Research by genealogist Flo Straker, indicating that there is NO family connection between Alastair MacLean, author of wartime novels, and Donald MacLean the Cambridge spy, both of whom had Tiree roots. Alistair Stuart MacLean (b. 1922 at Daviot Manse) was descended from Donald MacLean (b. 1729) and Mary Lamont of Heylipol. Donald Duart MacLean (b. 1913 in London) was descended from Alexander MacLean, Cornaigbeg (b. 1732) and Mary MacNaughton (Reid), Kirkapol (b. 1736).
Photograph of a newspaper cutting about Malcolm Campbell, Tiree, who was stranded on the remote island of St Helena in the south Atlantic Ocean, after his ship was torpedoed in WWII.
Emailed information about the HF/DF Station at Kenovay. Built in the utmost secrecy during WWII, it was used to track aircraft and German U-boats, and was key to D-Day operations. After the war all traces of it were carefully removed.
“It was certainly in use on D-Day! Its exact location I cannot be sure of but its intended location was MKJM 06593073 using the Georef system which places it at latitude 56 30 43.8N longitude 006 53 24.6W and its role was vital in securing the return of Coastal Command weather recce aircraft. D-Day was to have been 4 June but Gp Capt Stagg advised General Eisenhower that the weather was a no-no but he had reports from a weather ship that indicated that rising pressure and temperature were likely to push the worst weather North. An elite crew from 518 Sqn on Tiree were tasked to probe into the weather patterns and establish whether or not this was true. They signalled back to the disbelief of the boffins at Dunstable who said “Rubbish!” but the Polish Met observer put them straight and after nine and a half hours the aircraft returned safely thanks to the brilliant crew and also the radio fixes from Tiree. The flight data was absolutely crucial to the D-Day plan. Well done 518 Sqn!!! It was a true team effort by a marvellous crew of eight, Stagg was right, Eisenhower trusted him and D-Day went ahead.”
Black & white photograph of a bi-plane named the ‘Tirisdeach’, which was funded by the “war savings of the natives of Tiree” during WWI. Found in Mannal House, the former home of Margaret (Meeta) MacDonald.
Decorative brass tray/dish commemorating WWI and depicting a uniformed soldier in action. Found in Mannal House, former home of Margaret (Meeta) MacDonald.
Hand bell made from the brass casing of two artillery shells commemorating the Boer War 1900-1902. Found in Mannal House, the former home of Margaret (Meeta) MacDonald.
Information about Henry Lamont, who is thought to be the first person with Tiree connections to be killed during WW1.
Geneological information and correspondence about Henry Lamont (Eanruig MacCuaig MacLaomainn) born in 1888 on Islay, whose father John Lamont was born on Tiree:
Henry Lamont born 18th April 1888, Port Ellen Kildalton, Islay – Father John Lamont, Shoemaker; Mother Margaret MacCuaig. John and Margaret (Maggie) were married on 15th July 1881 in Glasgow. On the marriage certificate, John Lamont is recorded as living at 129 Blackburn St., Plantation. Maggie MacCuaig is recorded as Domestic Servant at the same address.
In the 1881 census, which was taken a few months prior to the marriage, John Lamont is recorded as a boarder living at 129 Blackburn St., Plantation (the same address as when married), who was born on Tyree.
Black and white photograph of rescue of a Swordfish crew in June 1944.
The rescue of a two-man Fairey Swordfish crew in June 1944 aided by 281 Squadron (Air-sea Rescue) from RAF Tiree. One crew member died later in hospital. Ship H91 is a small convoy escort vessel. Fairey Swordfish carried torpedoes and operated from aircraft carriers.
Black and white photograph of donor`s Warwick crew at RAF Tiree.
Warwick crew from 281 Squadron (Air-sea Rescue) at RAF Tiree. L-R: (back) Sgt Bob Forbes (Wireless Operator & Air Gunner) F/O Johnny Rapp (Pilot), Sgt Pilot George (surname unknown) (2nd Pilot, Canadian Royal Air Force) Sgt Leo Crowther (W/O & A/G), (front) Ernest Haller (W/O & A/G), Pilot Officer Ces Hyde (Observer/Navigator)
Black and white photograph of Warrant Officer William Arthur Graham.
Warrant Officer William Arthur Graham who was killed when two Halifax aircraft collided in mid-air over Tiree airfield on 16th August 1944. William, who was twenty-one when he died, was in the Royal Australian Air Force. He was the son of William and Rose Graham of Sydney, New South Wales in Australia and husband of Mabel Graham of Preston in England. He is buried in Dalton-upon Furness cemetery.
