taken into account. Doctors in the Hebrides are as rare as windows and chairs; in the whole of Lewis there are only two medical men, both in Stornoway ; and this is no exception to the general rule in the other islands. The annual death rate is only 157 per 10,000; and the standard of longevity is unusually high. Nor do we find that the sorry circumstances of their domestic life deteriorate the moral qualities of the islanders. They are certainly averse from steady and sustained labour; but the climate is against continuous out-door work, and in many, indeed in most, parts any regular employment, apart from fishing, is not to be had, except bya very limited number of people. There is not much encouragement for steady agriculture with such a soil and atmosphere, where a fine spring and summer may give promise of luxuriant crops, which the autumn rains all but destroy, and where the rains wash away much of the very substance of the soil. There are some slate quarries and kelp factories, and along the coast there is every now and again a little wrecking to be done. Fishing, however, is the chief support of the Hebrideans, and nowhere are more expert or bolder boatmen to be met with than the fishermen of Lewis. Even in a high wind they venture out in open boats far beyond sight of land, and their daring is often rewarded by large takes of cod and ling. There is a certain stately courtesy peculiar to the Gael which is by no means rare in the Hebrideans. Sir ]ohn McNeill, who visited them in 1851 during the famine, owns that, though all he had to state was calculated to disappoint their expectations, he did not observe a tone, a look, a gesture, that expressed resentment or even irritation. "They frequently argued freely, sometimes with considerable ability and subtlety, never with rudeness, and often with a politeness and delicacy of deportment that would have been graceful in any society, and such as perhaps no men of their class in any other country I am acquainted with could have maintained in similar circumstances.” At the same time this politeness is apt, to pass into servility, and to be accompanied by an unfortunate disregard of truth. Mr. Nicolson tries to explain away their deference to superiors as a respect for authority—“ As the chief was of old, so now the minister, the laird, the sheriff, is to them, if he deserves 1t, an authority undoubtedly recognized and faithfully obeyed.” They are sometimes rather extortionate in their demands when they get hold of a helpless stranger; sheep now
and then disappear mysteriously from the fields, and_vegetables are dug up —not by their owners— after nightfall ; but Mr. Nicolson, on the other hand, has testimony to offer on behalf of the general honesty of the people,

I lost some money on the high road, near the village of Portree in Skye, which I never expected to see again; but before many hours it was restored to my possession by the finder; a poor little girl. I had been told of a cask of whisky driven ashore in Islay from a wreck being carefully returned to the distillery of which it bore the brand. I have even heard of an umbrealla found and restored in that island to its owner, an instance of scrupulosity almost unparalleled in modern society.

Mr. Nicolson allows that want of enterprise, self-reliance, and perseverance against difficulties is the great defect of their character, attributing it, as well as greed, cunning, and flattery, to tne miserably dependent condition which has so long been the lot of the population. Although usquebaugh is- almost a necessary corrective to the cold and moisture of the climate, the Hebrideans are, as a body, a sober people. The sight of a. drunken man, save at fairs or great occasions, is exceedingly rare ; and “ a drunken woman would be looked on as a monster.” The percentage of illegitimate births in the Registrar-General’s returns is very low as compared with the rest of Scotland.

Although the condition of the Hebrideans is by no means so wretched as might at first sight be supposed, it calls urgently for amelioration, if only to save them from the recurring famines which desolate the region. The only permanent remedy is to be sought in emigration, but at present the islanders aré, in a great degree, debarred from this by their ignorance of English. Education in the English language is therefore one of the great wants of this part of the kingdom, although the inhabitants themselves still cling fondly to their own old tongue, notwithstanding the disadvantage at which it places them, and lool: with little fayour on the invading dialect The exclusive use of Gaelic has a depressing effect on the mind of the people, for it cuts them off from modern literature ; and, on the other hand, they are ashamed of the old legendary lore, which “ the minister ” denounces as superstition. The fairies have vanished. Neither the water-kelpie nor the brownie has been seen by any one now living. Nor has the faculty of second sight survived in this sceptical generation. But dead lights are not quite gone out, though seldom mentioned; and the art of depriving cattle of their milk and cream of its capacity to make butter is in a good many places still understood to be cultivated by malevolent old women. The evil eye also, Mr. Nicolson says, is believed in to a greater extent than might be supposed, and even by people above the common both in position and intelligence. The pity is that with the superstitions, the extinction of which nobody need deplore, the oral literature of song and story is passing into oblivion.

Remembering today - 9 October

Leading Seaman JOHN MACIVER, Merchant Navy, late of 15 Benside, died today in 1917 at the age of 32
Private MURDO MACLEOD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 19 Eoropie, died today in 1917 at the age of 19

Colour Sergeant ALEX JOHN THOMSON, Gordon Highlanders, late of 20 Battery Park, Stornoway, died today in 1918

Captain DONALD GILLIES, Merchant Navy, late of 21 North Shawbost, died today in 1940 at the age of 39.

