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
Saturday, 31 December 2011
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.
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.
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.
Friday, 30 December 2011
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
Seaman RODERICK GRAHAM, Royal Navy, late of 3 Lower Shader, died today in 1918 at the age of 50
Thursday, 29 December 2011
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.
Captain HUBERT ARTHUR MACCALLUM, Merchant Navy, late of 29 Kenneth Street, Stornoway, died today in 1942 at the age of 55.
Tuesday, 27 December 2011
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.
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.
Monday, 26 December 2011
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
Second Lieutenant JAMES PARKER ANDERSON, Seaforth Highlanders, late of Glen House Stornoway, died today in 1918 at the age of 34
Sunday, 25 December 2011
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.
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.
Saturday, 24 December 2011
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.
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.
Friday, 23 December 2011
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
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
Thursday, 22 December 2011
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.
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
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
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
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
Private KENNETH JOHN MURRAY, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 43 South Shawbost, died today in 1915 at the age of 40
Tuesday, 20 December 2011
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
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
Monday, 19 December 2011
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.
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.
Sunday, 18 December 2011
Remembering today - 18 December
Captain DONALD MARTIN, Merchant Navy, late of Stornoway, died today in 1916
Saturday, 17 December 2011
Remembering today - 17 December
Seaman KENNETH MACKINNON, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 8A Ranish, died today in 1940 at the age of 38.
Thursday, 15 December 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, 14 December 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, 13 December 2011
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.
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.
Monday, 12 December 2011
Remembering today - 12 December
Seaman ALEXANDER CRICHTON, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 15 Eagleton, died today in 1939 at the age of 31.
Sunday, 11 December 2011
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.
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.
Saturday, 10 December 2011
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.
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.
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
Friday, 9 December 2011
Remembering today - 9 December
Seaman ALEX MUNRO, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 25 Coll, died today in 1916
Thursday, 8 December 2011
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
Aircraftswoman 2nd class CATHERINE ANN MACDONALD, Women's Auxiliary Air Force, late of 19 Laxay, died today in 1945
Wednesday, 7 December 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, 6 December 2011
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.
Stoker EDWARD BD MACKENZIE, Royal Navy, late of 5 Lewis Street, Stornoway, died today in 1943 at the age of 43.
Monday, 5 December 2011
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.
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
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.
Sunday, 4 December 2011
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.
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.
Saturday, 3 December 2011
Remembering today - 3 December
Seaman JOHN MACLEOD, Royal Navy, late of 8 Fivepenny, died today in 1918 at the age of 29
Friday, 2 December 2011
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
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
Thursday, 1 December 2011
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.
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.
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