John Angus Murray, 3 Newlands, Shulishader

Assistant Steward JOHN ANGUS MURRAY
Last address in Lewis: 3 Newlands, Shulishader
Son of Donald and Catherine Murray.
Service: Merchant Navy
Date of death: 20 March 1941 at the age of 24
Lost on Clan Ogilvy, sunk north of Cape Verde Islands
Memorial: Tower Hill, panel 30

Stornoway Gazette, 6 June 1941
It was with great regret many friends learned that John Angus Murray, 8 Newlands, Shader, Point, had made the supreme sacrifice. John Angus, who was in the Merchant Service, was 24 years of age. He has been reported lost at sea. A very popular young man, he played football both for the Nicolson Institute and for Point XI. On completing his secondary course at the Nicolson, he entered Glasgow University, where he took an Arts degree.

Deep concern and anxiety was felt in Shader when it became known some time ago, through the press, that the ship on which John Angus Murray [3 Newlands Shader, Point] was sailing had been sunk through enemy action. As however no official intimation was received at the time, hope were entertained that he might possibly be among the survivors, but these hopes were shattered when his mother was later officially informed that her son had been lost at sea. This news cast great glooom over the whole community where John Angus was a much esteemed and popular youth. He was a fine type of Lewis man, dignified in bearing, upright in character and of strapping build, He was only 24. How little we thought when he left us a year last autumn to complete his studies at Glasgow University that he would never return. Anxious to do his bit for King and country, he entered upon a course of training in a gunnery school last year, and on the completion of his training joined this ill-fated ship as a gunner. John Angus was a youth of exceptionall fine qualities which endeared him to everyone in the community, old and young alike. His pleasant smile, his ready with and quiet nature, will be missed by all. A hard-working and diligent youth, he was always ready to help when help was needed. He was a fine athlete and a brilliant footballer, and many football fans throughout the island, particularly on the West Side, will have recollections of John Angie Dollag's superb goal keeping for Point in the good old days of peace. Indeed, it is difficult for us, who were always in his company, to contemplate the loss of a powerful fellow like him whose presence we always desired and looked for in our company. However greatly we miss home, much more shall those who were near and dear to him, who looked on him as the mainstay of the family and whose welfare was always his first consideration. To his widowed mother and sisters at home and away the profound sympathy of the entire community is extended, in the irreparable loss of a dutiful son and brother whose memory will always remain cherished in their hearts.

Stornoway Gazette, 11 July 1941
From a Lewisman on active service, this tribute to a popular Point lad who gave his life for freedom:
The whole of Point, and I believe most of Lewis Island, heard with great regret of the loss of such a popular lad as John Angus Murray, 3 Newlands, Shader, Point. Great Sympathy was felt in the district for his sorrowing mother and sisters. John Angie Dollag, as he was commonly called, was a real son of Lewis, Despite the fact that he had taken up a University career, he could not get rid of that yearning for the sea and the pure, patriotic spirit seeking no reward, which is characteristic of the best Lewisman. Little did we know and little did he, that he was destined for an ill-fated ship; but he had to goto sea, as he knew it was his duty and calling to do so. John Angie liked to be in the thick of the fray, and made a good fight of everything he tackled. This could not be more clearly shown than on the football field. When he was a member of the Point eleven, and later of the Nicolson Institute eleven, he always played a hard and plucky game from start to finish. There was no half-heartedness about him. I am certain he showed the same spirit in sterner tasks and that he bravely met his death. The stock from which he sprung, on both is father's and mother's side, were well-known for their hardiness and endurance. He was a lad who made many friends, and possessed all the qualities which make us so proud of our Lewis servicemen. The village of Shader must greatly miss such a well-liked lad as he.

Alexander Macmillan, 1 Shulishader

Seaman ALEXANDER MACMILLAN
Last address in Lewis: 1 Shulishader
Son of Mary Ann Macmillan, of Stornoway, Isle of Lewis.
Service: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Wasp
Service number: P/X 20584
Date of death: 1 April 1941 at the age of 20
Accidentally killed at Dover
Survived sinking of HMS Wren 27/7/40.
Interred: Dover (St James) Cemetery, row G, grave 26
Local memorial: Point, Garrabost


Stornoway Gazette, 11 April 1941
It is with very deep regret we announce the death, by accident, of Alexander Macmillan, seaman, RNR, 1 Shader Point, at an English port on the 1st of April. Alexander, who was best known to his friends as Sandy Beag, was of a quiet, unassuming disposition. He was just a little over 20 years of age when he met his end. Before the outbreak of war he was serving on HM destroyer Wren, having joined her for the Royal Review at Spithead. On the outbreak of war his ship was commissioned for convoy duty, and he served with her until she was bombed, set on fire and sunk. The crew were machine-gunned in the water, but Sandy succeeded in swimming to a rescue ship nearby, and got aboard although hampered by fuel oil in which he had been immersed. After a few days at home on survivor's leave he returned to a naval depot and was drafted for duty as an anti-submarine torpedo boat. On board the Wren he was keenly interested in his Asdic duties and later he was selected for a course of instruction in the latest anti-submarine devices. He was expected home on leave after passing his final examination when the sad news of his death came through. Intelligent and efficient, never boisterous or boatsful, Sandy Beag had those rare qualities which go to the formation of an exemplary character. Clean-living and healthy minded, he feared God and served and died for his country. He was buried in an English cemetery with full naval honours. To his sorrowing mother and grandmother we extend our heartfelt sympathy, as to the other members of the family. Till the Day Breaks.

