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.
Glass and metal glue dispenser from around 1930-1960. Possibly used at one of the island’s Post Offices for sticking down envelopes and stamps. The glue would have been dispensed by rolling the wheel along the surface.
Small, round, hand-held voltmeter for testing batteries. Probably used at the airfield during WWII.
Round, heavy, wall clock from the Scarinish Telephone Exchange, used in around 1940-1950. On the back is stamped G.P.O, A.F, 09, TYPE B
Collection of around 45 letters of condolence written to the family of Charles McLean (1917-1941), beginning with a telegram from RAF Emsworth to Charles’ father’s work place. Charles was the son of Donald Archibald McLean, Kenovay and Linlithgow, and his wife Euphemia Terris Stoddart. An RAF Pilot Officer with 3 and 217 Squadrons, Charles 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, and include special letters kept by the family in a red photo album titled ‘The Life and Times of Charles McLean’, and letters from friends and family on Tiree plus other significant letters, including those from parents of other members of Charles’ crew who were lost (Childs, Halley). Part of a large collection of items belonging to and about Donald Archibald McLean, Kenovay (1890-1981), and his family.
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2020.1.88 Donalds family off Tiree
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. (3) Two letters and associated newspaper cuttings, dated 1982, to Effie MacLean from writer Roy Nesbit regarding her brother Charles and other members of his crew: Childs, Halley, Hunter. Part of a large collection of items belonging to and about Donald Archibald McLean, Kenovay (1890-1981), and his family.
Official note that accompanied post-humous war medals awarded to Charles McLean (1917-1941), sent to his father Donald Archibald McLean, Kenovay & Linlithgow. Charles went missing in action over the English Channel during WWII, while serving as a Pilot Officer with the RAF. Part of a large collection of items belonging to and about Donald Archibald McLean, Kenovay (1890-1981), and his family.
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WWII Roll of Honour for Linlithgow with an entry for Charles McLean, son of Donald Archibald McLean, Kenovay and Linlithgow, plus documents relating to it and the Air Forces Memorial at Cooper’s Hill, Runnymede. Charles McLean, went missing in action over the English Channel during WWII, while serving as a Pilot Officer with the RAF. Part of a large collection of items belonging to and about Donald Archibald McLean, Kenovay (1890-1981), and his family.
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Handwritten copy of the official ‘Notification of Death’ for Charles McLean (1917-1941), son of Donald Archibald McLean, Kenovay, dated at the Air Ministry 17 September 1942, 10 months after Charles went missing in action over the English Channel, while serving as a Pilot Officer with the RAF during WWII. His body was never recovered. The note states “Original to Alister 24/9/68”, Alister being Donald Archibald McLean’s brother. Part of a large collection of items belonging to and about Donald Archibald McLean, Kenovay (1890-1981), and his family.
Click here to view 2020.1.78
