Black and white photograph of an RAF Concert Party in 1944.
RAF Concert Party in 1944. L-R: Fred MacKeown, Fred Parratt, Jessie MacQueen, Denis Guest, unknown, Bryn Lewis, Nan Hogarth, Frank Murphy, Dodo Leslie, Jack May, Jean Hind, Jim Worthington, Nettie MacFarlane, Harry Smith, Harry Barr, Paul Blomley. (Photograph from Mike Hughes in Filing Cabinet 2 drawer 1)
Black and white photograph of two airmen struggling against a gale with their bicycles during World War II.
Two unknown airmen with bicycles, probably on the Reef, during World War II. (Photograph from Mike Hughes in Filing Cabinet 2 drawer 1)
Black and white photograph of an RAF truck at Balephuil.
RAF truck at Balephuil during World War II. (Photograph from Mike Hughes in Filing Cabinet 2 drawer 1)
Black and white photograph of an RAF airman at Gott Bay pier.
RAF airman at Gott Bay pier with the `Clydesdale` tied up alongside during World War II. (Photograph from Mike Hughes in Filing Cabinet 2 drawer 1)
Black and white photograph of SS Laristan in 1942.
The SS Laristan on the rocks at Craignish in 1942 photographed by George Holleyman.
The wreck of the ‘Ocean Tide’
Photograph of the wreck of the ‘Ocean Tide’ off Mannal in 1942.
Courtesy of Ms Linda Gowans
George Holleyman, an archaeologist in the RAF police posted to Tiree during World War II, photographed the wreck of the ‘Ocean Tide’ in January 1942. A trawler from Leith, the ‘Ocean Tide’ had run aground off Mannal in poor weather.
Repeated attempts were made by RAF personnel and three local volunteer coastguards to shoot a line to the stricken vessel without success. Buffeted by the wind and the incoming tide, the trawler was listing so badly it was in danger of turning over.
The crew made a last desperate attempt to save themselves and launched a small boat. Within minutes they lost control and were driven on to a rocky promontory. By luck, two of the lines had caught on the rocks and the six crew members, one of them injured, were able to struggle ashore.
Black and white photograph of SS Ocean Tide in 1942.
The SS Ocean Tide on the rocks at Mannal in January 1942 photographed by George Holleyman.
Black and white photograph of a group at RAF Tiree.
Unknown group of three and one woman at RAF Tiree.
1943 ENSA concert party
Photograph of an ENSA concert party in 1943.
Courtesy of Mr Angus MacLean
ENSA, the Entertainments National Service Association, was set up in 1939 to provide entertainment for the British armed forces during World War II. Operating as a part of the Navy, Army and Air Force Institute (NAAFI), it was affectionately known as ‘Every Night Something Awful’.
This photograph is of a travelling concert party which performed in front of the RAF base personnel in October 1943. Concerts consisted of a couple of hours of singing, comedy and sketches, some good and some not so good.
Their spirit and dedication was admired and appreciated, even on return visits of the same concert party when the show had been seen before.
Black and white photograph of a wartime revue.
Wartime revue at RAF Tiree on 15/10/1943. (Original in Filing Cabinet 2 drawer 1: 1997.178)
Copied letter from David MacBrayne Ltd to Corsons dated 1940.
Letter from David MacBrayne Ltd (one of the forerunners of Caledonian MacBrayne) dated 30/3/1940 to auctioneers Messrs Thomas Corson & Co. arranging transportation for the Tiree cattle sales.
Copied letter from McCallum, Orme & Co. to Corsons dated 1940.
Letter from McCallum, Orme & Co (one of the forerunners of Caledonian MacBrayne) dated 14/3/1940 to auctioneers Messrs Thomas Corson & Co. arranging transportation for the Tiree cattle sales.
