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
Tuesday, 31 December 2013
95 years ago tonight
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.
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.
Sunday, 8 December 2013
Second World War casualties from the Southern Isles
Completed the WW2 listings from the Southern Isles.
Barra & Vatersay: 55 (51 served in the Merchant Navy).
Benbecula: 6
Berneray: 4
Eriskay: 5
Grimsay: 3
Harris: 62
North Uist: 30
South Uist: 41
Total: 211 (there is a degree of cross-over between the islands)
1939: 4
1940: 44
1941: 36
1942: 25
1943: 19
1944: 20
1945: 11
and 4 died in 1946 and 1947
There are 48 casualties on whom I have very little information.
Of the 211 casualties:
121 were in the Merchant Navy
55 were in the Army, of whom 28 in the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
13 in the RAF
19 in the Royal Navy or Royal Naval Reserves
4 were women
Barra & Vatersay: 55 (51 served in the Merchant Navy).
Benbecula: 6
Berneray: 4
Eriskay: 5
Grimsay: 3
Harris: 62
North Uist: 30
South Uist: 41
Total: 211 (there is a degree of cross-over between the islands)
1939: 4
1940: 44
1941: 36
1942: 25
1943: 19
1944: 20
1945: 11
and 4 died in 1946 and 1947
There are 48 casualties on whom I have very little information.
Of the 211 casualties:
121 were in the Merchant Navy
55 were in the Army, of whom 28 in the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
13 in the RAF
19 in the Royal Navy or Royal Naval Reserves
4 were women
Sunday, 1 December 2013
Connecting Uist and Barra
I am currently researching the WW2 casualties from North Uist, but one query left me puzzled.
The North Uist war memorial refers to F/Sgt Donald C Maclean, RAF, late of Lochmaddy, who was lost in WW2. However, when I pass his details through CWGC, it would appear that he was the son of John MacLean, and of Margaret MacLean, of Castlebay, Isle of Barra. The Barra & Vatersay war memorial at Nasg, however, does not mention him.
Flight Sergeant DONALD CHARLES MACLEAN
Last known address in North Uist: Lochmaddy
Son of John MacLean, and of Margaret MacLean, of Castlebay, Isle of Barra.
Service unit: 279 Sqdn, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Service number: 1571094
Date of death: 7 November 1945 at the age of 21
Memorial: Runnymede Memorial
Local memorial: North Uist
Who will describe my delight when my posting on a Barra genealogy page yielded this reply from his niece Fiona:
He was my uncle although I never met my Uncle Donnie. The family lived in Lochmaddy, my grandfather John Maclean was from North Uist and he was the postmaster in Lochmaddy. My grandmother Margaret Maclean nee Macfadyen was from Barra. The family home was in Borve, my grandmother came back to Barra after my grandfather died which was about a year after Donnie went missing. I have the telegram (I think) the information my mother, Anne Maclean, gave me was the Lancaster bomber that Donnie was in went missing over the North Sea ( they flew from Teesside ) no wreckage or bodies were ever found, my grandfather died of a broken heart Mum used to say. My nanna is buried on Barra - John and Donnie are mentioned on her headstone.
The North Uist war memorial refers to F/Sgt Donald C Maclean, RAF, late of Lochmaddy, who was lost in WW2. However, when I pass his details through CWGC, it would appear that he was the son of John MacLean, and of Margaret MacLean, of Castlebay, Isle of Barra. The Barra & Vatersay war memorial at Nasg, however, does not mention him.
Flight Sergeant DONALD CHARLES MACLEAN
Last known address in North Uist: Lochmaddy
Son of John MacLean, and of Margaret MacLean, of Castlebay, Isle of Barra.
Service unit: 279 Sqdn, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Service number: 1571094
Date of death: 7 November 1945 at the age of 21
Memorial: Runnymede Memorial
Local memorial: North Uist
Who will describe my delight when my posting on a Barra genealogy page yielded this reply from his niece Fiona:
He was my uncle although I never met my Uncle Donnie. The family lived in Lochmaddy, my grandfather John Maclean was from North Uist and he was the postmaster in Lochmaddy. My grandmother Margaret Maclean nee Macfadyen was from Barra. The family home was in Borve, my grandmother came back to Barra after my grandfather died which was about a year after Donnie went missing. I have the telegram (I think) the information my mother, Anne Maclean, gave me was the Lancaster bomber that Donnie was in went missing over the North Sea ( they flew from Teesside ) no wreckage or bodies were ever found, my grandfather died of a broken heart Mum used to say. My nanna is buried on Barra - John and Donnie are mentioned on her headstone.
Sunday, 24 November 2013
SS Severn Leigh
A lifeboat, carrying survivors of SS Severn Leigh, made landfall at Leverburgh, Harris on 5 September 1940. The nine men on board had spent the previous two weeks or so making their way east from a position at the 25th degree longitude West, 54 degrees North.
SS Severn Leigh was en route from Hull in England to St John, New Brunswick, Canada as part of a trans-Atlantic convoy. From August 20th, the ship had been chased by German U-boat U-37, but after three days her number was up. A torpedo hit her bow, and the crew abandoned ship in four lifeboats. The U-boat's captain spotted that the ship's gun was manned, and that the radio operator was sending out distress signals. So he resurfaced and shelled the ship again. Shrapnel strafed two lifeboats, still alongside, killing 33 crew members.
Frank James Fox, a chief steward from Hull, was in one of the lifeboats, but died, or was found dead on arrival in the Outer Hebrides. He lies buried in the cemetery at Sandwick. Frank was 65 years of age, and left a wife, Emma, in Hull.
This entry is dedicated to his memory, and to the memory of the many in the Merchant Navy who gave their lives in the defense of their country, and contributing towards the liberation of Europe from the oppression of Nazi Germany in the Second World War.
SS Severn Leigh was en route from Hull in England to St John, New Brunswick, Canada as part of a trans-Atlantic convoy. From August 20th, the ship had been chased by German U-boat U-37, but after three days her number was up. A torpedo hit her bow, and the crew abandoned ship in four lifeboats. The U-boat's captain spotted that the ship's gun was manned, and that the radio operator was sending out distress signals. So he resurfaced and shelled the ship again. Shrapnel strafed two lifeboats, still alongside, killing 33 crew members.
Frank James Fox, a chief steward from Hull, was in one of the lifeboats, but died, or was found dead on arrival in the Outer Hebrides. He lies buried in the cemetery at Sandwick. Frank was 65 years of age, and left a wife, Emma, in Hull.
This entry is dedicated to his memory, and to the memory of the many in the Merchant Navy who gave their lives in the defense of their country, and contributing towards the liberation of Europe from the oppression of Nazi Germany in the Second World War.
SS Empire Light
SS Empire Light was sunk in 1941 in the Indian Ocean by the armed German raider Pinguin. Survivors of the encounter were picked up by the German vessel, which itself was then attacked by HMS Cornwall. The Pinguin was sunk, taking the survivors from the Empire Light to the bottom with her. Twenty-six of the Empire Light's crew perished on 8 May 1941, six of whom came from Lewis.
Their names are:
Norman MacIver, 37 Vatisker
Murdo MacDonald, 32 Gress
Donald Graham, Garrabost
Murdo Campbell, 5 Sheshader (also quoted at 42 Inaclete Road, Stornoway)
Norman Malcolm Montgomery, 17 Sheshader
George Campbell, 5 Portnaguran
A visit to the Eye cemetery reveals that was very much a family tragedy. Norman Malcolm Montgomery of 17 Sheshader was related to Murdo Campbell of 5 Sheshader. Norman's mother, Isabella Montgomery née Macleod, died 6 months after the sinking of the Empire Light. Her husband Norman was lost in the sinking of HMY Iolaire on 1 January 1919, one of the 205 drowned in that disaster.
