HMS Rawalpindi - a memorial plaque

This plaque is affixed in All Saints Parish Church, High Wycombe. It is in memory of the captain of the Rawalpindi, which went down in battle in the North Atlantic on 23 November 1939. Edward Coverley Kennedy (father of the late broadcaster Ludovic Kennedy) commanded the converted liner as she encountered three German warships between Iceland and the Faroes. He managed to relay their position to Royal Navy HQ in London. The Germans ordered Captain Kennedy to surrender, as he was hopelessly outgunned. He refused to do so, and sent a shell at one of the German boats, which bounced harmlessly off its armour. The following "battle" resulted in the sinking of the Rawalpindi, and the loss of eight sailors from the Isle of Lewis. Four others were taken POW and taken to Germany.

Captain Kennedy was Mentioned in Despatches, something that is held to be underrated in view of the gallant sacrifice he, and his men, made. Even the German navy command acknowledged the bravery of the Rawalpindi, in taking on three of its most powerful warships.

The Stornoway Gazette paid tribute to the heroes of the Rawalpindi in its issue of 8 December 1939. The names of the eight sailors are:

1. John Mackenzie, 21 Swordale
2. Norman Macleod, 25 Swordale
3. William Macleod, Marybank
4. Donald Macarthur, 10 Cromore
5. William Macleod, 14 Sheshader
6. Colin Mackay, 31 South Bragar
7. Donald Smith jnr, 52 North Tolsta
8. Murdo Mackay, 53 Back 

The plaque was unveiled in late April 1941, and the Stornoway Gazette reported on the ceremony as follows:

Mr A. M. Alexander, First Lord of the Admiralty, last week unveiled a memorial in High Wycombe Parish Church to the late Captain E. C. Kennedy, commander of the auxiliary cruiser "Rawalpindi" which was sunk by the German pocket battleship "Deutschland".

Captain Kennedy's crew included twelve Lewis naval reservists, of whom eight lost their lives and four were taken prisoner.

Mr Alexander said they had met to honour the memory of a very brave man. The war in which we were engaged was a struggle for freedom, freedom of action, conscience and religious liberty, and called forth more great courage and endurance than any other war in our history.

During the last 18 months, out of the sufferings and misery brought about by a lust for power, had come forth the noblest qualities of endurance, and, with the resistance of the civil population under ruthless air attack, arose a new experience the like of which they had never seen in the last war. The courage and determination of Captain Kennedy was part of the great traditions of our naval power. The action would live long in the annals of our naval history.

Mr Winston Churchill, who was First Lord of the Admiralty at the time of the engagement, took a great interest in the first great sea action of the war and asked Mr Alexander to convey his good wishes and regrets to those who mourned.

Image supplied courtesy the kind offices of All Saints Parish Church, High Wycombe

Remembering today - 31 August

Private GEORGE MORRISON, Canadians, late of 46 Bayhead Street, Stornoway, died today in 1916 at the age of 31

Private PETER J MACLEOD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 2 Murray's Court, Stornoway, died today in 1918

Able Seaman DONALD MACDONALD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of Clyde Upper Shader, died today in 1940 at the age of 56.
Seaman NORMAN MACLEOD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 14B Tolsta Chaolais, died today in 1940 at the age of 20.
Seaman JOHN MARTIN, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 16 Lower Shader, died today in 1940 at the age of 26.

Remembering today - 30 August

Able Seaman JOHN MACLENNAN, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 8 Kirkibost, Great Bernera, died today in 1940 at the age of 19

Remembering today - 29 August

Private ANGUS MACKAY, Scots Guards, late of 4 Kirivick, died today in 1915 at the age of 22

Private NORMAN MACKAY, Cameron Highlanders, late of 1 Achmore, died today in 1916 at the age of 22

Lance-Corporal MALCOLM MACNEILL, New Zealanders, late of 1 Carishader, died today in 1918 at the age of 34

Similar names

The fact that there are relatively few different first names and surnames in the Gaelic speaking areas of Scotland is well documented. It therefore came as no surprise to read of the confusion surrounding the news of the death of a Norman Mackay, as reported by the Stornoway Gazette of 2 May 1941.

The news has now been confirmed that Seaman Norman Mackay (Mac Dhanie), Cross-Skigersta Road, was lost when the ship on which he was serving was sunk. Norman's parents were aware that he was on the same ship as Malcolm Murray, 21 Swainbost, and Don. Murray, Swainbost, received word some weeks ago that his son was missing. At that time, when no news came to the parents of Norman Mackay, we all expected that he was safe, but we have now learned that a telegram was sent instead to the parents of another Seaman Norman Mackay, residing at Shader, Point, when the ship was sunk. But Norman Mackay, Shader, was among the survivors and arrived home on leave on the day his parents received the telegram [...].

We can only imagine what went on in the houses of both young men upon delivery of the fateful telegram - did the Point lad come home before his telegram was delivered, or after? Not to mention the only too familiar scenes of sorrow up in Ness.

Remembering today - 28 August

Private KENNETH MACKENZIE, Canadians, late of 51 Lower Garrabost, died today in 1918 at the age of 28

Seaman MURDO DAN NICOLSON, Merchant Navy, late of 13 Guershader, died today in 1941 at the age of 25.

Sailor JOHN MACDONALD, Merchant Navy, late of Lochs, died today in 1946 at the age of 22.

