Seaman NORMAN MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 25 Swordale
Son of Donald and Mary Macleod, of Stornoway, Isle of Lewis.
Service: Royal Naval Reserve
Service number: D/X10610D
Date of death: 23 November 1939 at the age of 31
Lost on HMS Rawalpindi, sunk in North Atlantic after engaging German battlecruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau
Memorial: Plymouth Naval, panel 35, column 3
Local memorial: Point, Garrabost
Stornoway Gazette, 8 December 1939
In the House of Commons last week the Prime Minister paid tribute to the
naval reservists and pensioners of HM auxiliary cruiser "Rawalpindi"
whose heroic fight against two German pocket battleships has aroused the
admiration of the whole world.
"These men might have known as soon as they sighted the enemy that there
was no chance", said Mr Chamberlain. "But they had no thought of
surrender. They fired their guns until they could be fired no more, and
many of them went to their deaths thereby carrying on the great
tradition of the Royal Navy. Their example will be an inspiration to
those who come after them."
Twelve at least of these gallant men were fellow islanders of ours, and
the whole community shares the sorrow of their relatives at home, a
sorrow which may be lightened at times by the flickering hope that they
are still alive, although prisoners in the hands of the enemy, but
which which is more likely to be tormented by fears and doubts that are
more poignant than certainty.
There may be those in the crowded cities, lying under the terror of air
raids, who turn wistful eyes towards the peaceful islands of the west,
out of the danger zone, a sanctuary in the midst of the storm. But
while these islands may be relatively safe from direct attack, and
there is no need to carry gas masks to one's daily work, or dig air
raid shelters in the streets, they are contributing more towards the
defence of the Empire than most other communities of the same size.
In the "Courageous", the "Royal Oak", the "Northern Rover" and in other
losses the details of which are not known, men from these islands have
already forfeited their lives, and in many of the disasters which have
overtaken our merchant fleet. Lewis and Harris lads have conducted
themselves with tenacity and courage. There were three in the "Athenia",
ten in the "Lochavon" out of a total deck complement of sixteen and
one in the "Arlington Court", a modest youth from Calbost who is now
at home recuperating at home from the effects of six days' exposure in
an open boat.
No one would claim for these men least of themselves, that they are
struck from a finer die than the rest of humanity or moulded of a nobler
clay, but one can without any sense of boastfulness that when the
nation is at war, the small crofting and fishing communities of the
northern Scottish seaboard have a contribution to make to the fighting
forces which is out of all proportion to their population or their
wealth.
The name of "Rawalpindi" is in our minds today. In the past it was known
as that of the largest garrison town in the whole of India, "the key
to the British system of defence in the North-West Frontier", but now
the name has other associations for us and for the world. Let those who
today feel pride in the gallant heroes of the "Rawalpindi" remember,
when the strife is over and the wounds have healed, that many of those
who died in that desperate encounter were men from another North-West
frontier, which is seldom mentioned in the history books, but whose sons
have done more than most to man the garrisons of the Empire".
Showing posts with label 1939. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 1939. Show all posts
John Mackenzie, 21 Swordale
Seaman JOHN MACKENZIE
Last address in Lewis: 21 Swordale
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Donald MacKenzie, of Stornoway, Isle of Lewis.
Service: Royal Naval Reserve
Service number: D/X10303B
Date of death: 23 November 1939 at the age of 26
Lost on HMS Rawalpindi, sunk in North Atlantic after engaging German battlecruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau
Memorial: Plymouth Naval, panel 35, column 3
Local memorial: Point, Garrabost
Stornoway Gazette, 8 December 1939
In the House of Commons last week the Prime Minister paid tribute to the naval reservists and pensioners of HM auxiliary cruiser "Rawalpindi" whose heroic fight against two German pocket battleships has aroused the admiration of the whole world.
"These men might have known as soon as they sighted the enemy that there was no chance", said Mr Chamberlain. "But they had no thought of surrender. They fired their guns until they could be fired no more, and many of them went to their deaths thereby carrying on the great tradition of the Royal Navy. Their example will be an inspiration to those who come after them."