Their names are:
Norman MacIver, 37 Vatisker
Murdo MacDonald, 32 Gress
Donald Graham, Garrabost
Murdo Campbell, 5 Sheshader (also quoted at 42 Inaclete Road, Stornoway)
Norman Malcolm Montgomery, 17 Sheshader
George Campbell, 5 Portnaguran
A visit to the Eye cemetery reveals that was very much a family tragedy. Norman Malcolm Montgomery of 17 Sheshader was related to Murdo Campbell of 5 Sheshader. Norman's mother, Isabella Montgomery née Macleod, died 6 months after the sinking of the Empire Light. Her husband Norman was lost in the sinking of HMY Iolaire on 1 January 1919, one of the 205 drowned in that disaster.
Tuesday, 19 November 2013
In waters deep
In memory of all those who gave their lives, in peril on the seas.
IN WATERS DEEP
In ocean wastes no poppies blow,
No crosses stand in ordered row,
Their young hearts sleep... beneath the wave...
The spirited, the good, the brave,
But stars a constant vigil keep,
For them who lie beneath the deep.
'Tis true you cannot kneel in prayer
On certain spot and think. "He's there."
But you can to the ocean go...
See whitecaps marching row on row;
Know one for him will always ride...
In and out... with every tide.
And when your span of life is passed,
He'll meet you at the "Captain's Mast."
And they who mourn on distant shore
For sailors who'll come home no more,
Can dry their tears and pray for these
Who rest beneath the heaving seas...
For stars that shine and winds that blow
And whitecaps marching row on row.
And they can never lonely be
For when they lived... they chose the sea...
Eileen Mahoney
IN WATERS DEEP
In ocean wastes no poppies blow,
No crosses stand in ordered row,
Their young hearts sleep... beneath the wave...
The spirited, the good, the brave,
But stars a constant vigil keep,
For them who lie beneath the deep.
'Tis true you cannot kneel in prayer
On certain spot and think. "He's there."
But you can to the ocean go...
See whitecaps marching row on row;
Know one for him will always ride...
In and out... with every tide.
And when your span of life is passed,
He'll meet you at the "Captain's Mast."
And they who mourn on distant shore
For sailors who'll come home no more,
Can dry their tears and pray for these
Who rest beneath the heaving seas...
For stars that shine and winds that blow
And whitecaps marching row on row.
And they can never lonely be
For when they lived... they chose the sea...
Eileen Mahoney
Monday, 18 November 2013
Wiay
There are at least two islands by that name off the west coast of Scotland, one in Loch Bracadale (Skye), and the other off the east coast of Benbecula. It is to the latter that this post refers. At present, I'm working my way through the list of WW1 casualties from Benbecula, and Donald Monk is one of them.
Serjeant DONALD MONK
Son of Capt. John and Catherine Monk, of Benbecula;
Husband of Elizabeth Monk, of 134, Queen's Rd. West, North Vancouver.
Last known address in Benbecula: Wiay
Service unit: D Coy 49th Canadian Infantry (Alberta Regiment)
Service number: A32674
Date of birth: 18 April 1886
Date of death: 30 October 1917 at the age of 31
Memorial: Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, panel 24 - 28 - 30)
Local memorial: Benbecula
Donald was married to Elizabeth, living at 134th St / 114th Ave in Vancouver when he signed up for the CEF on 11 January 1915 at Edmonton. He is described as follows:
Height: 5 ft 10 3/4 in
Complexion: fair
Eyes: brown
Hair: brown
Religion: Church of England
He appears in the 1901 census on Wiay Island, off Benbecula, aged 15, son of Cathrine (46) and brother of Neil (12) and Angus (10). He is also mentioned in the 1891 census, eldest child (4) of John (45) and Cathrine (39), Neil (3) and Angus (3 days) being the others.
Wiay is for sale, 23 years after its outgoing owners bought it on a whim. Half a million quid, and it's yours. With resurrected planning application for a holiday home in the ruined crofter's house on the island. Which sends me wondering, is that the house in which Donald Monk was born?
Serjeant DONALD MONK
Son of Capt. John and Catherine Monk, of Benbecula;
Husband of Elizabeth Monk, of 134, Queen's Rd. West, North Vancouver.
Last known address in Benbecula: Wiay
Service unit: D Coy 49th Canadian Infantry (Alberta Regiment)
Service number: A32674
Date of birth: 18 April 1886
Date of death: 30 October 1917 at the age of 31
Memorial: Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, panel 24 - 28 - 30)
Local memorial: Benbecula
Donald was married to Elizabeth, living at 134th St / 114th Ave in Vancouver when he signed up for the CEF on 11 January 1915 at Edmonton. He is described as follows:
Height: 5 ft 10 3/4 in
Complexion: fair
Eyes: brown
Hair: brown
Religion: Church of England
He appears in the 1901 census on Wiay Island, off Benbecula, aged 15, son of Cathrine (46) and brother of Neil (12) and Angus (10). He is also mentioned in the 1891 census, eldest child (4) of John (45) and Cathrine (39), Neil (3) and Angus (3 days) being the others.
Wiay is for sale, 23 years after its outgoing owners bought it on a whim. Half a million quid, and it's yours. With resurrected planning application for a holiday home in the ruined crofter's house on the island. Which sends me wondering, is that the house in which Donald Monk was born?
Wednesday, 6 November 2013
Remember, remember, the 11th of November
Armistice Day is nearly upon us, and I feel it is appropriate to post a reminder of my links that commemorate the Fallen from the Outer Hebrides in both World Wars.
Centenary of Sacrifice is an on-going project, which will post the names of all the Fallen from these islands on the date, 100 years later, on which they died.
Isle of Lewis
Faces from the Lewis War Memorial
A listing of the casualties from Lewis from WW1.
Lewismen lost in the Great War
A listing of the casualties from Lewis from WW1, including all available information (e.g. images of war graves, transcript of Stornoway Gazette tributes etc).
Roll of Honour, Isle of Lewis 1914-1919
A transcript of Loyal Lewis, Roll of Honour, listing all from the island who served during WW1
Tributes for the War Memorial
A transcript of tributes from the Stornoway Gazette to WW1 casualties from Lewis
Tributes for the War Memorial (WW2)
A transcript of tributes from the Stornoway Gazette to WW2 casualties from Lewis
John Macaulay RNR and SS Kenmare
The story of one WW1 casualty, the ship on which he died and the U-boat that launched the fatal torpedo
Lewismen in Australian service
A listing of those WW1 casualties who served with the Australian forces
Lewismen in Canadian service
A listing of those WW1 casualties from Lewis who served with the Canadian Expeditionary Force
Lewismen from the 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
A listing of WW1 casualties from the 2nd battalion Seaforth Highlanders , accompanied by transcripts from the battalion war diary for the day on which they died.
Iolaire Disaster 1919
Listing of all casualties who died in the sinking of HMY Iolaire on New Year's Day 1919
HMS Timbertown
About the internment camp at Groningen, Holland, where 105 Lewismen were interned during WW1
World War II tribute for Lewis
A listing of WW2 casualties from Lewis
Wargraves in Lewis
Photographs of all CWGC and private wargraves in Lewis and information on the casualties
War memorials in Lewis
Photographs of all war memorials in Lewis with transcripts.
Southern Isles
Outer Hebrides losses in the Great War
A listing of military and personal details of the WW1 casualties from Harris, Berneray, North Uist, Grimsay, South Uist, Eriskay and Barra
Berneray to Vatersay tribute
A listing of the WW1 and WW2 casualties from Berneray, North Uist, Grimsay, South Uist, Eriskay and Barra
Harris War Memorial
A listing of the casualties from Harris from WW1 and WW2.
Western Isles wargraves
A listing of all wargraves in the Western Isles, listed by cemetery
Western Isles war memorials
A listing of all war memorials in the Western Isle
Other
Lyness Royal Naval Cemetery
A listing of photographs of wargraves and military information of the casualties, interred at the Lyness Royal Naval Cemetery in Orkney
Centenary of Sacrifice is an on-going project, which will post the names of all the Fallen from these islands on the date, 100 years later, on which they died.
Isle of Lewis
Faces from the Lewis War Memorial
A listing of the casualties from Lewis from WW1.
Lewismen lost in the Great War
A listing of the casualties from Lewis from WW1, including all available information (e.g. images of war graves, transcript of Stornoway Gazette tributes etc).
