Fabric-covered book ‘Seeing London with my Young Friends’ by Charles A Puncker, published in around 1930. On the inside front page is handwritten ‘Presented to Archie Jonston for Attendance Ruaig Sunday School, March 1945’. Archie’s family were from Ruaig, and he was evacuated to Ruaig from Rochester, Kent, during WWII.
Porthole from the WWII warship, HMS Sturdy, which was wrecked on rocks off Sandaig during a storm in 1940. The porthole has been re-painted by Donald Brown, Vaul, and decorated with a sketch of the ship. The stainless steel bolts and backing (made from an old fish box) were added by Donald.
Dainty, brass, lady’s cigarette lighter from WWII.
Small, round, hand-held voltmeter for testing batteries. Probably used at the airfield during WWII.
Collection of around 45 letters of condolence written to the family of Charles McLean (1917-1941). Charles was the son of Donald Archibald McLean, Kenovay and Linlithgow. An RAF Pilot Officer with 3 and 217 Squadrons, he went missing in action over the English Channel in November 1941. The letters provide an insight into the trauma of losing a loved one to active service at that time. Part of a large collection of items belonging to and about Donald Archibald McLean, Kenovay (1890-1981), and his family.
A selection of the letters will be digitised and uploaded soon.
Collection of around 20 personal letters written to Charles McLean (1917-1941), from his family and friends during WWII. Charles was the son of Donald Archibald McLean, Kenovay and Linlithgow. An RAF Pilot Officer with 3 and 217 Squadrons, he went missing in action over the English Channel in November 1941. The letters provide an insight into the life and emotions of family and friends of personnel in active service at that time. Part of a large collection of items belonging to and about Donald Archibald McLean, Kenovay (1890-1981), and his family.
A selection of the letters will be digitised and uploaded soon.
Collection of around 35 personal letters written by Charles McLean (1917-1941), to his family and friends during WWII. Charles was the son of Donald Archibald McLean, Kenovay and Linlithgow. An RAF Pilot Officer with 3 and 217 Squadrons, he went missing in action over the English Channel in November 1941. The letters provide an insight into the life and emotions of a young RAF recruit at that time. Part of a large collection of items belonging to and about Donald Archibald McLean, Kenovay (1890-1981), and his family.
A selection of the letters will be digitised and uploaded soon.
Large red photograph album ‘The Life and Times of Charles McLean’, containing around 100 black and white photographs, collected and perserved by his family. Charles (1917-1941) was the son of Donald Archibald McLean, Kenovay and Linlithgow. An RAF Pilot Officer, he went missing in action over the English Channel during WWII. Part of a large collection of items belonging to and about Donald Archibald McLean, Kenovay (1890-1981), and his family.
A selection of the photographs will be digitised and uploaded soon.
Hardback book ‘From Coastal Command to Captivity’ by W J Hunter, 2003. Memoirs of Wing Commander Jim ‘Ginger’ Hunter who served in the RAF during WWII alongside Charles ‘Jock’ McLean (1917-1941), son of Donald Archibald McLean, Kenovay and Linlithgow. Charles was a close friend of Hunter, and is mentioned several times in the book (pages 27-43). The book is accompanied by a letter, dated 2006, highlighting one of the passages. Part of a large collection of items belonging to and about Donald Archibald McLean, Kenovay (1890-1981), and his family.
Articles about the loss of the RAF bomber that went missing in action over the English Channel during WWII, carrying Charles McLean (1917-1941), son of Donald Archibald McLean, Kenovay and Linlithgow. (1) Newspaper article written around the event. It is not clear whether those missing included Charles, but the description fits the event. (2) Print-out of article from ‘Aircrew Remembered’ written by Donald Price, nephew of Charles McLean, in 2017 aircrewremembered.com/halley-george-charlton. Part of a large collection of items belonging to and about Donald Archibald McLean, Kenovay (1890-1981), and his family.