Twelve at least of these gallant men were fellow islanders of ours, and the whole community shares the sorrow of their relatives at home, a sorrow which may be lightened at times by the flickering hope that they are still alive, although prisoners in the hands of the enemy, but which which is more likely to be tormented by fears and doubts that are more poignant than certainty.
There may be those in the crowded cities, lying under the terror of air raids, who turn wistful eyes towards the peaceful islands of the west, out of the danger zone, a sanctuary in the midst of the storm. But while these islands may be relatively safe from direct attack, and there is no need to carry gas masks to one's daily work, or dig air raid shelters in the streets, they are contributing more towards the defence of the Empire than most other communities of the same size.
In the "Courageous", the "Royal Oak", the "Northern Rover" and in other losses the details of which are not known, men from these islands have already forfeited their lives, and in many of the disasters which have overtaken our merchant fleet. Lewis and Harris lads have conducted themselves with tenacity and courage. There were three in the "Athenia", ten in the "Lochavon" out of a total deck complement of sixteen and one in the "Arlington Court", a modest youth from Calbost who is now at home recuperating at home from the effects of six days' exposure in an open boat.
No one would claim for these men least of themselves, that they are struck from a finer die than the rest of humanity or moulded of a nobler clay, but one can without any sense of boastfulness that when the nation is at war, the small crofting and fishing communities of the northern Scottish seaboard have a contribution to make to the fighting forces which is out of all proportion to their population or their wealth.
The name of "Rawalpindi" is in our minds today. In the past it was known as that of the largest garrison town in the whole of India, "the key to the British system of defence in the North-West Frontier", but now the name has other associations for us and for the world. Let those who today feel pride in the gallant heroes of the "Rawalpindi" remember, when the strife is over and the wounds have healed, that many of those who died in that desperate encounter were men from another North-West frontier, which is seldom mentioned in the history books, but whose sons have done more than most to man the garrisons of the Empire".
Last address in Lewis: 21 Swordale
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Donald MacKenzie, of Stornoway, Isle of Lewis.
Service: Royal Naval Reserve
Service number: D/X10303B
Date of death: 23 November 1939 at the age of 26
Lost on HMS Rawalpindi, sunk in North Atlantic after engaging German battlecruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau
Memorial: Plymouth Naval, panel 35, column 3
Local memorial: Point, Garrabost
Stornoway Gazette, 8 December 1939
In the House of Commons last week the Prime Minister paid tribute to the naval reservists and pensioners of HM auxiliary cruiser "Rawalpindi" whose heroic fight against two German pocket battleships has aroused the admiration of the whole world.
"These men might have known as soon as they sighted the enemy that there was no chance", said Mr Chamberlain. "But they had no thought of surrender. They fired their guns until they could be fired no more, and many of them went to their deaths thereby carrying on the great tradition of the Royal Navy. Their example will be an inspiration to those who come after them."
Twelve at least of these gallant men were fellow islanders of ours, and the whole community shares the sorrow of their relatives at home, a sorrow which may be lightened at times by the flickering hope that they are still alive, although prisoners in the hands of the enemy, but which which is more likely to be tormented by fears and doubts that are more poignant than certainty.
There may be those in the crowded cities, lying under the terror of air raids, who turn wistful eyes towards the peaceful islands of the west, out of the danger zone, a sanctuary in the midst of the storm. But while these islands may be relatively safe from direct attack, and there is no need to carry gas masks to one's daily work, or dig air raid shelters in the streets, they are contributing more towards the defence of the Empire than most other communities of the same size.
In the "Courageous", the "Royal Oak", the "Northern Rover" and in other losses the details of which are not known, men from these islands have already forfeited their lives, and in many of the disasters which have overtaken our merchant fleet. Lewis and Harris lads have conducted themselves with tenacity and courage. There were three in the "Athenia", ten in the "Lochavon" out of a total deck complement of sixteen and one in the "Arlington Court", a modest youth from Calbost who is now at home recuperating at home from the effects of six days' exposure in an open boat.