Remembering the Fallen of the Second World War - 1940

I have now completed the transcription of tributes to the men from Lewis and Harris who lost their lives during the Second World War in the year 1940. There were 61 tributes in all, of which below eight were group tributes.

HMS Wyvern
Dunkirk
HMS Vandyck
HMS Boreas and HMS Wren
HMT River Clyde
HMS Dunvegan Castle
HMS Esk and HMS Express
SS Haxby

The total number of casualties from Lewis for 1940 was 93, and 7 from Harris.Two casualties (originating from outwith the Outer Hebrides) lie buried in the islands, and are mentioned here in italics.

1. John Gunn , 32 Eoropie , Royal Naval Reserve
2. Donald Campbell , 6 Lionel , Royal Naval Reserve , HMS Exmouth
3. Hector Macdonald , 10 Tolsta Chaolais , Royal Naval Reserve , HMS Exmouth
4. Norman Macdonald , 19 Upper Bayble , Royal Naval Reserve , HMS Exmouth
5. Hector Mackay , 27 Sheshader , Royal Naval Reserve , HMS Exmouth
6. John Daniel Macleod , 9 New Holdings, Leurbost , Royal Naval Reserve , HMS Exmouth
7. John Morrison , 6 Melbost Borve , Royal Naval Reserve , HMS Exmouth
8. John Martin , 17 Hacklet, Great Bernera , Royal Navy Special Reserve , HMS Avonwater
9. Murdo Kennedy , 14 Calbost , Royal Naval Reserve , HMT Fort Royal
10. William Sproat Clarke , 67 Keith Street, Stornoway , Merchant Navy , SS Cheldale
11. Donald Mackay , 43 Gress , Royal Naval Reserve, Patrol Service , HMT Fifeshire
12. Alexander Macleod , Back , Royal Naval Reserve (Patrol Service), HMT Fifeshire
13. Alexander Macleod , 53 Kenneth Street, Stornoway , Steam trawler Leukos
14. Roderick Morrison , 30 Keith Street, Stornoway , 2nd Royal Scots Fusiliers
15. John Mackay Snr , 9 Flesherin , Royal Naval Reserve
16. Angus Beaton , 51 Back , Royal Navy , HMBCV Loch Shin
17. Eric Donald Maciver , 66 Kenneth Street, Stornoway , Royal Marines , 803 Sq
18. Donald John Macarthur , 44 Upper Carloway , Merchant Navy , SS Haxby
19. Norman Maciver , 4 Knock, Carloway , Merchant Navy , SS Haxby
20. Malcolm Mackay , 18 New Street, Stornoway , Merchant Navy
21. Roderick Maclennan , 1 Tong , Royal Naval Reserve
22. James Douglas Morrison , 13 East Street, Sandwick , Royal Air Force , 37 Sq
23. Evander Macleod , 10 New Tolsta , Merchant Navy , SS Oakcrest
24. Murdo Maclean , 1 Brenish , Royal Naval Reserve , HMS Wyvern
25. Peter John Macleod , 10 Eagleton , Royal Naval Reserve , HMS Wyvern
26. Alexander Mackay , 53 Back , Royal Naval Reserve, Patrol Service , HMT Charles Boyes
27. Norman Morrison , 30 Upper Coll , Royal Naval Reserve, Patrol Service , HMS Charles Boyes
28. Alexander John Macaulay , 14 Keose , 59th Field Coy Royal Engineers
29. William John Murray , 10 North Dell , Royal Naval Reserve , HMS St Achilleus
30. Malcolm Campbell , 3 North Dell , 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
31. William Angus Macdonald , 21 Marvig , Royal Navy , HMS Blackburn Rover
32. Murdo Macdonald , 26B Borve , Seaforth Highlanders
33. John Macleod , Hill Street North Tolsta , 4th Seaforth Highlanders
34. Kenneth Kennedy Macleod , 22 Achmore , 4th Seaforth Highlanders
35. John Maclennan , 35 North Tolsta , Royal Naval Reserve , HMS Ardent
36. John Campbell , 10 Sandwick Park, Stornoway , Ross Mountain Battery, 203 Bty. 51 Anti-Tank Regt.
37. Neil Donald Macaulay , 68 Nicolson Road, Stornoway , Ross Mountain Battery, 203 Bty. 51 Anti-Tank Regt.
38. George Morrison , 13 South Bragar , Royal Naval Reserve , HMS Vandyke
39. John Smith , 11 Lionel , Seaforth Highlanders
40. Donald Macdonald , Stornoway , Royal Naval Reserve , HMS Cape Howe
41. Donald Macdonald , 20 Upper Bayble , Royal Naval Reserve , Decoy ship Cape Howe
42. John Morrison , 4 Cross , Royal Naval Reserve , HMS Cape Howe
43. Donald Gillies , 25 South Galson , Royal Naval Reserve , Willamette Valley
44. William Macleod , 20 North Tolsta , Royal Naval Reserve, Patrol Service , HMT Cayton Wyke
45. Norman Macmillan , 14 Gravir , Royal Navy , HMS Whirlwind
46. Norman Macleod , 61 South Bragar , Royal Naval Reserve , HMS Fortitude
47. Angus Nicolson , 9 North Tolsta , Royal Naval Reserve , HMT Crestflower
48. Alexander Maciver , 41B North Tolsta , Royal Naval Reserve , HMT Renovia
49. Norman Maclean , 3 Maryhill, Stornoway , Royal Naval Reserve , HMT Renovia
