The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

ADP · Joined: 13 Jun 2008 Posts: 467 Location: Edinburgh

Memorial: Barra and Vatersay
Location: A mile or so SW of Castlebay (Bàgh a' Chasteil) by the road to the causeway to Vatersay (Bhatarsaigh).
Grid Ref: NL650978
UKNIWM Ref: 44781
Count: WWI=71, WWII=54

This is a modern war memorial, dedicated in 1993.

I will post some photos when I have passed the forum requirements of 5 posts.

ADP

ADP · Joined: 13 Jun 2008 Posts: 467 Location: Edinburgh

To quote from the Scotlandsource website:

Sited on the road to Vatersay at the crest of the hill overlooking Castlebay and the islands to the south of Barra, this memorial is strikingly modern, erected in 1993. It was raised to rectify the omission of the names of the men of Barra from a stained glass memorial window in the church of Our Lady Star of the Sea, in Castlebay.

ADP

ADP · Joined: 13 Jun 2008 Posts: 467 Location: Edinburgh

Images of Barra & Vatersay War Memorial

Memorial dedicated 11th November 1993.

ADP

ADP · Joined: 13 Jun 2008 Posts: 467 Location: Edinburgh

See also http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/highlands_and_islands/6241162.stm for a full view of the memorial with Castlebay in the background to the right of the memorial.

ADP

alexmaclennan · Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2008 12:28 pm Post subject: Patronymics on the Memorial

Fascinating. The name on the right hand side of the memorial is the patronymic, by which each man was known. In Gaelic, you are identified by your christian name or nickname and then your father's name or nickname.

alex
_________________
alex maclennan

Adam Brown · Posted: Thu Sep 18, 2008 12:30 am Post subject:

ADP

I can't make out the Second World War name for Vatersay. On the original can you make out if it is Malcolm MacDonald?

Regards

Adam

ADP · Joined: 13 Jun 2008 Posts: 467 Location: Edinburgh

Adam Brown · Posted: Thu Sep 18, 2008 9:11 am Post subject:

ADP

OK, thanks for looking anyway.

Regards

Adam

apanderson · Posted: Thu Sep 18, 2008 10:42 am Post subject:

I think you're right Adam - or is it just a co-incidence?

Name: MACDONALD, MALCOLM
Initials: M
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Sailor
Regiment/Service: Merchant Navy
Unit Text: S.S. Stockport (Grimsby)
Age: 18
Date of Death: 25/02/1943
Additional information: Son of Nicolina Macdonald, of Vatersay, Isle of Barra.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 102.
Memorial: TOWER HILL MEMORIAL

Adam Brown · Posted: Thu Sep 18, 2008 11:44 am Post subject:

Anne

Sorry, there's no such thing as a coincidence! I was going through the Stockport's crew list last night checking to see if we had any listed. When I couldn't make out the sailor's name on this memorial I thought I'd check.

Adam

MKMacdonald · Joined: 24 Oct 2008 Posts: 34 Location: Stornoway

Sorry but you are wrong in making the assumption that the name is Malcolm Macdonald. The name is Michael A. Sinclair from Vatersay Village, AB MN (Mac Dhonnachaidh Mhoir).

Michael was also lost on a rescue ship - the SS St Sunniva on 22 January 1942, aged 21.

The lad you mention is indeed on the War Memorial but under the village name of Caolis (nowadays the first village on Vatersay after you cross the causeway). He is listed as Calum Macdonald; Calum being the Gaelic for Malcolm. He is listed with his brother William (Gaelic is Uilleam)who was also lost serving as a Bosun with the Merchant Navy. Their nicknames were the 'Neckies' as in Calum Neckie and Uilleam Neckie.

Caolis is listed on the North face of the memorial and Vatersay village on the South-East face.

Regards
Malcolm Macdonald

Adam Brown · Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2008 2:54 pm Post subject:

Malcolm

Thanks for confirming the Vatersay name on the memorial, and that Calum Macdonald is commemorated on his local memorial.

Regards

Adam

ADP · Joined: 13 Jun 2008 Posts: 467 Location: Edinburgh

Some more photos of the Barra and Vatersay war memorial.

ADP

ADP · Joined: 13 Jun 2008 Posts: 467 Location: Edinburgh

And the transcriptions...

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

1914-1918

Ardveenish
Donald MacKinnon, Sailor MN, Dòmhnull Dhòmhnuill Bhig A'Mhorghainn

Bogach
Archie MacDonald, D/Hnd RNR, Eairdsidh A'Ruaidh An Tàilleir
Michael MacDonald, D/Hnd RNR, Mìchael A'Ruaidh An Tàilleir

Bolnabodach
Neil MacKinnon, Pte Camerons, Niall Dhòmhnuill A'Mhorghainn
William MacKinnon, Seaman MN, Uilleam Beag Dhòmhnuill A'Mhuilinn
Michael MacNeil, AB MN, Mìcheal Phàdruig Dhòmhnuill Uilleam

Borve
Angus MacDonald, Dky/Man MN, Aonghas Mhurchaidh Raghnaill
John MacIntyre, Bo'sn MN, Iain Alasdair Chalum
Archie MacKinnon, OS MN, Eardsidh Eachainn Anna
Ewen MacKinnon, Sailor MN, Eòghan Eachainn Anna
John MacLean, Sailor MN, Seonaidh Iagainn Iain Chalum