Stornoway Gazette, 25 April 1941
Last week we intimated the tragic death by accident of Seaman Alex Macmillan, Shader, Point. His mother has since received this tribute to her son from his Commanding Officer. "It grieves me that I should be writing of the passing of your son. In the short two months I commanded [---], I grew to know Alexander well. He was a true sailor steady, cheerful, quick and intelligent. As the weeks passed I placed more and more trust upon his shoulders with confidence. He never failed his country nor his ship. Most of all, I should like to say - Alexander was a good messmate. I say "most of all" because a good messmate is a good Christian. To be a good messmate you must be honest, courageous, clean-living and dutiful. You must help and love your neighbour. This is not always an easy task, for in small boats you live too close to your fellow men. However, Alexander Macmillan had all these virtues. You must not covet, blaspheme or shirk - your son did none of these. At Easter time, we are all of us, reminded that this existence on earth is but a stormy prelude to a gentle and peaceful life which Christ has prepared for us. In your hour of grief may I offer this consolation. Your son lived a good life here. He did not die. He merely passed on to a better world, without suffering. He has but gone before you and me, to God's realm, where we shall join him when God wills it. We are the losers for we have lost his companionship for a while. I do not grieve for him for he is safe. I grieve because you have lost a good son's company. If ever I can be of any help to you, will you please honour me by asking it. May God bless you and comfort you".

Norman Malcolm Montgomery, 17 Sheshader

Able Seaman NORMAN MALCOLM MONTGOMERY
Last address in Lewis: 17 Sheshader
Service: Merchant Navy
Date of death: 8 May 1941 at the age of 22
Saved from ship SS Empire Light by German raider Pinguin, lost when that was sunk by HMS Cornwall
Memorial: Tower Hill, panel 43
Mentioned on family gravestone in Eye Cemetery, Lewis
Local memorial: Point, Garrabost

Murdo Campbell, 5 Sheshader

Bosun MURDO CAMPBELL
Last address in Lewis: 5 Sheshader
Service: Merchant Navy
Date of death: 8 May 1941 at the age of 33
Saved from ship SS Empire Light by German raider Pinguin, lost when that was sunk by HMS Cornwall
Mentioned on family gravestone in Eye Cemetery, Lewis
Local memorial: Point, Garrabost

Evander Macrae, 8 Portvoller

Able Seaman EVANDER MACRAE
Last address in Lewis: 8 Portvoller
Service: Merchant Navy, MV Pizarro
Date of death: 31 January 1941 at the age of 30
Lost on ship sunk by Italian submarine
Memorial: Tower Hill, panel 82
Mentioned on family gravestone in Eye Cemetery, Lewis
Local memorial: Point, Garrabost

John Campbell, 9 Portnaguran

Able Seaman JOHN CAMPBELL
Last address in Lewis: 9 Portnaguran
Son of William and Henrietta Campbell;
Husband of Hannah Campbell, of Stornoway.
Service: Royal Navy, HMS Mentor
Service number: P.JX.226212
Date of death: 22 January 1941 at the age of 55
Interred: Eye Cemetery, section A, grave 27

George Campbell, 5 Portnaguran

Seaman GEORGE CAMPBELL
Last address in Lewis: 5 Portnaguran
Son of John and Catherine Campbell, of Stornoway, Isle of Lewis.
Service: Merchant Navy
Date of death: 8 May 1941 at the age of 29
Saved from ship SS Empire Light by German raider Pinguin, lost when that was sunk by HMS Cornwall
Memorial: Tower Hill, panel 43
Local memorial: Point, Garrabost

Donald Graham, 11 Allotments, Garrabost

Seaman DONALD GRAHAM
Last address in Lewis: 11 Allotments, Garrabost
Service: Merchant Navy
Date of death: 8 May 1941 at the age of 18
Saved from ship SS Empire Light by German raider Pinguin, lost when that was sunk by HMS Cornwall
Memorial: Tower Hill, panel 43
Local memorial: Point, Garrabost