Roll of Honour, Isle of Lewis 1914-1919
A transcript of Loyal Lewis, Roll of Honour, listing all from the island who served during WW1
Tributes for the War Memorial
A transcript of tributes from the Stornoway Gazette to WW1 casualties from Lewis
Tributes for the War Memorial (WW2)
A transcript of tributes from the Stornoway Gazette to WW2 casualties from Lewis
John Macaulay RNR and SS Kenmare
The story of one WW1 casualty, the ship on which he died and the U-boat that launched the fatal torpedo
Lewismen in Australian service
A listing of those WW1 casualties who served with the Australian forces
Lewismen in Canadian service
A listing of those WW1 casualties from Lewis who served with the Canadian Expeditionary Force
Lewismen from the 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
A listing of WW1 casualties from the 2nd battalion Seaforth Highlanders , accompanied by transcripts from the battalion war diary for the day on which they died.
Iolaire Disaster 1919
Listing of all casualties who died in the sinking of HMY Iolaire on New Year's Day 1919
HMS Timbertown
About the internment camp at Groningen, Holland, where 105 Lewismen were interned during WW1
World War II tribute for Lewis
A listing of WW2 casualties from Lewis
Wargraves in Lewis
Photographs of all CWGC and private wargraves in Lewis and information on the casualties
War memorials in Lewis
Photographs of all war memorials in Lewis with transcripts.
Southern Isles
Outer Hebrides losses in the Great War
A listing of military and personal details of the WW1 casualties from Harris, Berneray, North Uist, Grimsay, South Uist, Eriskay and Barra
Berneray to Vatersay tribute
A listing of the WW1 and WW2 casualties from Berneray, North Uist, Grimsay, South Uist, Eriskay and Barra
Harris War Memorial
A listing of the casualties from Harris from WW1 and WW2.
Western Isles wargraves
A listing of all wargraves in the Western Isles, listed by cemetery
Western Isles war memorials
A listing of all war memorials in the Western Isle
Other
Lyness Royal Naval Cemetery
A listing of photographs of wargraves and military information of the casualties, interred at the Lyness Royal Naval Cemetery in Orkney
Wednesday, 16 October 2013
Gallipoli
Over the past fortnight, I have monitored the progress of our former freight ferry, the MV Muirneag, as she sailed from Stornoway to Istanbul. She arrived there yesterday, October 15th. In the early hours, Muirneag passed Gallipoli, known in Turkish as Çanakkale, which lies at the entrance to the Dardanelles Strait, west of Istanbul. In 1915, this was the site of a nine-month battle between Allied and Turkish forces. The Allies, including a large contingent of Australian and New Zealand (ANZAC) forces, were trying to capture the fortresses and thereby the Dardanelles Strait, opening up a way to Constantinople (as Istanbul was known then) and a way to take Turkey out of the First World War. Poor intelligence is quoted as one of the reasons for the catastrophic failure of the Allies to achieve their aims. Both sides lost a quarter of a million lives. The names Gallipoli and Dardanelles now live on with a shadow over them. Among the Allied casualties were (at least) twelve men from the Isle of Lewis. Although Muirneag is no longer registered as a British vessel (she is now flying the Panamanian flag), I regard her still to be an emissary of the island, bearing in mind her long record of service to the community. As such, her innocent passage through the Dardanelles was a salute to the Fallen of Gallipoli, particularly to the twelve men from Lewis, whom I list below.
Driver NORMAN CAMPBELL
Son of Donald and Jessie Campbell
Last address in Lewis: 12 Aird, Point
Service unit: Royal Garrison Artillery, 4th Highland Battery
Service number: 4288
Date of death: 9 August 1915 at the age of 20
Died of wounds sustained at Suvla Bay
Memorial: Helles Memorial, Panel 23 or 325
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost); Nicolson Institute WW1, left panel
Gunner MURDO MACAULAY
Last address in Lewis: 2 Keith Street, Stornoway
Service unit: Royal Garrison Artillery, 4th Highland Battery
Service number: 4401
Date of death: 15 July 1915 at the age of 22
Died in Malta, of wounds incurred on 11 June 1915
Interred: Pieta Military Cemetery grave B. II. 3
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial; Nicolson Institute WW1, left panel
Seaman JOHN MACDONALD
Son of Angus and Annie McDonald
Last address in Lewis: 2 Swordale
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Hythe
Service number: 7320/A
Date of death: 28 October 1915 at the age of 19
Ship sank after a collision at the Dardanelles
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 14
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
Gunner JOHN MACDONALD
Husband of Catherine, father of Ian, Kenneth and John
Last address in Lewis: 4 Plantation Road, Stornoway
Service unit: Royal Garrison Artillery, 4th Highland Battery
Service number: 4403
Date of death: 15 May 1915 at the age of 39
Died of wounds on board hospital ship
Memorial: Helles Memorial, panel 23 or 325
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial; Nicolson Institute WW1, left panel
Seaman MALCOLM MACKAY
Last address in Lewis: 3 Achmore
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Triumph
Service number: 4333/B
Date of death: 25 May 1915 at the age of 46
Ship sunk by U-21 at the Dardanelles
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 14
Local memorial: Crossbost
Bombardier ALEXANDER ANGUS MACKENZIE
Son of John and Christy Mackenzie
Last address in Lewis: 4 Crossbost
Service unit: Ross Mountain Battery
Service number: 4319
Date of death: 2 May 1915 at the age of 22
Killed in action in Dardanelles
Memorial: Helles Memorial, panel 23 or 325
Local memorial: North Lochs, Crossbost
Stoker 1st Class HUGH MACKENZIE
Last address in Lewis: 46 Laxdale
Service unit: Royal Navy, HMS Triumph
Service number: 282664
Date of death: 26 May 1915 at the age of 47
Ship sunk by U-21 at the Dardanelles
Memorial: Portsmouth Naval Memorial, panel 8
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial
Gunner NORMAN MACLEAN
Son of Donald Maclean
Last address in Lewis: 5 Vatisker
Service unit: 4th Highland Mountain Bde, Royal Garrison Artillery
Service number: 4335
Date of death: 18 May 1915 at the age of 22
Died in Egypt
Interred: Alexandria (Chatby) Military and War Memorial Cemetery grave L. 194
Local memorial: Back; Nicolson Institute WW1, middle panel
Gunner JOHN MACLEOD
Son of Murdo and Mary Macleod
Last address in Lewis: 18 Aignish
Service unit: Royal Garrison Artillery, 4th Highland Battery
Service number: 4316
Date of death: 9 August 1915 at the age of 22
Died at sea of wounds sustained at Gallipoli
Memorial: Helles Memorial, panel 23 or 325
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial
Seaman KENNETH NICOLSON
Son of Angus and Isabella Nicolson
Last address in Lewis: 24 Lemreway
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Goliath
Service number:
Date of death: 13 May 1915 at the age of 19
Ship sunk by Turkish warship off Cape Helles
Local memorial: Pairc, Kershader
Seaman DONALD SMITH
Son of Donald and Annie Smith; husband of Marion Campbell Smith
Last address in Lewis: 43 North Bragar
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Goliath
Service number: 2350D
Date of death: 13 May 1915 at the age of 40
Ship sunk by Turkish warship off Cape Helles
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 14
Local memorial: West Side, Bragar
Sergeant DONALD STEWART
Son of Elizabeth Stewart, of 32, Argyll Square, Oban.
Last address in Lewis: 85 Cromwell Street, Stornoway
Service unit: Royal Garrison Artillery, Argyll Mountain Bty. 4th (Highland) Mountain Bde.