50. John Maclennan , 60 North Tolsta , Royal Naval Reserve , HMS Boreas
51. Angus Mitchell , 42 North Shawbost , Royal Naval Reserve , HMS Boreas
52. Angus Macleod , 2 Gravir Glen , Royal Naval Reserve , HMT Crestflower
53. Donald Mackinnon , 7 Cromore , Royal Navy , HMS Wren
54. John Ferguson , 25 Fivepenny , Royal Navy , HMS Royal Arthur
55. John Ferguson , 40 Manor Park, Stornoway , Royal Naval Reserve , HMS Royal Arthur
56. Malcolm Maciver , 72 Coll , Royal Naval Reserve , HMD Van Sittard
57. Malcolm John Mackay , 3 Garynahine , Royal Naval Reserve, Patrol Service , HMT River Clyde
58. Donald Smith , 23 North Bragar , Royal Naval Reserve , HMT River Clyde
59. Donald Smith , 25 North Shawbost , Royal Naval Reserve , HMT River Clyde
60. Murdo Macaulay , 2 School Park Knock, Point , Royal Naval Reserve
61. Angus Nicolson , 8 Battery Park Road, Stornoway , Merchant Navy , SS Stancliffe
62. William Colquhoun , Manor Farm, Stornoway , Lovat Scouts
63. Norman Smith , 7 Aird , Royal Naval Reserve, Patrol Service , HMT Brock
64. John Maclennan , 8 Kirkibost, Great Bernera , Royal Naval Reserve , HMT Lady Shirley
65. Donald Macdonald , Clyde Upper Shader , Royal Naval Reserve , HMS Esk
66. Norman Macleod , 14B Tolsta Chaolais , Royal Naval Reserve , HMS Esk
67. John Martin , 16 Lower Shader , Royal Naval Reserve , HMS Esk
68. Murdo Macdonald , 20 Newton Street, Stornoway , Royal Naval Reserve , HMS Express
69. Murdo Macleod , 5 Tolsta Chaolais , Royal Naval Reserve , HMS Express
70. Malcolm Murray , 20 Swainbost , Royal Naval Reserve , HMS Esk
71. Edward Joseph Pearson , Newcastle-upon-Tyne , Merchant Navy , SS Severn Leigh
72. Frank James Fox , Hull , Merchant Navy , SS Severn Leigh
73. Donald Macritchie , 8 Gravir Glen , Merchant Navy , SS Albionic
74. Donald Macaulay , Bayview Port of Ness , Royal Naval Reserve , HMS Barmouth
75. Donald Gillies , 21 North Shawbost , Merchant Navy , SS Craigwen
76. Murdo Morrison , 29 Lionel , Royal Naval Reserve , HMS Dundalk
77. Angus Macarthur , 45 Upper Carloway , Merchant Navy , SS Creekirk
78. Murdo Donald Macdonald , 6 Portvoller , Royal Naval Reserve, Patrol Service , HMT Waveflower
79. Murdo Nicolson , 8 Battery Park Road, Stornoway , Royal Naval Reserve , HMT Waveflower
80. John Macinnes , 4 Gress , Merchant Navy
81. John Murdo Macdonald , Lundale , Royal Naval Reserve , HMS Forfar
82. John Morrison , 83 Cross Skigersta Road , Merchant Navy , HMS Renovia
83. Murdo Macleod , 6B South Bragar , Royal Naval Reserve , HMS Laurentic
84. Donald Mackinnon , 8 Mackenzie Street, Stornoway , Seaforth Highlanders, D.E.M.S. Personnel , SS Cape St Andrew
85. Aulay Macdonald , 4 Westview Terrace, Stornoway , Merchant Navy , SS Widestone
86. Murdo Morrison , 10 Coll , Merchant Navy , MV Kolchis
87. Donald Macinnes , 4 Gress , Royal Naval Reserve
88. John Macleod , 16 Cross , Royal Naval Reserve , HMS Forfar
89. Norman Macleod , 8 Knockaird , Royal Naval Reserve , HMS Forfar
90. John Anderson , 5 Kershader , Merchant Navy , MV Empire Statesman
91. James Herbert Otway , Sedgeford, Norfolk , Merchant Navy , SS Rotorua
92. Kenneth Mackinnon , 8A Ranish , Royal Naval Reserve , HMS Acheron
93. Norman Mackay , 6 Upper Garrabost , Royal Naval Reserve , HMT Jewell
94. Donald Murdo Macdonald , 2/4 Kershader , Merchant Navy
95. Roderick G Mackenzie , 4 Calbost , Army
96. Malcolm Macaskill , 24 Northton , Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Exmouth
97. Neil M Macdonald , Diraclate , 4th Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
98. Donald Martin , Bunavoneadar , 4th Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
99. Neil Mackenzie , Urgha , 4th Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
100. John Macinnes , 1 Kyles Scalpay , Royal Naval Reserve (Patrol Service) , HMT Stella Sirius
101. John Robert Taylor Maclean , Borrisdale , Royal Navy, H.M. Boom Defence Vessel , Thomas Connolly.
102. Donald John Macdermid , Scalpay , Merchant Navy, SS British Premier

Prisoners of war camps

By early 1941, considerable numbers of island servicemen were held as prisoners of war at various locations across Germany and territories under its sway at the time. The Stornoway Gazette of 28 March 1941 published a map to show where the various camps were located.

