The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

kinnethmont · Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 1649 Location: Aberdeenshire

I am adding this to the Forum only because it was found in researching another case.

On checking for additional evidence for me the other day Jake Drummond found reference to another instance of a sea mine explosion with civilian loss of life. It referred to an object a boy picked up on a North Scotland beach and took from the water's edge to the shore. His father came and looked it and it exploded as they walked away.

Magnus Houston
Duncansby Mains, John O’ Groats, Canisbay, Caithness
Aged 16 years
Died 23rd February 1941 at Newton Beach, John O’ Groats.
Died at the scene of a sea mine explosion

Malcolm John Houston
Duncansby Mains, John O Groats, Canisbay, Caithness
Farmer aged 48 years
Died 23rd February 1941 at Bignold Hospital, Wick
Died of multiple injuries caused by sea mine explosion.

I am aware they are not listed on the Canisbay War Memorial.

Well done Jake in finding them.

For the avoidance of doubt let me point out - There is no linkage whatever between names on war memorials and those recorded by CWGC, whether war dead or civilians.
Names were added to war memorials by the local community using whatever criteria they adopted. That was a matter for them and we must respect this. Often civilian deaths were not included and only those who died in, or due to, war service were included. In some cases the NOK did not want their family member listed. That was for them to decide upon.
_________________
Jim

If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

www.kinnethmont.co.uk

Adam Brown · Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2016 9:50 am Post subject:

It looks like Jim submitted these names in 2011 as they are on the CWGC database

HOUSTON, MAGNUS
Rank: Civilian
Date of Death:23/02/1941
Age:16
Regiment/Service: Civilian War Dead
Reporting Authority: CAITHNESS COUNTY, SCOTLAND
Additional Information: At Canisbay, John O'Groats. Son of Malcolm John Houston, killed in the same incident.

HOUSTON, MALCOLM JOHN
Rank: Civilian
Date of Death:23/02/1941
Age:48
Regiment/Service: Civilian War Dead
Reporting Authority: CAITHNESS COUNTY, SCOTLAND
Additional Information: At Canisbay, John O'Groats. Father of Magnus Houston who died in the same incident.

Adam