Associated People: MacCallum, Capt Donald, Tiree (1903 - 1943)

2025.51.1

Papers compiled by Grant Farquharson about his grandfather, Captain Donald Archibald MacCallum 1884 – 1941, born Kilmoluaig, Tiree. Donald Archibald is pictured above (right, as first officer) onboard the SS Huntsman with the captain and a dog which they rescued from the Delfina.

Notes include rescue of crew of the Spanish ship Delfina in 1928 by the crew of SS Huntsman of which Donald Archibald was chief officer. See 2010.77.2

There is an account of Donald Archibald’s wartime experiences including as captain of SS Designer when hit by a torpedo, sinking in six minutes. Out of 78 men onboard, Donald and 66 of his men were lost.

Award of two medals: The Emile Robin Medal from the Shipwrecked Fishermen & Mariners Royal Benevolent Society, The Liverpool Shipwrecked Humane Society.

Photocopied photographs of the medals, the SS Huntsman, its captain and Donald Archibald and rescued dog (see photo above). Donald Archibald with his wife, Isabella “Bella” McNeil, born Balevullin 1885 – 1947 (see photo below), newspaper cuttings.

 

Also an account of Donald Archibald’s nephew, Captain Donald MacCallum 1903 – 1943. Captain of SS Baron Dechmont when hit by a torpedo from U-507. Taken PoW aboard U-Boat but lost his life ten days later when it was sunk by an Allied aeroplane. See 2010.77.1

Both are named on Tiree’s war memorial and at Tower Hill, London

Additional research by Flo Straker

2010.77.1

Information pertaining to Captain Donald MacCallum, Tiree (1903-1943)

Printed emailed letter containing information and photographs about Captain Donald MacCallum of Tiree (1910-1943), who was taken prisoner of war aboard Fregattenkapitan Harro Schachts U-507 during WWII, but was killed when the U-boat was sunk days later with all hands.

Click here to view 2010.77.1

The press cutting in this file relates to the uncle of Captain Donald MacCallum, Captain Donald Archie MacCallum of Kilmoluaig (1884-1941).

2010.77.2

News article “Best [sea] rescue of the year”, 1929

Printout of photographed news article “Best rescue of the year” from the Journal of Commerce, June 1929, about the `Emile Robin` award for the best sea rescue during the year being given to Chief Officer Donald Archie. MacCallum, Kilmoluaig, and others of the steamer Huntsman of Liverpool, which saved the crew of the Spanish steamer Delfina in the Irish Sea in December 1928.

2009.78.1

Family trees for the MacNeils of Balevullin, and the MacCallums (of Tiree) who captained ships during WWII

Family trees of the MacNeils of Balevulin and the MacCallums (of Tiree). Donald Archie MacCallum was captain of “SS Designer”, and Donald MacCallum was captain of the “Baron Inchcape” (internet photo included). Also internet photo of the ship “Huntsman” and a list of the fate of ships of the Harrison Line, with other internet pages about the Harrison Line Shipping Co.

2009.69.4

Copy of letter containing information about Captain Donald Archibald MacCallum of Tiree, ca 2005

Photocopy of a letter from “George” to Donald MacLeod about a convoy of Navy vessels torpedoed during World War II. Includes information on Captain Donald Archibald MacCallum of Tiree, was lost when his ship “Designer” was sunk on 9 June 1941.