Remembering today - 27 August

Piper DAVID MACDONALD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 34 Leurbost, died today in 1915 at the age of 40

Private JOHN MACDONALD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 11 North Shawbost, died today in 1917 at the age of 22

Private DONALD MORRISON, Royal Inniskillin Fusiliers, late of 21A Laxay, died today in 1918 at the age of 23

Carpenter RALPH ELLIOTT, Merchant Navy, died today in 1941 at the age of 46.
Gunner PATRICK KING, Royal Artillery, 3 Bty., 2 Lt. A.A.Maritime Regt, late of Stornoway, died today in 1941 at the age of 36.

Seaman JOHN ANGUS MCLENNAN, Royal Naval Reserve, late of Tong, died today in 1946 at the age of 26.

Found floating

This is the gravestone for Seaman Herbert Charles Hill, who, according to the gravestone, died on 18 January 1941 at the age of 19. The clipped edges of the stone signal that this is a non-world war gravestone in the care of the Commonwealth Wargraves Commission. Hill served in the Merchant Navy on SS Eaglescliffe Hall. The Stornoway Gazette of 21st March 1941 picks up the story:

A body was seen floating in Stornoway Harbour near Number One Wharf on Wednesday afternoon of last week. When recovered, the body was found to be that of Herbert Charles Hill, a seaman, of Port Talbot, Glamorgan. Hill went missing about two months ago from a merchant ship then lying in Stornoway Harbour. It was thought at the time that he might have left the port on board a trawler with whose crew he was on friendly terms.

[Edit]. Seaman Herbert Charles Hill was the son of crane-driver Henry Hill (himself deceased) and Sarah-Ann Hill of 18 Pendarvis Terrace, Aberavon, Port Talbot, Glamorgan [Wales].
The certifying doctor wrote: "As the body has been immersed in the sea for some weeks, it was not possible to ascertain the cause of death". The death was registered for the information of the Procurator Fiscal on 12 April 1941.

Meanwhile, I have contacted CWGC to request that Seaman Hill's full first names be inscribed on the gravestone. I shall report any progress on this issue.

Remembering today - 26 August

Saddler PHILIP MACLEOD, Royal Field Artillery, late of Golf House Stenish, died today in 1914 at the age of 27
Saddler Macleod was the first man from the island to fall in the First World War

Seaman JOHN MACLEAY, Royal Naval Division, late of 38 Lower Shader, died today in 1915 at the age of 31

Private DUNCAN SMITH, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 20 Aird Tong, died today in 1917 at the age of 31

Private JOHN MACKAY, Canadians, late of 6 Achmore, died today in 1918 at the age of 36
Sergeant WILLIAM JOHN MACLEOD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 3 Lower Sandwick, died today in 1918 at the age of 31

Remembering today - 25 August

Corporal ANGUS MACIVER, Canadians, late of 9A Laxay, died today in 1916 at the age of 35

Chief Engineer DONALD MORRISON, Merchant Navy, late of 67 Bayhead Street, Stornoway, died today in 1917 at the age of 55

Remembering today - 24 August

Seaman DONALD MACAULAY, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 3 Lundale, died today in 1916 at the age of 30
Seaman JOHN MACDONALD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 9 Kirkibost, Great Bernera, died today in 1916 at the age of 30

Leading Seaman MURDO SMITH, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 65 North Tolsta, died today in 1917 at the age of 44

Remembering today - 23 August

Private NORMAN MACKENZIE, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 3 Eorodale, died today in 1915 at the age of 18

Private NORMAN M MACLEOD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 4 Tolsta Chaolais, died today in 1917 at the age of 31

Lieutenant WILLIAM A WOODS, Royal Artillery, late of North Tolsta, died today in 1945 at the age of 36.

Remembering today - 22 August

Private COLL MACDONALD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 12 Sandwickhill, died today in 1917 at the age of 23
Seaman FINLAY MORRISON, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 19 South Dell, died today in 1917

Seaman JOHN MACRAE, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 21 Sheshader, died today in 1918 at the age of 28
Gunner DONALD JOHN MORRISON, Royal Field Artillery, late of 63 Kenneth Street, Stornoway, died today in 1918 at the age of 23

Remembering today - 21 August

Private NEIL MACGREGOR, Canadians, late of 12A Tolsta Chaolais, died today in 1917 at the age of 35

Private FRANCIS MACAULAY, Royal Scots Fusiliers, late of 18 Newton Street, Stornoway, died today in 1918 at the age of 19

Seaman DONALD MACLEAN, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 30 South Dell, died today in 1941 at the age of 29.

Pilot Officer (U/T) DUGALD MACIVER, Royal Air Force Voluntary Reserve, late of 27 Lewis Street, Stornoway, died today in 1943 at the age of 21.