Service number: 1003
Date of death: 7 November 1915 at the age of 25
Killed in action at Suvla Bay
Interred: Hill 10 Cemetery grave II. C. 15
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial; Nicolson Institute WW1, right panel
Driver NORMAN CAMPBELL
Son of Donald and Jessie Campbell
Last address in Lewis: 12 Aird, Point
Service unit: Royal Garrison Artillery, 4th Highland Battery
Service number: 4288
Date of death: 9 August 1915 at the age of 20
Died of wounds sustained at Suvla Bay
Memorial: Helles Memorial, Panel 23 or 325
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost); Nicolson Institute WW1, left panel
Gunner MURDO MACAULAY
Last address in Lewis: 2 Keith Street, Stornoway
Service unit: Royal Garrison Artillery, 4th Highland Battery
Service number: 4401
Date of death: 15 July 1915 at the age of 22
Died in Malta, of wounds incurred on 11 June 1915
Interred: Pieta Military Cemetery grave B. II. 3
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial; Nicolson Institute WW1, left panel
Seaman JOHN MACDONALD
Son of Angus and Annie McDonald
Last address in Lewis: 2 Swordale
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Hythe
Service number: 7320/A
Date of death: 28 October 1915 at the age of 19
Ship sank after a collision at the Dardanelles
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 14
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
Gunner JOHN MACDONALD
Husband of Catherine, father of Ian, Kenneth and John
Last address in Lewis: 4 Plantation Road, Stornoway
Service unit: Royal Garrison Artillery, 4th Highland Battery
Service number: 4403
Date of death: 15 May 1915 at the age of 39
Died of wounds on board hospital ship
Memorial: Helles Memorial, panel 23 or 325
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial; Nicolson Institute WW1, left panel
Seaman MALCOLM MACKAY
Last address in Lewis: 3 Achmore
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Triumph
Service number: 4333/B
Date of death: 25 May 1915 at the age of 46
Ship sunk by U-21 at the Dardanelles
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 14
Local memorial: Crossbost
Bombardier ALEXANDER ANGUS MACKENZIE
Son of John and Christy Mackenzie
Last address in Lewis: 4 Crossbost
Service unit: Ross Mountain Battery
Service number: 4319
Date of death: 2 May 1915 at the age of 22
Killed in action in Dardanelles
Memorial: Helles Memorial, panel 23 or 325
Local memorial: North Lochs, Crossbost
Stoker 1st Class HUGH MACKENZIE
Last address in Lewis: 46 Laxdale
Service unit: Royal Navy, HMS Triumph
Service number: 282664
Date of death: 26 May 1915 at the age of 47
Ship sunk by U-21 at the Dardanelles
Memorial: Portsmouth Naval Memorial, panel 8
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial
Gunner NORMAN MACLEAN
Son of Donald Maclean
Last address in Lewis: 5 Vatisker
Service unit: 4th Highland Mountain Bde, Royal Garrison Artillery
Service number: 4335
Date of death: 18 May 1915 at the age of 22
Died in Egypt
Interred: Alexandria (Chatby) Military and War Memorial Cemetery grave L. 194
Local memorial: Back; Nicolson Institute WW1, middle panel
Gunner JOHN MACLEOD
Son of Murdo and Mary Macleod
Last address in Lewis: 18 Aignish
Service unit: Royal Garrison Artillery, 4th Highland Battery
Service number: 4316
Date of death: 9 August 1915 at the age of 22
Died at sea of wounds sustained at Gallipoli
Memorial: Helles Memorial, panel 23 or 325
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial
Seaman KENNETH NICOLSON
Son of Angus and Isabella Nicolson
Last address in Lewis: 24 Lemreway
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Goliath
Service number:
Date of death: 13 May 1915 at the age of 19
Ship sunk by Turkish warship off Cape Helles
Local memorial: Pairc, Kershader
Seaman DONALD SMITH
Son of Donald and Annie Smith; husband of Marion Campbell Smith
Last address in Lewis: 43 North Bragar
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Goliath
Service number: 2350D
Date of death: 13 May 1915 at the age of 40
Ship sunk by Turkish warship off Cape Helles
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 14
Local memorial: West Side, Bragar
Sergeant DONALD STEWART
Son of Elizabeth Stewart, of 32, Argyll Square, Oban.
Last address in Lewis: 85 Cromwell Street, Stornoway
Service unit: Royal Garrison Artillery, Argyll Mountain Bty. 4th (Highland) Mountain Bde.
Service number: 1003
Date of death: 7 November 1915 at the age of 25
Killed in action at Suvla Bay
Interred: Hill 10 Cemetery grave II. C. 15
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial; Nicolson Institute WW1, right panel
Sunday, 18 August 2013
Missionaries in Harris
In my researches into the casualties from the First World War who originate in Harris, I came across Angus Fraser, who died in 1916, aged 24, after serving in the Royal Field Artillery. Angus was the son of Alexander and Marion Fraser. Alexander was a local missionary in Collam, near Stockinish, and Marion was a merchant. They were married on 5 August 1890 at Collam. Marion (nee Mackay), aged 34 at the time, was a widow but Alex (42) was yet a bachelor, living (up to then) at Geocrab. They were married according to the forms of the Free Church of Scotland. Alex was the son of Angus (slater, deceased) and Sarah (nee Livingston) and was born at Ballachulish; Marion was the daughter of John Maclean and Margaret (nee Macaskill) from Duirinish in Skye.
Eight months after the wedding, the couple live at 6 Collam with Marion's children from her previous marriage, two boys named Edward (10) and John (9).
Harris was home to four missionaries, according to the 1901 census. George Beaton, aged 54 (address unclear from the Ancestry transcript). He was born at Stornoway, and married to Mary ; Alexander Fraser (as above), Edward Mackay (49), who lived at 32 Scarp and who came from Easdale; and Norman Macdonald (69) who lived at Leac a Li.
In 1901, there are three missionaries:
Alexander Fraser as above
Donald Matheson (60) born in Harris, living at Strond with his wife Flora (50) and five sons.
Donald Macdonald (56), born in Harris, living at Little Borve as a Free Church Missionary, with his wife Catherine (57) and two daughters.
In 1891, there are 6 missionaries.
Ewen Mackenzie (57), born at Glenurquhart, married to Christina (59), living at 60 Scalpay
Donald Macleod (45), born at Stornoway, married to Catherine (42) with 4 children
Malcolm Macleod (37), born in Lewis, married to Isabella (60), living at 5 Maraig
Alexander Fraser (43) as above.
Donald Matheson (48), born in Skye, living at Strond with his wife Flora (40) and 8 children
Lachlan Munro (67), born in Harris, living at Big Borve with his wife Margaret (63).
In 1881, there are 4 missionaries:
Donald Matheson (38), born at Kilmuir in Skye, resident in Scalpay and married to Flora (31) with 3 sons
John Mcdearmid (80), born in Harris, married to Mary (75), living in Scalpay; he is retired
Donald Murray (34), born in Barvas, Lewis, married to Catherine (29), with two sons.
Donald Campbell (40), born in Islay, and living at Strond with his wife Isabella (45).
Eight months after the wedding, the couple live at 6 Collam with Marion's children from her previous marriage, two boys named Edward (10) and John (9).
Harris was home to four missionaries, according to the 1901 census. George Beaton, aged 54 (address unclear from the Ancestry transcript). He was born at Stornoway, and married to Mary ; Alexander Fraser (as above), Edward Mackay (49), who lived at 32 Scarp and who came from Easdale; and Norman Macdonald (69) who lived at Leac a Li.
In 1901, there are three missionaries:
Alexander Fraser as above
Donald Matheson (60) born in Harris, living at Strond with his wife Flora (50) and five sons.
Donald Macdonald (56), born in Harris, living at Little Borve as a Free Church Missionary, with his wife Catherine (57) and two daughters.
In 1891, there are 6 missionaries.
Ewen Mackenzie (57), born at Glenurquhart, married to Christina (59), living at 60 Scalpay
Donald Macleod (45), born at Stornoway, married to Catherine (42) with 4 children
Malcolm Macleod (37), born in Lewis, married to Isabella (60), living at 5 Maraig
Alexander Fraser (43) as above.
Donald Matheson (48), born in Skye, living at Strond with his wife Flora (40) and 8 children
Lachlan Munro (67), born in Harris, living at Big Borve with his wife Margaret (63).