Norman Montgomery, 19 New Garrabost

Seaman NORMAN MONTGOMERY
Last address in Lewis: 19 New Garrabost
Son of Murdo and Catherine Montgomery, of New Garrabost, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis.
Service: Merchant Navy
Date of death: 31 January 1941 at the age of 39
Lost on MV Pizarro sunk by Italian submarine
Memorial: Tower Hill, panel 82
Local memorial: Point, Garrabost

Evander Macrae, 8 Portvoller

Able Seaman EVANDER MACRAE
Last address in Lewis: 8 Portvoller
Service: Merchant Navy, MV Pizarro
Date of death: 31 January 1941 at the age of 30
Lost on ship sunk by Italian submarine
Memorial: Tower Hill, panel 82
Mentioned on family gravestone in Eye Cemetery, Lewis
Local memorial: Point, Garrabost

Murdo Macdonlad, Stag Road, Stornoway

Sergeant MURDO MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 3 Stag Road, Stornoway
Son of John MacDonald, and of Annie MacDonald, of Stornoway, Isle of Lewis.
Service: 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, R.A.C.
Service number: 7885042
Date of death: 21 November 1941 at the age of 26
Killed in action in the Middle East
Memorial: Alamein, column 21
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial
View tribute here

John Ferguson, Ropework Road, Stornoway

Donkeyman JOHN FERGUSON
Last address in Lewis: 29 Ropework Road, Stornoway
Service: Naval Auxiliary Personnel (Merchant Navy)
Date of death: 28 April 1941 at the age of 31
Lost when SS Patia was bombed and sunk off Northumberland
Interred: Tynemouth (Preston) Cemetery, section K, grave 14424
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial

Alexander Macmillan, Nicolson Road, Stornoway

Seaman ALEXANDER MACMILLAN
Last address in Lewis: 34 Nicolson Road, Stornoway
Son of Mary Ann Macmillan, of Stornoway, Isle of Lewis.
Service: Royal Naval Reserve
Service number: P/X20584
Date of death: 1 April 1941 at the age of 20
Killed when accidentally shot at Dover.
ASDIC operator on HMS Wasp
Interred: Dover (St James) Cemetery, row G, grave 26
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial

Malcolm Murray, Newton Street, Stronoway

Able Seaman MALCOLM MURRAY
Last address in Lewis: 31 Newton Street, Stornoway
Son of John and Maggie Murray; husband of Peggy Murray, of Beaconsfield, Western Australia.
Service: Royal Australian Navy
Service number: F2927
Date of death: 20 November 1941 at the age of 29
Lost when HMAS Sydney clashed with German raider, which sank both ships
Memorial: Plymouth Naval, panel 60, column 3
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial

Angus Macleod, Matheson Road, Stornoway

Private ANGUS MACLEOD SNR
Last address in Lewis: 35 Matheson Road, Stornoway
Service: Military Police
Date of death: 24 December 1941 at the age of 31
Killed in action fighting with Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Force

Charles Eric Dewar, Lewis Street, Stornoway

Flying Officer CHARLES ERIC DEWAR
Last address in Lewis: 1 Lewis Street, Stornoway
Son of Harry Charles and May Dewar; husband of Hughina Jessie Dewar, of Chelmsford.
Service: Royal Air Force, 48 Sqdn
Service number: 42814
Date of death: 25 September 1941 at the age of 27
Killed when he crashed on landing at Odiham
Interred: Chelmsford (Writtle Road) Cemetery, grave 5699

Murella Macfarlane, Kenneth Street, Stornoway

KENNETH STREET
MURELLA MACFARLANE
Last address in Lewis: 25 Kenneth Street, Stornoway
Last address: 208 Parkway, Gidea Park, Essex.
Daughter of the late Murdo and Cecilia Pithie Macfarlane, of 4 Florence Place, Falmouth, Cornwall.
Date of death: 26 September 1941 at the age of 54
Lost on SS Avoceta
Civilian casualty

Norman Crichton Maciver, Keith Street, Stornoway

Pilot Officer NORMAN CRICHTON MACIVER
Last address in Lewis: 40 Keith Street, Stornoway
Son of Colin J. and Mary MacIver, of Aberdeen.
Service: Royal Air Force Voluntary Reserve, 57 Sqdn
Service number: 88694
Date of death: 22 March 1941 at the age of 23
Lost in a Wellington off Belgium
Memorial: Runnymede, panel 33

Alexander Macrae, Keith Street, Stornoway

Refrigeration Engineer ALEXANDER MACRAE (Senior)
Last address in Lewis: 21 Keith Street, Stornoway
Service: Merchant Navy
Date of death: 27 May 1941 at the age of 65
Died returning home after being marooned following sinking of SS Rangitane

Murdo Campbell, Inaclete Road, Stornoway

Bosun MURDO CAMPBELL
Last address in Lewis: 42 Inaclete Road, Stornoway
Service: Merchant Navy
Date of death: 8 May 1941 at the age of 34
Saved from SS Empire Light by German raider Pinguin, lost when that was sunk by HMS Cornwall