No one would claim for these men least of themselves, that they are struck from a finer die than the rest of humanity or moulded of a nobler clay, but one can without any sense of boastfulness that when the nation is at war, the small crofting and fishing communities of the northern Scottish seaboard have a contribution to make to the fighting forces which is out of all proportion to their population or their wealth.
The name of "Rawalpindi" is in our minds today. In the past it was known as that of the largest garrison town in the whole of India, "the key to the British system of defence in the North-West Frontier", but now the name has other associations for us and for the world. Let those who today feel pride in the gallant heroes of the "Rawalpindi" remember, when the strife is over and the wounds have healed, that many of those who died in that desperate encounter were men from another North-West frontier, which is seldom mentioned in the history books, but whose sons have done more than most to man the garrisons of the Empire".
Murdo Mackenzie, 21 Swordale
Seaman MURDO MACKENZIE
Last address in Lewis: 21 Swordale
Son of Donald and Catherine Mackenzie, of Stornoway, Isle of Lewis.
Service: Royal Naval Reserve
Service number: LT/X8100C
Date of death: 3 November 1939 at the age of 28
Lost on active service at North Shields
Interred: Tynemouth (Preston) Cemetery, Sec. F. Uncons. grave 11835
Local memorial: Point, Garrabost
Stornoway Gazette, 10 November 1939
It is with regret we record the death of Murdo Mackenzie, son of Donald Mackenzie, 21 Swordale, who was drowned last week, while on active service. Beyond the intimation of his death, no information has yet been received. Murdo, who was about 29 years of age, had been a reservist for more than five years. He was called up at the outbreak of war, but was given an extension on medical grounds, and left home only about a month ago for his war station. He was one of the reservists, mobilised in the crisis of September 1938, and was on service then for a period of three weeks. In civil life, Murdo was a bus driver, being employed for the past two and a half years with Mr Maciver, Swordale, who found him a very efficient and reliable servant. He was extraordinarily popular with the travelling public, because of his great cheerfulness and willingness. He never refused to do a good turn for anyone who approached him. Apart from the pasengers using his bus, he was known by many of the shopkeepers in town with whom he did business on behalf of others, and all of them speak of him in the highest terms. He was a member of the Point Football Committee, and one of the enthusiasts who did much for the development of the game in rural Lewis. He frequently travelled with the Point eleven for their fixtures in other parts of the island, so that he had acquaintances in every district, who join with his more immediate friends in Swordale and his family in lamenting his early death. Much sympathy is felt for his father his sole surviving brother, his stepmother and stepsisters in their bereavement. An older brother, Donald, died in America just about two years ago, while his surviving brother is at present on service as a naval reservist.
Transcriber's note: Other tributes were published in subsequent editions of the Gazette, in memory of "Murd".
Last address in Lewis: 21 Swordale
Son of Donald and Catherine Mackenzie, of Stornoway, Isle of Lewis.
Service: Royal Naval Reserve
Service number: LT/X8100C
Date of death: 3 November 1939 at the age of 28
Lost on active service at North Shields
Interred: Tynemouth (Preston) Cemetery, Sec. F. Uncons. grave 11835
Local memorial: Point, Garrabost
Stornoway Gazette, 10 November 1939
It is with regret we record the death of Murdo Mackenzie, son of Donald Mackenzie, 21 Swordale, who was drowned last week, while on active service. Beyond the intimation of his death, no information has yet been received. Murdo, who was about 29 years of age, had been a reservist for more than five years. He was called up at the outbreak of war, but was given an extension on medical grounds, and left home only about a month ago for his war station. He was one of the reservists, mobilised in the crisis of September 1938, and was on service then for a period of three weeks. In civil life, Murdo was a bus driver, being employed for the past two and a half years with Mr Maciver, Swordale, who found him a very efficient and reliable servant. He was extraordinarily popular with the travelling public, because of his great cheerfulness and willingness. He never refused to do a good turn for anyone who approached him. Apart from the pasengers using his bus, he was known by many of the shopkeepers in town with whom he did business on behalf of others, and all of them speak of him in the highest terms. He was a member of the Point Football Committee, and one of the enthusiasts who did much for the development of the game in rural Lewis. He frequently travelled with the Point eleven for their fixtures in other parts of the island, so that he had acquaintances in every district, who join with his more immediate friends in Swordale and his family in lamenting his early death. Much sympathy is felt for his father his sole surviving brother, his stepmother and stepsisters in their bereavement. An older brother, Donald, died in America just about two years ago, while his surviving brother is at present on service as a naval reservist.