In 1881, there are 4 missionaries:
Donald Matheson (38), born at Kilmuir in Skye, resident in Scalpay and married to Flora (31) with 3 sons
John Mcdearmid (80), born in Harris, married to Mary (75), living in Scalpay; he is retired
Donald Murray (34), born in Barvas, Lewis, married to Catherine (29), with two sons.
Donald Campbell (40), born in Islay, and living at Strond with his wife Isabella (45).
Tuesday, 9 April 2013
Mission Statement
My involvement with the First World War history of Lewis stems from a feeling that I, coming from one of the European countries occupied by Nazi Germany between 1940 and '45, owe a debt of gratitude towards British (and other) forces who were instrumental in lifting the yoke of national-socialism. I would like to think that digitising this aspect of Lewis history will serve to repay a minute portion of that debt.
I have no personal connection to the island, nor to any of the men whose story is told in these posts. Maybe this makes it easier for me to work through this history, as I am not emotionally involved. I can however empathise with the pain, felt by relatives and friends, who suffered bereavements in the Great War. But it is not possible to imagine what the aftermath of the Iolaire Disaster must have felt like, when more than 200 were lost at a stroke in the early hours of New Year's Day 1919.
My work, as displayed in my Internet output, is dedicated to the memory of the 1,300 men from the Isle of Lewis lost in the Great War of 1914-1919.
Repost from 2010, and from Facebook (today).
I have no personal connection to the island, nor to any of the men whose story is told in these posts. Maybe this makes it easier for me to work through this history, as I am not emotionally involved. I can however empathise with the pain, felt by relatives and friends, who suffered bereavements in the Great War. But it is not possible to imagine what the aftermath of the Iolaire Disaster must have felt like, when more than 200 were lost at a stroke in the early hours of New Year's Day 1919.
My work, as displayed in my Internet output, is dedicated to the memory of the 1,300 men from the Isle of Lewis lost in the Great War of 1914-1919.
Repost from 2010, and from Facebook (today).
Thursday, 4 April 2013
Black Watch memorial
A memorial statue to the Black Watch regiment, and the sacrifices made by its servicemen, is to be unveiled in Belgium. The Isle of Lewis lost 6 of its sons who served in that regiment during the Great War. These are their details.
Private MALCOLM MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 8 Tong,
Service unit: 1st Black Watch
Service number: 5881
Date of death: 9 May 1915
Killed in action
Memorial: Le Touret, panel 24 to 26
Local memorial: Back
Wounded at Ypres
Sergeant JOHN MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 7 Kirivick,
Son of John Macleod
Service unit: 12th Black Watch (Royal Highlanders), Labour Corps transf. to (Serjt. 2404). 5th Coy.
Service number: 4274
Date of death: 2 June 1917
Killed in action in France
Interred: Trois Arbres Cemetery, Steenwerck; grave I. M. 11
Local memorial: Carloway
Private JOHN MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 5 Broker,
Service unit: Black Watch
Date of death: 1918 at the age of 21
Killed in action in France
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
Private EVANDER MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 1 Upper Bayble,
Son of Malcolm Macdonald and Ann Mackenzie
Service unit: 6th Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)
Service number: S/24568
Date of death: 24 October 1918 at the age of 26
Killed in action
Interred: Cambrai East Military Cemetery, grave I. A. 23.
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
Private ARCHIE MURRAY
Last address in Lewis: 25 Newton Street, Stornoway
Son of John and Catherine Murray
Service unit: 1st / 7th Black Watch
Service number: 292771
Date of death: 25 April 1917 at the age of 28
Killed in action
Interred: Brown's Copse Cemetery, Roeux, grave II. C. 17
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial
Private JOHN MURRAY
Last address in Lewis: 25 Newton Street, Stornoway
Son of John and Catherine Livingstone Murray, of 104 Kilbowie Road, Clydebank, Dumbartonshire.
Service unit: 2nd Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)
Service number: S/7278
Date of death: 17 June 1918 at the age of 33
Interred: Ramleh War Cemetery, Israel, grave K. 47
Enlisted at Clydebank.
Born at Partick, Glasgow
Private MALCOLM MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 8 Tong,
Service unit: 1st Black Watch
Service number: 5881
Date of death: 9 May 1915
Killed in action
Memorial: Le Touret, panel 24 to 26
Local memorial: Back
Wounded at Ypres
Sergeant JOHN MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 7 Kirivick,
Son of John Macleod
Service unit: 12th Black Watch (Royal Highlanders), Labour Corps transf. to (Serjt. 2404). 5th Coy.
Service number: 4274
Date of death: 2 June 1917
Killed in action in France
Interred: Trois Arbres Cemetery, Steenwerck; grave I. M. 11
Local memorial: Carloway
Private JOHN MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 5 Broker,
Service unit: Black Watch
Date of death: 1918 at the age of 21
Killed in action in France
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
Private EVANDER MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 1 Upper Bayble,
Son of Malcolm Macdonald and Ann Mackenzie
Service unit: 6th Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)
Service number: S/24568
Date of death: 24 October 1918 at the age of 26
Killed in action
Interred: Cambrai East Military Cemetery, grave I. A. 23.
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
Private ARCHIE MURRAY
Last address in Lewis: 25 Newton Street, Stornoway
Son of John and Catherine Murray
Service unit: 1st / 7th Black Watch
Service number: 292771
Date of death: 25 April 1917 at the age of 28
Killed in action
Interred: Brown's Copse Cemetery, Roeux, grave II. C. 17
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial
Private JOHN MURRAY
Last address in Lewis: 25 Newton Street, Stornoway
Son of John and Catherine Livingstone Murray, of 104 Kilbowie Road, Clydebank, Dumbartonshire.
Service unit: 2nd Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)
Service number: S/7278
Date of death: 17 June 1918 at the age of 33
Interred: Ramleh War Cemetery, Israel, grave K. 47
Enlisted at Clydebank.
Born at Partick, Glasgow
Sunday, 17 February 2013
Died in internment
John Macleay of Lower Shader was interned in Holland from October 1914. After his death in August 1915, the Groningen newspaper Nieuwsblad van het Noorden gave a full account of the ceremony surrounding his burial in the Zuiderbegraafplaats cemetery in the city. The translation is given below the summary of John's personal and military information.
Seaman JOHN MACLEAY
Last address in Lewis: 38 Lower Shader,
Son of John and Annie MacLeay. Born at Shader Barvas, Lewis.
Service unit: Royal Naval Division, Collingwood Battallion
Service number: CH/2588/B
Date of death: 26 August 1915 at the age of 31
Died in Groningen during internment in Holland
Interred: Groningen Southern cemetery, Holland North-West part, Class 4, row 37
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve
Nieuwsblad van het Noorden, Groningen, Holland, 30 August 1915
"On Saturday morning at 10 o'clock, the funeral took place of the English internee John MacLeay, who succumbed to tuberculosis in the Academic Hospital here. At 10 o'clock, the coffin was placed on the bier, carried by twelve internees. The entire bier was covered in a host of flowers, shaped like anchors, crosses and wreaths. It was a serious and solumn moment when the bier with the deceased passed through a double guard of honour, consisting of a company of internees, and a thick throng of spectators behind, on its way to the final resting place, far from his native land, far from his family. The internees' musicians went ahead. The drums were covered in shrouds of mourning. Sad but solemnly the "Dead March" from "Saul" by Handel was played. Four military policemen rode ahead to clear a path through the thick throng of spectators, who were waiting on the pavements or walking ahead of the cortege. Police and militia were fully occupied in keeping the attending spectators out of the cortege, but public order was maintained in an exemplary fashion.
The firing squad, consisting of 6 Dutch soldiers, commanded by a lieutenant, followed the bier, behind which followed three clergymen, one in full robes, and the company of about 300 internees. Twenty-four Dutch accompanying forces came behind these. Commodore Henderson and captain Broertjes were also observed. The large crowd of spectators lined the route, from Oostersingel, Nieuwe Weg, Poelestraat, Oosterstraat, Rademarkt, Heeresingel and Heereweg.
