Papers from the Board of Enquiry into the wreck of the HMS Sturdy
Photocopies of papers from the Board of Enquiry into the wreck of the HMS Sturdy on the shore at Sandaig on 30 October 1940. Copies of originals held at the National Archives, Kew.
Digitised booklet `A Guide to RAF Tiree`
Digitised book of 20+ annotated maps of RAF buildings and infrastructure on Tiree during WWII. Published by An Iodhlann. Printed in 1999 by Tiree Community Business limited. Photocopy stored in filing cabinet 9 drawer 2.
Click here to view 2009.5.1
RAF Plaque from 518 Squadron which was based on Tiree during WWII
RAF 518 Squadron Plaque with the motto – `Tha an Iuchair Againn-ne`, which means `We hold the key.`
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.
Copied account by Donald MacLeod of Lewis of Tiree men lost during the world wars.
Account of men from Tiree lost during WWI and WWII.
Booklet `A Guide to RAF Tiree`.
Information and maps of the RAF installations on Tiree during WWII.
Rescued airmen at Tiree pier in 1944
Photograph of rescued airmen at Tiree pier in 1944.
Courtesy of Mr Geoff Pringle
On 21 November 1944, one of starboard engines of Halifax LL510 from RAF Squadron 518 caught fire shortly after takeoff from Tiree airfield on weather reconnaissance duties. The flames were so intense the skipper decided to ditch in the Atlantic rather than risk returning to base.
Despite a thirty foot swell, the aircraft was safely ditched and the nine crewmen clambered aboard the inflatable dinghy with only minor scratches. To add to their danger, the water surrounding the Halifax was a sea of petrol, in the middle of which a fuel tank was bobbing about with flames issuing from a hole.
An Air-sea Rescue aircraft from Tiree dropped a second dinghy, then HMS ‘Flanders’ arrived to pick up the very much relieved airmen. They were given hot food, dry clothes and liberal amounts of Navy rum. The photograph pictures the crew safely back on Gott Bay pier.
Black and white photograph of the rescued aircrew of Halifax at Tiree pier.
The rescued aircrew of Halifax from RAF Squadron 518 standing at Tiree pier in November 1944. Far left: F/Sgt Ozzie Ozaist (Met Air Obs, Polish); forth from left: Flt Lt Freddy Green.
Black and white photograph of the aircrew of Halifax LL123 from RAF Squadron 518.
The aircrew of Halifax LL123 from RAF Squadron 518, probably on Crossapol beach. 3rd from left: F/Sgt Ozzie Ozaist (Polish Met Air Obs).