Transcriber's note: Other tributes were published in subsequent editions of the Gazette, in memory of "Murd".
Alexander Crichton, 15 Eagleton
Seaman ALEXANDER CRICHTON
Last address in Lewis: 15 Eagleton
Son of Roderick and Margaret Crichton, of Bayble, Isle of Lewis.
Service: Royal Naval Reserve, HMT James Ludford
Service number: LT/X7989C
Date of death: 12 December 1939 at the age of 31
Lost in mining of ship
Memorial: Lowestoft Naval, panel 1, column 1
Local memorial: Point, Garrabost
Stornoway Gazette, 22 December 1939
Three Lewis Lads Feared Drowned
There were three Lewismen on the trawler "James Ludford" which sank last week after striking a mine. The two officers and 15 men are officially missing, believed drowned.
The Lewis members of the crew were Malcolm Graham, Church Street, Borve; Alexander Matheson, 26 Brue; and Alexander Crichton, 15 Eagletown, Bayble.
Malcolm Graham, who was a son of the late John Graham, was about 38 years of age. He married two years ago and is survived by his wife and one child. He has been sailing for the past 11 or 12 years. A very popular man in the district, he was a splendid physical specimen, thickset and powerful, outstanding even in a district noted for its strong men.
Alexander Matheson, 26 Brue, is a son of the late Norman Matheson. About the same age as Malcolm Graham, he was unmarried.
Alexander Nicolson, 15 Eagleton, is a couson of Murdo Nicolson, 3 Marybank, who is missing from the Rawalpindi. Crichton was home on leave only 10 days before the sinking of the "James Ludford". Both his brothers are on active service; Nicolson's three brothers are also on active service.
Since the outbreak of war, 19 Lewismen and 1 Harrisman have been reported lost or missing - all of them at sea.
Last address in Lewis: 15 Eagleton
Son of Roderick and Margaret Crichton, of Bayble, Isle of Lewis.
Service: Royal Naval Reserve, HMT James Ludford
Service number: LT/X7989C
Date of death: 12 December 1939 at the age of 31
Lost in mining of ship
Memorial: Lowestoft Naval, panel 1, column 1
Local memorial: Point, Garrabost
Stornoway Gazette, 22 December 1939
Three Lewis Lads Feared Drowned
There were three Lewismen on the trawler "James Ludford" which sank last week after striking a mine. The two officers and 15 men are officially missing, believed drowned.
The Lewis members of the crew were Malcolm Graham, Church Street, Borve; Alexander Matheson, 26 Brue; and Alexander Crichton, 15 Eagletown, Bayble.
Malcolm Graham, who was a son of the late John Graham, was about 38 years of age. He married two years ago and is survived by his wife and one child. He has been sailing for the past 11 or 12 years. A very popular man in the district, he was a splendid physical specimen, thickset and powerful, outstanding even in a district noted for its strong men.
Alexander Matheson, 26 Brue, is a son of the late Norman Matheson. About the same age as Malcolm Graham, he was unmarried.
Alexander Nicolson, 15 Eagleton, is a couson of Murdo Nicolson, 3 Marybank, who is missing from the Rawalpindi. Crichton was home on leave only 10 days before the sinking of the "James Ludford". Both his brothers are on active service; Nicolson's three brothers are also on active service.
Since the outbreak of war, 19 Lewismen and 1 Harrisman have been reported lost or missing - all of them at sea.
Murdo Mackenzie, Aird Point
Seaman MURDO MACKENZIE
Last address in Lewis: Aird, Point
Son of Donald and Catherine Mackenzie, of Stornoway, Isle of Lewis.