At the cemetery, another guard of honour of English internees was lined up in two rows. Apart from the commandant of the internment depot and the chief constable of police, several Dutch naval officers, non-commissioned officers and lower ranks were present. The twelve internees, who had walked beside the bier through the city streets, now once more acted as bearers, whilst the firing squad took up positions at the entrance to the cemetery. Slowly, the coffin, draped in the English flag, was carried on the bearers' shoulders into the cemetery. An order from the lieutenant broke the profound silence. Aim high! Fire salvo! Fire! Six shots rang out. Inside the cemetery, several NCO's and lower ranks were lined up who saluted as the coffin was carried past, now also followed by other figures in authority. When the coffin was at the graveside, the firing squad, now consisting of 7 men, fired a salvo over the coffin.
The trumpeteers sounded signals and Rev. D. McDougall led in prayer. After reading Psalm 90 in English, he requested the Scottish sailors to sing two verses from psalm 14 in the Celtic language, precented by Ordinary Sailor MacDonald. This singing made a deep impression on those present. Rev. Coryton from Rotterdam read 1 Corinthians 15, and Rev Miedema Revelations 22, after which Rev. Thomson from Amsterdam closed the ceremony with prayer. The internees now lowered the coffin into the grave, upon which the firing squad fired another salvo over the coffin. This ended the ceremony.
Nine wreaths covered the bier, with the following texts: "With deepest sympathy 1. from Gaelic Scotchmen in Hawke Battalion, 2. from his Scotch Friends as. R.F.R. - R.N.V.R. and 3. from the Dutch officers of the Internment Depot, 4. from the interned members of the camp, 5. from Commodore Henderson, 6. an anchor from Gaelic Scotchmen in Benbow Battalion, 7. a glass box with wreath of the R.N.R. Collingwood Battalion, 8. from his comrades D. Company Collingwood Battalion 1st Naval Brigade, 9. a cross. In the afternoon, when the cemetery was also open to the public, many took the opportunity to visit the grave".
Seaman JOHN MACLEAY
Last address in Lewis: 38 Lower Shader,
Son of John and Annie MacLeay. Born at Shader Barvas, Lewis.
Service unit: Royal Naval Division, Collingwood Battallion
Service number: CH/2588/B
Date of death: 26 August 1915 at the age of 31
Died in Groningen during internment in Holland
Interred: Groningen Southern cemetery, Holland North-West part, Class 4, row 37
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve
Nieuwsblad van het Noorden, Groningen, Holland, 30 August 1915
"On Saturday morning at 10 o'clock, the funeral took place of the English internee John MacLeay, who succumbed to tuberculosis in the Academic Hospital here. At 10 o'clock, the coffin was placed on the bier, carried by twelve internees. The entire bier was covered in a host of flowers, shaped like anchors, crosses and wreaths. It was a serious and solumn moment when the bier with the deceased passed through a double guard of honour, consisting of a company of internees, and a thick throng of spectators behind, on its way to the final resting place, far from his native land, far from his family. The internees' musicians went ahead. The drums were covered in shrouds of mourning. Sad but solemnly the "Dead March" from "Saul" by Handel was played. Four military policemen rode ahead to clear a path through the thick throng of spectators, who were waiting on the pavements or walking ahead of the cortege. Police and militia were fully occupied in keeping the attending spectators out of the cortege, but public order was maintained in an exemplary fashion.
The firing squad, consisting of 6 Dutch soldiers, commanded by a lieutenant, followed the bier, behind which followed three clergymen, one in full robes, and the company of about 300 internees. Twenty-four Dutch accompanying forces came behind these. Commodore Henderson and captain Broertjes were also observed. The large crowd of spectators lined the route, from Oostersingel, Nieuwe Weg, Poelestraat, Oosterstraat, Rademarkt, Heeresingel and Heereweg.
At the cemetery, another guard of honour of English internees was lined up in two rows. Apart from the commandant of the internment depot and the chief constable of police, several Dutch naval officers, non-commissioned officers and lower ranks were present. The twelve internees, who had walked beside the bier through the city streets, now once more acted as bearers, whilst the firing squad took up positions at the entrance to the cemetery. Slowly, the coffin, draped in the English flag, was carried on the bearers' shoulders into the cemetery. An order from the lieutenant broke the profound silence. Aim high! Fire salvo! Fire! Six shots rang out. Inside the cemetery, several NCO's and lower ranks were lined up who saluted as the coffin was carried past, now also followed by other figures in authority. When the coffin was at the graveside, the firing squad, now consisting of 7 men, fired a salvo over the coffin.
The trumpeteers sounded signals and Rev. D. McDougall led in prayer. After reading Psalm 90 in English, he requested the Scottish sailors to sing two verses from psalm 14 in the Celtic language, precented by Ordinary Sailor MacDonald. This singing made a deep impression on those present. Rev. Coryton from Rotterdam read 1 Corinthians 15, and Rev Miedema Revelations 22, after which Rev. Thomson from Amsterdam closed the ceremony with prayer. The internees now lowered the coffin into the grave, upon which the firing squad fired another salvo over the coffin. This ended the ceremony.
Nine wreaths covered the bier, with the following texts: "With deepest sympathy 1. from Gaelic Scotchmen in Hawke Battalion, 2. from his Scotch Friends as. R.F.R. - R.N.V.R. and 3. from the Dutch officers of the Internment Depot, 4. from the interned members of the camp, 5. from Commodore Henderson, 6. an anchor from Gaelic Scotchmen in Benbow Battalion, 7. a glass box with wreath of the R.N.R. Collingwood Battalion, 8. from his comrades D. Company Collingwood Battalion 1st Naval Brigade, 9. a cross. In the afternoon, when the cemetery was also open to the public, many took the opportunity to visit the grave".
Thursday, 7 February 2013
Change of name
Norman Martin, 30 Upper Shader, was a regular soldier in the Scots
Guards. For some reason he left the regiment and rejoined later under
another name. John Macdonald (he may or may not have used the same
address). He was wounded and died the following day in 1916.
I have found a John Macdonald, (11333) Scots Guards, who died 19 June 1916 but place of birth quoted as Glasgow. Maybe; but the connection is not strong enough.
I have found a John Macdonald, (11333) Scots Guards, who died 19 June 1916 but place of birth quoted as Glasgow. Maybe; but the connection is not strong enough.
Wednesday, 6 February 2013
Seven sons
The Roll of Honour mentions a family of Macivers, living at Carnan House in North Shawbost. Nowadays, Carnan House is the big house to the west end of Loch na Muilne, off the main road between Shawbost and Bragar. The Macivers had come from Lochcarron, where the 1901 census shows them with 11 children, ranging in age from 1 to 16.
I summarise the census return for the Police Station at Lochcarron.
John (who originates from Uig, Lewis) is aged 53, and a police sergeant. He is married to Isabella (42, from Barvas, Lewis) and has 11 children at the time. Apart from Iver (or Evander), the census shows Helen (16), John (14), Donald (13), Mary (11), Kenneth (9), Isaac (8), Isabella Margaret (4), Roderick (3), Angus (2) and Kate Jane (1).
The boys, as listed in the 1901 census, all joined up for the First World War. Two lost their lives, Evander in 1916, serving with the Canadians and Kenneth in the same year,whilst serving in the Ross Mountain Battery. The other five brothers survived. John was a Quartermaster Sergeant; Isaac a captain and Roderick likewise served in the Seaforth Highlanders. Donald was in the Canadians, and Angus was a mechanic in the Royal Air Force.
I summarise the census return for the Police Station at Lochcarron.
John (who originates from Uig, Lewis) is aged 53, and a police sergeant. He is married to Isabella (42, from Barvas, Lewis) and has 11 children at the time. Apart from Iver (or Evander), the census shows Helen (16), John (14), Donald (13), Mary (11), Kenneth (9), Isaac (8), Isabella Margaret (4), Roderick (3), Angus (2) and Kate Jane (1).
