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.

Murdo Macdonald, 16 Shulishader

Able Seaman MURDO MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 16 Shulishader
Son of Torquil and Marion MacDonald.
Service: Merchant Navy
Date of death: 11 July 1943 at the age of 36
Lost in bombing of SS California off Portugal
Memorial: Tower Hill, panel 22
Local memorial: Point, Garrabost

Stornoway Gazette, 10 September 1943
We regret to record that Murdo Macdonald, MN, 16 Shader Point, is presumed lost as a result of enemy action. Murdo was 36 years of age and was a sailor since he was quite a young chap. He was a very companionable man and made friends with all whom he met. His face always wore a smile. A gloom was cast over the village when the news spread that he was not among the survivors from his ship. His two sisters and two brothers and an aunt survive him. The youngest of the family, Cpl Alex Macdonald, RAMC, is on active service. To the sorrowing family, we extend deep sympathy in their bereavement.

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".