The Second World war
Tiree was a Restricted Area during the Second World War, with a large RAF airfield. Little news filtered out into the newspapers, but here are a few cuttings.
Islanders were allowed to have a small boat, but were meant to take the oars home after use, in case the enemy could use them: ‘Seven men from the Isle of Tiree pleaded guilty in Oban Sheriff Court of failing to immobilise their small boats by leaving oars in them. The islanders have been duly warned, again and again, but persist in the illegality.’ (Ross-shire Journal, 17 April 1942, 6)
‘Donald MacLean, Ardbeg, Cornaigbeg, Isle of Tiree, found a bottle with two letters in it on the shore of Cornaigbeg on 14th November 1940. He would like to know where and when the boys threw the bottle overboard and the ship’s name. He would be obliged for any information. The following are the letters:
“This note is being sent from the undersigned on their way to an unknown destination. In the event of this going ashore, we would be greatly obliged if bearer would forward same to be published in the Oban Times, and some day we might be pleased to learn of its safe delivery, Eilean Uibhist mo Ghraidh: R. Matheson, North Uist; L. MacKenzie, Lochboisdale; R. MacSween, Gerinish, So[uth] Uist. To Mrs MacPherson, Bualadubh, Eochar, South Uist. It will be interesting if you receive this. Lachie MacKenzie is with me here. We are throwing this overboard, Roddie. Anyone finding this please deliver to the above address.”’ (Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser, 7 December 1940, 5)
‘Perhaps the shore-watchers on the isle of Tiree recently came across the strangest piece of flotsam ever known. It took the form of the carcass of an elephant. Where and under what circumstances did this huge creature enter the sea, to be thus driven by wind and current from its native haunts to an outlandish island of the West? Did it stampede in terror from a scene of skirmishing men, or did it find a watery grave when some trusty ship met its doom in distant seas?’ (Perthshire Advertiser, 23 October 1940, 8)
‘THE NAME OF MRS STEELE-SMITH is associated with many social and welfare activities in London. Since coming to the Island of Tiree, she has to her credit been doing much similar good work. We have pleasure in publishing her letter in aid of the Oban Times Spitfire Fund and with which she enclosed a cheque for £26 4s:
Cruachan, Hylipol, Tiree.
July 14th, 1942
Sir, I am enclosing a Money Order for £26 4s, the proceeds from the Raffle of an Oil Painting of flowers sent to me by my friend, Mrs Coll McDougall, the artist, in aid of the Argyll and the Isles Oban Times Spitfire Fund. Mrs Coll McDougall, like her grandfather, old Rockside Campbell of Rockside, Islay, is interested in everything Highland, especially Argyllshire. She herself is at present in Bermuda, where she is working hard on painting sceneries and flowers and selling or raffling them all in aid of the Red Cross, especially for the Prisoners of War in Germany, where her only son, Captain Lorne McDougall, is a prisoner of war. By this means, she has sent hundreds of pounds to the Red Cross. Thanks are due to all those who have helped to dispose of tickets, viz: Miss Nisbet, Hylipol School; Miss Joan Brownlie, Barrapol; Miss Annie Kennedy, Balinoe; Miss Cathie McLean, Hylipol; Miss Sarah McDonald; Mr McDougall, Headmaster Higher Grade School; and Miss Effie MacDonald, Balevullin, whose mother gave a donation. A delightful ceilidh followed the draw for the Oil Painting, which went to Mrs Alick Campbell, Mannal. The chair was taken by Mr Shields, in the absence of Lt. Williamson, who was called south on urgent business. Mr William McLean, who is a piper of great promise, played marches and reels, and also sang some very fine old Gaelic songs, as also did his brother Hugh. Mr O. C. McKay played a charming selection of songs on the piano, his rendering of “The Road to the Isles” reminded one of Duncan Morrison’s playing. Messrs C. P. L. Clarkson and P. Cook delighted the audience with several duets. Mrs Steele-Smith moved a vote of thanks to the chairman, and also to the artistes who played and sang so charmingly. All present wished the Spitfire Fund all success.’ (Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser, 25 July 1942, 5)
C. Steele-Smith, originally from Tiree, moved to London and became a leading light of the London Highland Club, including teaching at its Gaelic classes. The club met on Friday evenings in a hall on the Tottenham Court Road. She also presented the prizes at 1938 Tiree Regatta. I would be interested to know where she came from on Tiree.