The boys, as listed in the 1901 census, all joined up for the First World War. Two lost their lives, Evander in 1916, serving with the Canadians and Kenneth in the same year,whilst serving in the Ross Mountain Battery. The other five brothers survived. John was a Quartermaster Sergeant; Isaac a captain and Roderick likewise served in the Seaforth Highlanders. Donald was in the Canadians, and Angus was a mechanic in the Royal Air Force.
Tuesday, 1 January 2013
The Iolaire story
This is the full story, as told in five parts between 7.30pm on December 31st and 9.10 am on January 1st.
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.
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.
Conditions in the Minch are now poor, and all on board Iolaire are glad that the journey is nearly over. The passengers, most of them familiar with the passage to Stornoway, are snoozing their way, lulled to slumber by the steady if roughish motion of the waves that Iolaire rides. The captain goes down below to rest, his second-in-command takes over on the bridge. A fishing boat is also on its way home to Stornoway, and is running a broadly parallel course to Iolaire.
The passengers can now see the lights of Stornoway ahead, as well as the familiar signal of the Arnish Lighthouse and its secondary beacon. All begin to stir and start to prepare for disembarkation, which is now only about a quarter of or half an hour away. But all is not well. The sound of waves striking shore becomes audible over the noise of wind and swell.
The next noise is a far greater one. Iolaire changes course abruptly, as the crew realise they have overshot the harbour entrance. But it is too late. At 1.55 am, the ship comes to a crashing halt on the rocks of the Beasts of Holm.
Iolaire was mortally damaged by her grounding, and would eventually slip from the rocks and sink into the depths beside the Beasts of Holm. Only her mast would be left showing above the waves.
Flares were let off, which were spotted by the fishing boat and the Sheila, which were running into Stornoway behind Iolaire. Conditions, however, were too severe for any direct help to be offered by any vessel, as they would place themselves into severe danger. One intrepid man managed to bring a hawser ashore, which was to become a literal lifeline for nearly four dozen souls. Others attempted to use the lifeboats, which were almost immediately swamped by the heavy swell, or smashed on the rocks nearby. For Iolaire only grounded about 50 yards from shore. Those who jumped into the sea drowned almost at once, or were smashed onto the rocks, left lifeless. A life-saving apparatus, a breeches' buoy, which had been brought from Stornoway, came way too late to be useful.
Some of those that survived made their way to Stoneyfield Farm, about half a mile from the scene of Iolaire's sinking, and their terrible news was relayed to Stornoway. The flares had been spotted from the town, but had been (mis)taken for celebratory rockets.
The houses waited. The stew over the fire, the teapot on the stove. The clothes on the bed, and the made up table. The families, friends and other islanders waited. Then news filtered through into, and from Stornoway. The Iolaire was lost. Several dozen had been saved. But so many more were not. A night of terrifying uncertainty drew on. Would he be among the saved?
It is early January, and daylight is still many hours away.
It is just after 9 o'clock, and the sun rises over the mountains of mainland Scotland. Its light sweeps west, and shows up a ship's mast protruding from the sea, only a few dozen yards from the shore of Holm Point. The figure of a man can be made out, as he holds on for dear life. As he has done for nigh upon seven hours. Others had been with him, but their strength had given out, and had fallen into the sea below. The man is saved from his precarious position. He had been one of about three hundred on board Iolaire who had left Kyle the evening before, expecting to arrive in Stornoway at 2 am. Instead, two hundred would never return home, and some sixty would never be retrieved.
A gruesome sight presented itself on the shores, beaches and rocky outcrops of eastern Lewis, around the bay of Stornoway. East to Knock, north to Sandwick and Stornoway, south to Grimshader. One hundred and forty bobbed on the tide, lost in the Iolaire. Those that could be retrieved were taken to the naval base at the Battery in Stornoway, to be identified and collected by family.
Those who had not yet had news of the tragedy would soon receive it, as elders of the church went round, the bearers of the news of loss. A brother, a father. An uncle, a nephew. A son, a cousin. No village was spared. No family who was not directly or indirectly affected. The stories abound, but are not readily told.
It is 2013, and dawn has broken on a new year. Four years ago, several hundred gathered at the little memorial at Holm Point to remember. It was a beautiful mild winter's day, with not a breath of wind. We looked south, across the Minch, where the jagged humps of the Shiants, the distant lines of Skye, and on a day of exceptional clarity, even the hills behind Kyle can be made out, 75 miles away. In this day and age, a short journey. In 1919, a journey that was never completed by two hundred and five souls.
Rest in peace.
A full listing of names can be found here
Postscript
The exact cause for the foundering of HMY Iolaire has never been fully cleared up, and theories abound. There are accusations of a cover-up by the Royal Navy, drunkenness on the part of the crew, and speculation on the factors played by the weather. It is not the object of this blog to apportion blame, or determine the exact cause for the tragedy. This is a tribute to the two hundred and five who perished at the Beasts of Holm that New Year's night in 1919.
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.
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.
Conditions in the Minch are now poor, and all on board Iolaire are glad that the journey is nearly over. The passengers, most of them familiar with the passage to Stornoway, are snoozing their way, lulled to slumber by the steady if roughish motion of the waves that Iolaire rides. The captain goes down below to rest, his second-in-command takes over on the bridge. A fishing boat is also on its way home to Stornoway, and is running a broadly parallel course to Iolaire.
The passengers can now see the lights of Stornoway ahead, as well as the familiar signal of the Arnish Lighthouse and its secondary beacon. All begin to stir and start to prepare for disembarkation, which is now only about a quarter of or half an hour away. But all is not well. The sound of waves striking shore becomes audible over the noise of wind and swell.
The next noise is a far greater one. Iolaire changes course abruptly, as the crew realise they have overshot the harbour entrance. But it is too late. At 1.55 am, the ship comes to a crashing halt on the rocks of the Beasts of Holm.
Iolaire was mortally damaged by her grounding, and would eventually slip from the rocks and sink into the depths beside the Beasts of Holm. Only her mast would be left showing above the waves.
Flares were let off, which were spotted by the fishing boat and the Sheila, which were running into Stornoway behind Iolaire. Conditions, however, were too severe for any direct help to be offered by any vessel, as they would place themselves into severe danger. One intrepid man managed to bring a hawser ashore, which was to become a literal lifeline for nearly four dozen souls. Others attempted to use the lifeboats, which were almost immediately swamped by the heavy swell, or smashed on the rocks nearby. For Iolaire only grounded about 50 yards from shore. Those who jumped into the sea drowned almost at once, or were smashed onto the rocks, left lifeless. A life-saving apparatus, a breeches' buoy, which had been brought from Stornoway, came way too late to be useful.
Some of those that survived made their way to Stoneyfield Farm, about half a mile from the scene of Iolaire's sinking, and their terrible news was relayed to Stornoway. The flares had been spotted from the town, but had been (mis)taken for celebratory rockets.
The houses waited. The stew over the fire, the teapot on the stove. The clothes on the bed, and the made up table. The families, friends and other islanders waited. Then news filtered through into, and from Stornoway. The Iolaire was lost. Several dozen had been saved. But so many more were not. A night of terrifying uncertainty drew on. Would he be among the saved?
It is early January, and daylight is still many hours away.
It is just after 9 o'clock, and the sun rises over the mountains of mainland Scotland. Its light sweeps west, and shows up a ship's mast protruding from the sea, only a few dozen yards from the shore of Holm Point. The figure of a man can be made out, as he holds on for dear life. As he has done for nigh upon seven hours. Others had been with him, but their strength had given out, and had fallen into the sea below. The man is saved from his precarious position. He had been one of about three hundred on board Iolaire who had left Kyle the evening before, expecting to arrive in Stornoway at 2 am. Instead, two hundred would never return home, and some sixty would never be retrieved.
A gruesome sight presented itself on the shores, beaches and rocky outcrops of eastern Lewis, around the bay of Stornoway. East to Knock, north to Sandwick and Stornoway, south to Grimshader. One hundred and forty bobbed on the tide, lost in the Iolaire. Those that could be retrieved were taken to the naval base at the Battery in Stornoway, to be identified and collected by family.