Remembering today - 20 August

Private D MACKENZIE, Cameron Highlanders, late of 61 Havelock Rd., Bromley, Kent, died today in 1916

Private RODERICK GRAHAM, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 30 Borve, died today in 1917 at the age of 21
Private MALCOLM MACLEOD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 81 Keith Street, Stornoway, died today in 1917 at the age of 30

Remembering today - 19 August

Gunner JOHN CAMPBELL, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 28 Benside, died today in 1917 at the age of 25
Private DONALD MACRITCHIE, Highland Light Infantry, late of 1 Adabrock, died today in 1917

Seaman NORMAN SMITH, Royal Naval Reserve, Patrol Service, late of Stornoway, died today in 1940 at the age of 33.

Able Seaman RODERICK MACRAE, Merchant Navy, late of 25 Leurbost, died today in 1941 at the age of 18.

Remembering today - 18 August

Seaman JOHN MACLEOD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 28 Lower Bayble, died today in 1916 at the age of 44

Leading Seaman ANGUS MACDONALD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 16 Uigen, died today in 1941 at the age of 27.

Remembering today - 17 August

Company Sergeant-Major DONALD MACKAY, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 28 South Dell, died today in 1916 at the age of 25

Petty Officer MURDO MACKAY, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 37 Eoropie, died today in 1942 at the age of 35.

Remembering today - 16 August

Private MALCOLM FINLAYSON, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 14 Tong, died today in 1916 at the age of 23

Private JOHN MACFARLANE, Canadians, late of 27 Melbost, died today in 1918 at the age of 29
Sergeant DONALD MACRAE, Canadians, late of 25 Coll, died today in 1918 at the age of 28

Remembering today - 15 August

Trooper WILLIAM COLQUHOUN, Lovat Scouts, late of Manor Farm, Stornoway, died today in 1940 at the age of 21

Alexander Macrae, 21 Keith Street, Stornoway - follow-up

I received the following information from Trevor Bell, the webmaster of the Rangitane website, about Alex Macrae (see previous post). There appears to have been some confusion about Alex's fate after the sinking of the Rangitane. Mr Bell advises me that: "In ‘Ordeal by Sea’ by Sydney Walters, the definitive history of the New Zealand Shipping Company during WW2, it lists Alex Macrae as being killed on Rangitane. This was at variance with various other records and I was able to confirm that he survived Emirau but died not long after."

The below information was supplied to Mr Bell by Stornoway Historical Society in 2005, and I am happy to attribute source:

He was in Manila during the Philippines War, in Taku Forts during the Boxer Rising, troop carrying in the Boer War and at sea in the First World War. He was a Journeyman at Fairfields in Govan when he went to sea in January 1899 and by May 1900 had passed his Board of Trade examinations for 2nd Engineer. 

Alex was Chief Refrigeration Engineer with the New Zealand Shipping Company and was rescued from Emarau Island in the Pacific Ocean after the Rangitane, 16,712 tons, was sunk in the Pacific in 1940. Alex's experience of being marooned did not help his health and he retired from the sea after 40 years service. He died at sea as a passenger on the voyage back home to the United Kingdom and lived latterly at 79 Carr Lane, Acomb, York. 

He was the son of Malcolm and Margaret Macrae (Contractor) 16 New Street, Stornoway; husband
of Margaret Macrae (nee Murray). They married on 15 June 1904 in London and had one son Alistair who was a Superintendent Engineer with the Air Ministry. He became Wing Commander RAF (Admin) and Superintendent of Aerodromes in North Africa (Algiers to Cairo), Sicily, Malta, Sardinia, Pantelaria and Italy in 1944/45. After the war he was involved in the construction of airports round London and by 1961 was awarded the OBE after six and a half years as Chief Engineer in charge of construction and maintenance. He was then promoted to Deputy Director Works for the Air Ministry.
 
Alex was a brother of John Macrae MA, FEIS, the Rector of the Nicolson Institute, Stornoway (1925-44) and of sister Jeanie. As Alex was a civilian and ex-Merchant Navy on his death, he is not in CWGC records. A bronze plaque stating he died as a result of enemy action is attached to an inside wall of the Western Isles Hospital in Stornoway, opened by Prince Charles in 1993. It formerly was attached to the old Lewis Hospital in April 1943 and stated that his wife donated money from his will to that hospital. Three fine ship's clocks were hung in both medical wards and in the outpatients' waiting room.

Remembering today - 14 August

Private DONALD MACDONALD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 20 Upper Shader, died today in 1916 at the age of 26

Quarter-master Serjeant DONALD MACLEOD, Royal Army Medical Corps, late of 39A Balallan, died today in 1918 at the age of 40
Signaller ALEX MACRAE, Royal Field Artillery, late of 57 Keith Street, Stornoway, died today in 1918 at the age of 32

Captain PERCEVAL MORRISON, Royal Army Medical Corps, late of 67 Bayhead, Stornoway, died today in 1943 at the age of 26.

Petty Officer ANGUS MACKAY, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 7 Fivepenny, died today in 1944 at the age of 33.
Private MURDO MACKAY, 5th Black Watch, Royal Highlanders, late of 21 Upper Shader, died today in 1944 at the age of 19.
Greaser NEIL MURDO STEWART, Merchant Navy, late of 39 Seaview Terrace, Stornoway, died today in 1944 at the age of 51.