Remembering today - 8 October

Private MURDO MACIVER, Canadians, late of 25 Valtos, died today in 1916 at the age of 28
Private NEIL DONALD MACIVER, Cameron Highlanders, late of 45 North Shawbost, died today in 1916 at the age of 19

Remembering today - 7 October

Lance-Corporal JOHN MACIVER, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 32 Lionel, died today in 1916 at the age of 21

Sergeant DONALD GILLIES, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 31 South Dell, died today in 1917 at the age of 23

Seaman ANGUS MACLEOD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 29 Brenish, died today in 1918 at the age of 26
Corporal JOHN MACLEOD, Machine Gun Corps, late of 13 Arnol, died today in 1918 at the age of 40
Seaman MALCOLM MATHESON, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 13 Gravir, died today in 1918 at the age of 48

2nd Engineer ALEXANDER NEIL MACAULAY, Merchant Navy, late of 6 Guershader, died today in 1942 at the age of 35.
Sub-Lieutenant WILLIAM WHITFIELD WILE, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 8 Mackenzie Street, Stornoway, died today in 1942 at the age of 38.

Seaman DONALD JOHN MACDONALD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 9 Ballantrushal, died today in 1944 at the age of 21

Remembering today - 6 October

Private RODERICK NICOLSON, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 25 Borve, died today in 1917 at the age of 20

Remembering today - 5 October

Private JOHN MACRITCHIE, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 40 North Tolsta, died today in 1915 at the age of 21

Seaman DONALD MACLEOD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 20 Dun Carloway, died today in 1916 at the age of 49

Lance Corporal WILLIAM FRASER, 5th Cameron Highlanders, late of 7 Bennadrove Road, Stornoway, died today in 1944 at the age of 22.

Remembering today - 4 October

Private ANGUS MACKENZIE, Cameron Highlanders, late of 8 Laxay, died today in 1915 at the age of 21

Private DONALD MORRISON, Canadians, late of 63 South Bragar, died today in 1916 at the age of 33

Lance-Corporal MURDO MACKENZIE, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 49 Balallan, died today in 1917 at the age of 23
Sergeant MURDO SMITH, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 18 Ballantrushal, died today in 1917 at the age of 21

Seaman ANGUS MACDONALD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 30 Lower Shader, died today in 1941

Remembering today - 3 October

Private KENNETH MACLEAN, New Zealanders, late of 1 Brenish, died today in 1916 at the age of 33

Lieutenant JOHN MACKAY, Canadians, late of 48 Carloway, died today in 1918 at the age of 30

Corporal JOHN FERGUSON, 2nd Seaforth Highlanders, late of 30 Laxay, died today in 1944 at the age of 36.

Remembering today - 2 October

Signaller DONALD BANNERMAN MACDONALD, Royal Naval Voluntary Reserve, late of 13 Tobson, Great Bernera, died today in 1917 at the age of 19

Private MURDO MACIVER, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 61 Coll, died today in 1918
Gunner KENNETH MACLEOD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 4 Aird, died today in 1918 at the age of 33

Able Seaman DONALD MACIVER, Royal Navy, late of 2 Newvalley, died today in 1942 at the age of 26.

Trooper NORMAN MORRISON, 53rd Reconnaissance Corps, R.A.C., late of 22 New Shawbost, died today in 1944 at the age of 20.

Remembering today - 1 October

Private KENNETH MACLEAN, Canadians, late of 16 Lower Barvas, died today in 1916 at the age of 30
Seaman JOHN MATHESON, Merchant Navy, late of Stornoway, died today in 1916 at the age of 42

Quarter-master JOHN MACARTHUR, South Africans, late of 42 Park Carloway, died today in 1918
Company Sergeant-Major DONALD MACDONALD, Cameron Highlanders, late of 9 Kershader, died today in 1918 at the age of 41
Private NORMAN MACKAY, Canadians, late of 29 Arnol, died today in 1918 at the age of 27
Private DONALD JOHN MORRISON, Canadians, late of 17 Brenish, died today in 1918 at the age of 30
Private NORMAN MORRISON, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 22 North Dell, died today in 1918
Private KENNETH MURRAY, Gordon Highlanders, late of Catherine Hill, Back, died today in 1918 at the age of 26

Remembering today - 30 September

Seaman PETER MACKENZIE, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 23 Borve, died today in 1916 at the age of 37
Seaman WILLIAM MACKENZIE, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 1A Swordale, died today in 1916 at the age of 24

Seaman JOHN MACDONALD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 27 Coll, died today in 1918 at the age of 37
Leading Deckhand DONALD MACLEOD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 20 Balallan, died today in 1918 at the age of 39
Seaman JOHN MACLEOD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 14 South Bragar, died today in 1918 at the age of 30
Seaman JOHN MACLEOD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 14 South Bragar, died today in 1918 at the age of 33

Seaman JOHN MURDO MORRISON, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 24 South Bragar, died today in 1919 at the age of 24