Those who had not yet had news of the tragedy would soon receive it, as elders of the church went round, the bearers of the news of loss. A brother, a father. An uncle, a nephew. A son, a cousin. No village was spared. No family who was not directly or indirectly affected. The stories abound, but are not readily told.
It is 2013, and dawn has broken on a new year. Four years ago, several hundred gathered at the little memorial at Holm Point to remember. It was a beautiful mild winter's day, with not a breath of wind. We looked south, across the Minch, where the jagged humps of the Shiants, the distant lines of Skye, and on a day of exceptional clarity, even the hills behind Kyle can be made out, 75 miles away. In this day and age, a short journey. In 1919, a journey that was never completed by two hundred and five souls.
Rest in peace.
A full listing of names can be found here
Postscript
The exact cause for the foundering of HMY Iolaire has never been fully cleared up, and theories abound. There are accusations of a cover-up by the Royal Navy, drunkenness on the part of the crew, and speculation on the factors played by the weather. It is not the object of this blog to apportion blame, or determine the exact cause for the tragedy. This is a tribute to the two hundred and five who perished at the Beasts of Holm that New Year's night in 1919.
94 years ago today - 09:00
It is just after 9 o'clock, and the sun rises over the mountains of
mainland Scotland. Its light sweeps west, and shows up a ship's mast
protruding from the sea, only a few dozen yards from the shore of Holm
Point. The figure of a man can be made out, as he holds on for dear
life. As he has done for nigh upon seven hours. Others had been with
him, but their strength had given out, and had fallen into the sea
below. The man is saved from his precarious position. He had been one of
about three hundred on board Iolaire who had left Kyle the
evening before, expecting to arrive in Stornoway at 2 am. Instead, two
hundred would never return home, and some sixty would never be
retrieved.
A gruesome sight presented itself on the shores, beaches and rocky outcrops of eastern Lewis, around the bay of Stornoway. East to Knock, north to Sandwick and Stornoway, south to Grimshader. One hundred and forty bobbed on the tide, lost in the Iolaire. Those that could be retrieved were taken to the naval base at the Battery in Stornoway, to be identified and collected by family.
Those who had not yet had news of the tragedy would soon receive it, as elders of the church went round, the bearers of the news of loss. A brother, a father. An uncle, a nephew. A son, a cousin. No village was spared. No family who was not directly or indirectly affected. The stories abound, but are not readily told.
It is 2013, and dawn has broken on a new year. Four years ago, several hundred gathered at the little memorial at Holm Point to remember. It was a beautiful mild winter's day, with not a breath of wind. We looked south, across the Minch, where the jagged humps of the Shiants, the distant lines of Skye, and on a day of exceptional clarity, even the hills behind Kyle can be made out, 75 miles away. In this day and age, a short journey. In 1919, a journey that was never completed by two hundred and five souls.
Rest in peace.
A full listing of names can be found here
A gruesome sight presented itself on the shores, beaches and rocky outcrops of eastern Lewis, around the bay of Stornoway. East to Knock, north to Sandwick and Stornoway, south to Grimshader. One hundred and forty bobbed on the tide, lost in the Iolaire. Those that could be retrieved were taken to the naval base at the Battery in Stornoway, to be identified and collected by family.
Those who had not yet had news of the tragedy would soon receive it, as elders of the church went round, the bearers of the news of loss. A brother, a father. An uncle, a nephew. A son, a cousin. No village was spared. No family who was not directly or indirectly affected. The stories abound, but are not readily told.
It is 2013, and dawn has broken on a new year. Four years ago, several hundred gathered at the little memorial at Holm Point to remember. It was a beautiful mild winter's day, with not a breath of wind. We looked south, across the Minch, where the jagged humps of the Shiants, the distant lines of Skye, and on a day of exceptional clarity, even the hills behind Kyle can be made out, 75 miles away. In this day and age, a short journey. In 1919, a journey that was never completed by two hundred and five souls.
Rest in peace.
A full listing of names can be found here
94 years ago today - 03:00
Iolaire was mortally damaged by her grounding, and would
eventually slip from the rocks and sink into the depths beside the
Beasts of Holm. Only her mast would be left showing above the waves.
Flares were let off, which were spotted by the fishing boat and the Sheila, which were running into Stornoway behind Iolaire. Conditions, however, were too severe for any direct help to be offered by any vessel, as they would place themselves into severe danger. One intrepid man managed to bring a hawser ashore, which was to become a literal lifeline for nearly four dozen souls. Others attempted to use the lifeboats, which were almost immediately swamped by the heavy swell, or smashed on the rocks nearby. For Iolaire only grounded about 50 yards from shore. Those who jumped into the sea drowned almost at once, or were smashed onto the rocks, left lifeless. A life-saving apparatus, a breeches' buoy, which had been brought from Stornoway, came way too late to be useful.
Some of those that survived made their way to Stoneyfield Farm, about half a mile from the scene of Iolaire's sinking, and their terrible news was relayed to Stornoway. The flares had been spotted from the town, but had been (mis)taken for celebratory rockets.
The houses waited. The stew over the fire, the teapot on the stove. The clothes on the bed, and the made up table. The families, friends and other islanders waited. Then news filtered through into, and from Stornoway. The Iolaire was lost. Several dozen had been saved. But so many more were not. A night of terrifying uncertainty drew on. Would he be among the saved?
It is early January, and daylight is still many hours away.
To be continued.
Flares were let off, which were spotted by the fishing boat and the Sheila, which were running into Stornoway behind Iolaire. Conditions, however, were too severe for any direct help to be offered by any vessel, as they would place themselves into severe danger. One intrepid man managed to bring a hawser ashore, which was to become a literal lifeline for nearly four dozen souls. Others attempted to use the lifeboats, which were almost immediately swamped by the heavy swell, or smashed on the rocks nearby. For Iolaire only grounded about 50 yards from shore. Those who jumped into the sea drowned almost at once, or were smashed onto the rocks, left lifeless. A life-saving apparatus, a breeches' buoy, which had been brought from Stornoway, came way too late to be useful.
Some of those that survived made their way to Stoneyfield Farm, about half a mile from the scene of Iolaire's sinking, and their terrible news was relayed to Stornoway. The flares had been spotted from the town, but had been (mis)taken for celebratory rockets.
The houses waited. The stew over the fire, the teapot on the stove. The clothes on the bed, and the made up table. The families, friends and other islanders waited. Then news filtered through into, and from Stornoway. The Iolaire was lost. Several dozen had been saved. But so many more were not. A night of terrifying uncertainty drew on. Would he be among the saved?
It is early January, and daylight is still many hours away.
To be continued.
94 years ago today - 01:55
Conditions in the Minch are now poor, and all on board Iolaire are
glad that the journey is nearly over. The passengers, most of them
familiar with the passage to Stornoway, are snoozing their way, lulled
to slumber by the steady if roughish motion of the waves that Iolaire rides.
The captain goes down below to rest, his second-in-command takes over
on the bridge. A fishing boat is also on its way home to Stornoway, and
is running a broadly parallel course to Iolaire.
The passengers can now see the lights of Stornoway ahead, as well as the familiar signal of the Arnish Lighthouse and its secondary beacon. All begin to stir and start to prepare for disembarkation, which is now only about a quarter of or half an hour away. But all is not well. The sound of waves striking shore becomes audible over the noise of wind and swell.
The next noise is a far greater one. Iolaire changes course abruptly, as the crew realise they have overshot the harbour entrance. But it is too late. At 1.55 am, the ship comes to a crashing halt on the rocks of the Beasts of Holm.
The passengers can now see the lights of Stornoway ahead, as well as the familiar signal of the Arnish Lighthouse and its secondary beacon. All begin to stir and start to prepare for disembarkation, which is now only about a quarter of or half an hour away. But all is not well. The sound of waves striking shore becomes audible over the noise of wind and swell.
The next noise is a far greater one. Iolaire changes course abruptly, as the crew realise they have overshot the harbour entrance. But it is too late. At 1.55 am, the ship comes to a crashing halt on the rocks of the Beasts of Holm.
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