Tributes to the War Memorial - WW2

I have transcribed as many tributes as could be found in issues of the Stornoway Gazette from 1940. More will follow from later years in the Second World War in days and weeks to come. Caution has to be exercised with these clippings. Sometimes, the names are incorrect; sometimes, a man is reported missing, but later turns up alive. I have access to the full listings of the WW2 casualty lists from Lewis and Harris, and can therefore doublecheck. A case in point is that of Refrigeration Engineer, Alexander Macrae, late of 21 Keith Street, Stornoway. His ship, the Rangitane, was torpedoed in December 1940. He survived and was marooned, before being picked up and returned home. Unfortunately, Alex Macrae died whilst returning home in May 1941, aged 65. 

Incidentally, the story of the Rangitane (linked to above) is worthy of a read in itself. 

A remarkable priest

James Chisholm first appeared on my radar when I transcribed the Napier Commission's Report for Castlebay. I was not able to find much on him in the censuses, apart from the one for 1901. I therefore enlisted the help of Sandy Stephens in South Uist, who kindly unearthed the following information on Canon James. I summarise from "Catholic Highlands of Scotland", by Frederick Blundell, originally published in 1917.

He was priest in Barra and environs between 1883 and 1903, during which he built a chapel in Mingulay. His main work is the building of the new church, the present-day edifice, in Castlebay. He appealed for its construction in 1887 on the grounds that the previous building could not accommodate the numbers of parishioners (between 2,200 and 2,600), which in fact were spread over eight different islands. It needs to be borne in mind that in the 1880s, the Bishops Isles (Barra Head, Mingulay, Pabbay and Sandray) were still inhabited with sizeable populations.

The new church was opened in Castlebay in 1889, and Rev Chisholm was gushing with pride when he said: "The church is beautiful in design, and the workmanship is substantial enough to withstand the Hebridean gales for a century or two to come. The site is extremely well chosen, resting on the crest of a rugged and steep crag, overlooking the village of Castlebay, and the historiccastle of the warlike MacNeils. It will be a landmark for the daring fishermen of Barra, as they venture to and from their deep-sea excursions ... the church even now, in its unfinished state can fairly claim to be second to no edifice erected for divine worship from the Butt of Lewis to the wave-worn cliffs of Barrahead."

Canon James was moved to a new parish at Arisaig, on the mainland, where remained for the rest of his life. James Chisholm died in 1948 at the age of 94, just outside Morar, near Arisaig.

Remembering today - 13 August

Able Seaman MALCOLM MACLEAN, Merchant Navy, late of 36 Swainbost, died today in 1942 at the age of 52.
Seaman ALLAN MACLEOD, Merchant Navy, late of 26 Cross Skigersta Road, died today in 1942 at the age of 52.
Able Seaman NORMAN MURRAY, Merchant Navy, late of 36 Lionel, died today in 1942 at the age of 30.

Leading Aircraftsman RODERICK JOHN MACASKILL, Royal Air Force Voluntary Reserve, late of 11 Francis Street, Stornoway, died today in 1944 at the age of 35.
Private JOHN MACLEOD, Black Watch (Royal Highlanders), late of 27 Lower Shader, died today in 1944 at the age of 25.

Petty Officer MURDO MACIVER, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 18 North Tolsta, died today in 1948 at the age of 34.

Remembering today - 12 August

Seaman JOHN MACKENZIE, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 37 North Tolsta, died today in 1915 at the age of 34

Lance-Corporal MURDO MACDONALD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 12 Portnaguran, died today in 1916 at the age of 20

Private ANGUS MACLEOD, Royal Army Medical Corps, late of Flesherin, died today in 1918 at the age of 24
Sergeant MALCOLM MACLEOD, Canadians, late of Stornoway, died today in 1918 at the age of 28

Sailor ANGUS NICOLSON, Merchant Navy, late of 8 Battery Park Road, Stornoway, died today in 1940 at the age of 24.

Chief Petty Officer DONALD MACLEOD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 3 Upper Bayble, died today in 1944

Major MURDO BUCHANAN, Royal Army Medical Corps, late of 1 Perceval Road Coulregrein, died today in 1945 at the age of 29

Remembering today - 11 August

Lance-Corporal KENNETH MACSWEEN, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 21 Aignish, died today in 1915 at the age of 21

Private ANGUS CAMPBELL, Canadians, late of 3 Port of Ness, died today in 1918 at the age of 34
Sergeant ALEX JOHN MORRISON, Canadians, late of 13 East Street, Sandwick, died today in 1918 at the age of 30

Remembering today - 10 August

Leading Seaman JOHN MACKENZIE, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 5 Aird, died today in 1918 at the age of 28
Private JOHN MACPHAIL, Canadians, late of 11 North Bragar, died today in 1918 at the age of 30

Leading Seaman MURDO MACAULAY, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 2 School Park Knock, Point, died today in 1940

Remembering today - 9 August

Driver NORMAN CAMPBELL, Royal Garrison Artillery, late of 12 Aird, died today in 1915 at the age of 20
Gunner JOHN MACLEOD, Royal Garrison Artillery, late of 18 Aignish, died today in 1915 at the age of 22

Warrant Officer DONALD (snr) MACDONALD, Royal Navy, late of 11 Portnaguran, died today in 1917 at the age of 41

Sergeant ANGUS MACKAY, Canadians, late of 9 Callanish, died today in 1918 at the age of 39
Private ANGUS NORMAN MURRAY, Canadians, late of 17 South Dell, died today in 1918 at the age of 34

Remembering today - 8 August

Leading Seaman RODERICK MACRITCHIE, Royal Naval Reserve, late of Upper Adabrock, died today in 1915 at the age of 38

