Seaman NORMAN MACKENZIE
Last address in Lewis: 3 Portvoller
Service: Royal Naval Reserve, Patrol Service, HMS Lady Elsa
Service number: LT/JX 242662
Date of death: 1 September 1944 at the age of 38
Died in Addington Govt Hospital, Durban, of head injuries sustained on 27 August 1944.
Interred: Durban (Stellawood) Cemetery, Block F. Grave 458.
Stornoway Gazette13 October 1944
The death of Norman Mackenzie, 3 Portvoller, in Addington Hospital,
Durban, on 1st September, as the result of injuries received on 27th
August, is very much regretted, for he was well liked and respected.
Many have cause to remember his generosity with gratitude. Norman was a
good worker and his services were much sought after. He could turn his
hand to any job. He was methodical and thorough and believed in
finishing the job in hand and finishing it well. Quiet by nature, he
disliked ostentation or fuss of any kind. He was possessed of a keen
sense of duty and joined the Royal Naval Reserve shortly after the
outbreak of war. Last year he was in hospital for six months
recuperating from a bullet wound in his arm. To his widow, two daughters
and widowed mother, sister and brother, the heartfelt sympathy of the
community is extended.
27 October 1944
The war has brought about many sad partings. We, who not too long ago
roamed the hills together in boyish innocence, are today scattered
abroad, never to be united again. When the time comes to make peace, and
men of many nations sit round the judgment table in many a home, tears
will be shed over a vacant chair. They will not return but their spirit
will live with us forever for they were the fairest men our country ever
knew. Among them we will remember Norman Mackenzie, RNR, 3 Portvoller,
whose death in Durban was recorded in a recent issue of the Gazette. We
who knew Norman from childhood to manhood, found in him all the
qualities we could desire in a true comrade. It could be said of him
that he died holding the respect of all. Before he answered the call of
duty, his home was at 61 Langlands Road, Glasgow, and although the pay
packet was not as big then as it is today, his house was a home from
home for many a Lewis boy. No matter what hour the doorbell rang, Norman
was sure to open it with outstretched hand and smiling face. To his
widow and three daughters, his aged widowed mother, his his sister and
brothers, we extend our heartfelt sympathy.
Ballaich Ceann a Loch