Service: Royal Naval Reserve (Patrol Service), HMS Greenfly
Service number: LT/X8100C
Date of death: 2 November 1939 at the age of 28
Lost through drowning after a fall
Interred: Tynemouth (Preston) Cemetery, Sec. F. Uncons. Grave 11835.
Last address in Lewis: Aird, Point
Son of Donald and Catherine Mackenzie, of Stornoway, Isle of Lewis.
Service: Royal Naval Reserve (Patrol Service), HMS Greenfly
Service number: LT/X8100C
Date of death: 2 November 1939 at the age of 28
Lost through drowning after a fall
Interred: Tynemouth (Preston) Cemetery, Sec. F. Uncons. Grave 11835.
William Macleod, Marybank, Stornoway
Able Seaman WILLIAM MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: Marybank, Stornoway
Service: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Rawalpindi
Service number: D/5476D
Date of death: 23 November 1939 at the age of 26
Lost on HMS Rawalpindi, sunk in North Atlantic after engaging German battlecruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau
Originally from 14 Sheshader
Memorial: Plymouth Naval, panel 35, column 3
View tribute here
Last address in Lewis: Marybank, Stornoway
Service: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Rawalpindi
Service number: D/5476D
Date of death: 23 November 1939 at the age of 26
Lost on HMS Rawalpindi, sunk in North Atlantic after engaging German battlecruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau
Originally from 14 Sheshader
Memorial: Plymouth Naval, panel 35, column 3
View tribute here
John Murdo Nicolson, Marybank, Stornoway
Leading Seaman JOHN MURDO NICOLSON
Last address in Lewis: 3 Marybank, Stornoway
Son of John and Christina Nicholson, of Stornoway, Isle of Lewis; husband of Williamina Nicolson, of Stornoway.
Service: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Rawalpindi
Service number: D/5685/D
Date of death: 23 November 1939 at the age of 36
Lost on HMS Rawalpindi, sunk in North Atlantic after engaging German battlecruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau
Originally from 36 Lower Bayble
Mentioned on family gravestone in Eye Cemetery, Lewis
Memorial: Plymouth Naval, panel 35, column 3
View tribute here and here.
Last address in Lewis: 3 Marybank, Stornoway
Son of John and Christina Nicholson, of Stornoway, Isle of Lewis; husband of Williamina Nicolson, of Stornoway.
Service: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Rawalpindi
Service number: D/5685/D
Date of death: 23 November 1939 at the age of 36
Lost on HMS Rawalpindi, sunk in North Atlantic after engaging German battlecruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau
Originally from 36 Lower Bayble
Mentioned on family gravestone in Eye Cemetery, Lewis
Memorial: Plymouth Naval, panel 35, column 3
View tribute here and here.
Archibald Macrae Rodger, Keith Street, Stornoway
Aircraftsman 1st class ARCHIBALD MACRAE RODGER
Last address in Lewis: 59 Keith Street, Stornoway
Son of George Greig Rodger, and of Annabella Macrae Rodger, of Glasgow.
Service: Royal Air Force, 224 Sqdn
Service number: 543962
Date of death: 7 September 1939 at the age of 20
Killed in a leaflet drop over Germany
Memorial: Runnymede, panel 3
Last address in Lewis: 59 Keith Street, Stornoway
Son of George Greig Rodger, and of Annabella Macrae Rodger, of Glasgow.
Service: Royal Air Force, 224 Sqdn
Service number: 543962
Date of death: 7 September 1939 at the age of 20
Killed in a leaflet drop over Germany
Memorial: Runnymede, panel 3
Allan Morrison, Sandwick
Carpenter ALLAN MORRISON
Last address in Lewis: 31 North Street, Sandwick
Service: Merchant Navy
Date of death: 6 November 1939 at the age of 51
Killed by bus shortly after arriving from Montreal
Last address in Lewis: 31 North Street, Sandwick
Service: Merchant Navy
Date of death: 6 November 1939 at the age of 51
Killed by bus shortly after arriving from Montreal
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