Private DONALD NICOLSON, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 1 Crowlista, died today in 1917 at the age of 26

Lance-Corporal DUNCAN GRAHAM, Canadians, late of 5 Newvalley, died today in 1918 at the age of 35
Private MURDO MACKENZIE, Canadians, late of 8 Aignish, died today in 1918 at the age of 28
Private NORMAN JOHN MACKENZIE, Canadians, late of 1 Guershader, died today in 1918 at the age of 24
Private DONALD COLIN MACLEAY, Canadians, late of 24 Upper Shader, died today in 1918 at the age of 22
Rigger MURDO MACLEOD, Royal Navy, late of 17 Portnaguran, died today in 1918 at the age of 48
Private JOHN MACMILLAN, Canadians, late of Cross Street Coulregrein, died today in 1918 at the age of 36

Private D MACIVER, Gordon Highlanders, late of 25 Carloway, died today in 1921

Private NORMAN MACKENZIE, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 51 Cross Skigersta Road, died today in 1944 at the age of 20.
Corporal RODERICK MACLEOD, 5th Seaforth Highlanders, late of 36 Leurbost, died today in 1944 at the age of 21.

When I heard the Bell - a rebuttal

I have read John Macleod's excellent account of the Iolaire Disaster, When I heard the Bell, and can only fault it on some of the sweeping statements in its first chapter. I specifically want to answer the assertion that people from the Isle of Lewis did not care about the fact that the Netherlands were invaded by Nazi Germany in May 1940. This, allegedly, because the Dutch had remained neutral during the 1914-1919 war and had interned more than a hundred islanders at Groningen between October 1914 and the Armistice of 11 November 1918.

I have worked with a local historian in Groningen to unearth the story of the internment camp (dubbed HMS Timbertown by the inmates). Under its policy of neutrality, Holland could not be seen to be favouring either side (Germany or England), so when combatants from either of those two other countries ended up on its territory, they had to be interned until the end of the war. Releasing them to their homeland would place the Netherlands on the side of one, and expose itself to attack from the other. The internees were treated with respect, as they were allowed (upon their word of honour) to return to Lewis on compassionate grounds or for harvest leave. They all returned at the end of the allotted period, none broke their word.

My rebuttal is based on the below article from the Stornoway Gazette of 24 May 1940, when it lists four islanders who became casualties in action off the Dutch coast. I copy:


Three Lewis naval reservists were killed in action last week, and a fourth was seriously wounded.
Murdo Maclean, RNR, 1 Breanish, killed in action, is the first West Uig casualty of the war. He was about 27 years of age and unmarried. Louis Macdonald, 9 Ardroil, is reported seriously wounded. His father left Stornoway to see him in a naval hospital. Malcolm Maciver, RNR, 72 Coll and Peter J. Macleod, RNR, 10 Eagleton have also been killed in action, or have since died of wounds. Both were young unmarried men - Maciver in his early twenties and Macleod just nineteen. Malcolm was a brother of Angus Maciver, who figured in the capture of the German ship "Borkum" last year, which was afterwards intercepted by a U-boat when being taken to a British port by a prize crew. The prize crew escaped in two lifeboats, taking the German prisoners with them. It is understood that all four of these reservists were serving on the same ship, but the circumstances of the action are not known. The Admiralty has stated, however, that naval units were neavily engaged by Nazi bombers off the coast of Holland, and it may be in these operations that these valuable lives were lost. 

Immediately on the invasion of the Low Countries, British destroyers raced to the main Dutch ports and, until the country fell into the hands of the Germans, they did valuable work in the face of intense aerial bombardment. The Navy not only took the Dutch Queen and Government to London, and removed millions of pounds worth of diamonds, gold and foreign securities, but carried out extensive demolition works when the position of the Dutch army became desperate. Oil tanks were blown up, naval lock gates jammed, electric machinery destroyed, harbours blocked, one by the sinking of an old liner across the entrance; German minefields were swept, British minefields laid and small craft penetrated to the Zuyder Zee.

Furthermore, the cemeteries at Sandwick and Eye feature a gravestone, dedicated to the memory of Corporal Duncan Alick Macaulay, late of 7 East Street, Sandwick who was killed in action near Sittard in southern Holland on 19 January 1945. He took out a machinegun post alone, but was shot by a sniper.


If the people from this island held such resentment against that "weird little country", I don't think they would have put themselves out to such a degree.

Remembering today - 7 August

Private DONALD MORRISON, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 15 Newvalley, died today in 1918 at the age of 18

Seaman DONALD SMITH, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 25 North Shawbost, died today in 1940 at the age of 25

Remembering today - 6 August

Seaman JOHN SMITH, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 48 Lower Garrabost, died today in 1916 at the age of 47

Pilot Officer (Nav) MURDO MACDONALD, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, late of 10 Breaclete, died today in 1944 at the age of 22.
Sapper NEIL MACDONALD, 260 Field Company Royal Engineers, late of 4 Croir, Great Bernera, died today in 1944 at the age of 24.
Corporal DONALD MACRITCHIE, 7th Seaforth Highlanders, late of Marybank, Stornoway, died today in 1944 at the age of 28

Remembering today - 5 August

Steward JOHN CAMPBELL, Merchant Navy, late of 47 North Tolsta, died today in 1918 at the age of 20

Seaman MALCOLM JOHN MACKAY, Royal Naval Reserve, Patrol Service, late of 3 Garynahine, died today in 1940
Seaman DONALD SMITH, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 23 North Bragar, died today in 1940 at the age of 31.

Private WILLIAM JOHN MACDERMID, Royal Army Pay Corps, late of 5 Perceval Road Coulregrein, died today in 1942 at the age of 40.

Seaman ANGUS MACLEAN, Royal Naval Reserve, Patrol Service, late of 9 Garynahine, died today in 1943 at the age of 27.

The Napier Commission in Lochalsh

The first witness to give evidence at Balmacara in August 1883, Duncan Sinclair, came with some hard-hitting statements regarding the way tenants were treated in the parish of Lochalsh. It would appear that he intensified some of the statements a bit.

Those who were allowed by the proprietor to remain after the factor had expressed his determination to have them evicted, in these words, "Go you must, even though you should go to the bottom of the sea," were allowed a mere fringe of the township, bordering on the rocky sea-shore.


[...] at the commencement of the sheep-farming mania, when the people were regarded as a nuisance to be got rid of by driving them out of the country like noxious vermin, or by crowding them into barren promontories or boggy hollows which were useless for sheep [...]

Lord Napier proceeded to verify that the translations accurately reflected what the people had actually said.

30059. I understood you to say that the English phraseology of those memorials has been translated by you ?
—Yes.

30060. It is therefore the correct English expression of what was stated to you verbally by the meeting?
—It is the substance; of course, I may have varied from their expressions in the Gaelic.

30061. But there is nothing substantial introduced by you on your own part?
—Nothing; and I insisted that they should appoint a delegate to come up to tell you that the statements in these papers are not my views alone.

30062. There is nothing in the terms of these memorials that I have to complain of, unless some expressions of rather unnecessary bitterness in the second one. I should like to know whether these expressions justly represent the feelings and expressions used by the people themselves?
—Is it in regard to going to the bottom of the sea ?

30063. That is one. Another is, ' at the commencement of the sheep-farming mania, when the people were regarded as a nuisance to be got rid off, by driving them out of the country like noxious vermin, or by crowding them into barren promontories or boggy holes which were useless for sheep ; ' is that a translation of the language told by the people to you ?
—That is the expression of the people. They know they have been regarded as a nuisance, and have been wanted to be sent abroad, and they know very well they were sent into these rocky promontories and boggy holes. That is the experience of the people, although it is not so bad as in some parishes.

30064. But what I want to know is whether the expression ' noxious vermin,' for instance, is a correct translation of the language used at the meeting or by the people in your presence ?
—Well, ' wild animals' perhaps would be the proper term ; that passage refers to the deer forest. They say our Parliament and Legislature have been legislating for animals with the greatest care by means of the Game Laws, but have never passed any legislation for the people. It is to these matters that that passage refers.

30065. I was only speaking about the terms themselves; I was anxious to know whether they were proper translations of words and things said in your presence, or whether you had infused any additional strength into it yourself ; and I rather think from what you say that you did somewhat intensify the language ?
—Well, I modify it to the extent of saying ' wild animals.'

Remembering today - 4 August

Private WILLIAM MACAULAY, Canadians, late of 16 Carloway, died today in 1917

Private KENNETH MORRISON, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 25 Habost, Ness, died today in 1918 at the age of 21

Sub-Lieutenant NEIL ALISTER DEWAR, Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve, late of 20 Church Street, Stornoway, died today in 1943 at the age of 27.
Captain JOHN SMITH, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 16 Balallan, died today in 1943 at the age of 37

Harris sailors and the RNR in the 1930s

When trawling for tributes to those from the Western Isles who fell in the Second World War, I came across the story of Malcolm Macaskill, late of 24 Northton, Harris. He was one of several islanders (from Lewis and Harris) that were lost when the destroyer Exmouth was sunk off Wick on 21 January 1940.

Reading through the tribute to Malcolm in the Stornoway Gazette of 12 April 1940, it would appear that he was instrumental in bringing enlistment in the Royal Naval Reserve to the men of Harris. As the tribute states, sailors from Harris were debarred from joining the RNR on account of the fact that they were too far from a seaport. To those of us who know the islands well, this is ridiculous. Any point in Harris is not more than a mile or two from the sea - at the most. However, some bureaucrat in London must have thought that Leverburgh nor Tarbert qualified as a seaport, and that therefore the nearest seaport is Stornoway - at least 30 miles from any village in Harris. It took the intervention of a former MP to make the London penpushers see sense and allow the sailors of the southern part of the Long Island to take their rightful place in the defense of the realm.

Malcolm's tribute can be read here.

Remembering today - 3 August

Leading Seaman KENNETH MUNRO, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 21 Knock, Point, died today in 1918 at the age of 25

Remembering today - 2 August

Seaman KENNETH MACLEOD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 22 Melbost, died today in 1918

Remembering today - 1 August

Seaman JOHN M STEWART, Merchant Navy, late of 4 Scotland Street, Stornoway, died today in 1915

Leading Seaman KENNETH MURRAY, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 7 Shader, Point, died today in 1918 at the age of 27

Flying Officer DEREK BREARLEY RIGBY, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, late of Tanganyika, died today in 1942 at the age of 22.