Brevig
Joseph Galbraith, Sailor MN, Eosaph Mhurchaidh Aonghais
George MacCormick, Pte Seaforths, Seòras Dhùghaill A'Ruaidh
Joseph MacDonald, AB MN, Eosaph Néill Raghnaill
Murdo MacKinnon, AB MN, Murchadh Bhaldaidh
Malcolm MacLean, Seaman RN, Calum Illeasbuig Ruaidh
Neil MacLean, Sailor MN, Niall Eachainn Néill

Bruernish
Hugh Buchanan, ----, Eòghan Anndra
John MacDonald, D/Hnd RN, Iagan A'Ruaidh An Tàilleir
John MacDonald, ----, Chòn Eachaainn Ruairidh
John MacIntyre, D/Hnd RNR, Iagan Néill Iagainn
Archie MacKinnon, Pte Camerons, Gilleasbuig Bàn Chalum Dhòmhnuill
Iain MacPherson, AB MN, Iain 'Illeasbuig Iain 'Ic Aonghais
Alexander MacRae, AB RNVR, Ailig Ailig Mhóir
James MacRae, Pte Seaforths, Seamas Ailig Mhóir

Caolis
Roderick Campbell, AB MN, Ruaraidh Antonaidh
Roderick Gillies, Seaman RN, Ruaraidh Iain Néill

Castlebay
Neil MacLean, OS MN, Niall A'Ghoisdidh
Roderick J MaNeil, Pte Camerons

Cleat
James Galbraith, L/D/Hnd RNR, Seumas Iain Néill Iain Mhóir
Michael Galbraith, RNR, Mìchael Chalum Néill Iain Mhóir
John MacCuish, D/Hnd RNR, Iain Alasdair Iain 'Ic Cùish
John MacDonald, Sailor MN, Iain Néill Ghréitheir

Craigston
Peter MacKinnon, Pte Camerons, Peidir Néill Pheidir
Joseph MacNeil, PO RNR
Roderick MacNeil, D/Hnd RNR, Ruairidh Aonghais Ruaidh Iain Bhig
Archie MacPherson, D/Hnd RNR, Eairdsidh Ruairidh Ruaidh

Earsary
Joseph Campbell, Sailor MN, Eosaph An Doirgh
Jonathon MacDougall, Seaman MN, Eòin Ruaridh Eòin

Garrygall
John Galbraith, D/Hnd RNR, Iagan Mhurchaidh Iain Chalum
Angus MacLean, Pte Camerons, Aonghas Mhicheil Bhig

Glen
Rury Gilles, Sailor MN, Ruairidh Ruairidh 'Illeasbuig (Crùidseir)
Murdo MacDougall, D/Hnd RNR, Murchadh Raghnaill Eachainn
Archie MacLean, Commander RN, Gilleasbuig Iain Dhòmhnuill Eachainn
Donald MacNeil, D/Hnd RN, Dòmhnull Iagainn Dhòmhnuill

Grean
Simon MacNeil, OS MN, Sìm Iain Aonghais Ruairidh

Heatherhill
Donald MacKinnon, AB MN, Dòmhnull Mhurchainn Ghoillic
John MacKinnon, D/Hnd RN, "Chon" Iain Ghoillic
Neil MacKinnon, AB MN, Niall Iain Ghoillic

Horve
Murdo MacNeil, OS MN, Murchadh Mhicheil Iain

Kentangaval
Neil Buchanan, D/Hnd RN, Niall Dhòmhnuill Néill Bhain
Roderick Campbell, AB MN, Ruairidh Dhòmhnuill Ruaidh
John Galbraith, AB MN, Iagan Sheumais Iain Chalum

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Kinloch
Donald MacKinnon, AB MN, Dòmhnull Dhòmhnuill Iain 'Ic Eòghainn

Lanish
Donald Buchanan, Bo'sn MN, Dòmhnull A' "Ch_____"

Leadaig
Malcolm MacLean, AB MN, Calum C_____ Eòin

Northbay
John Campbell, Sailor MN, Iagan Ruairidh Bhàin
Angus Galbraith, Seaman RNR, Aonghas Iain Bhaìn Aonghais Chalum
Donald MacDonald, ----, Dòmhnull Ruairidh Ghréitheir
Roderick MacNeil, Camerons, Ruairidh Thormaid

Rhulios
Alister Cameron, Army, Alasdair Iain Chamstrom (?)
William MacIntyre, D/Hnd RN, Uilleam Néill Aonghais Iain Eòghainn

Tangusdale
John MacLean, AB MN, Iain Bàn Chalainn (?)
Hector MacNeil, D/Hnd RN, Eochann Néill An T-S______

Vatersay
Donald Campbell, Sailor MN, Dògan Iagainn Mhicheil(?)
Michael Campbell, AB MN, Mìchael Iain Ruairidh
Donald MacNeil, AB MN, Dòmhnull Aonghais 'Ic Néill
James MacNeil, Sailor MN
Michael MacNeil, AB MN, Mìchael Dhòmhnuill Aonghais

Barra (Township unknown)
Donald MacKinnon, D/Hnd RNR
Neil MacKinnon, D/Hnd RN

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

1939-1945

Allasdale
John A MacNeil, Scots Guards, "Chon" Ruairidh Bhig

Ardmhor
Donald MacKinnon, AB MN, Dòmhnull Iagan Ghànaidh
Malcolm MacNeil, SOS MN, Calum Mhurchaidh Thormaid

Ardveenish
John Galbraith, AB MN, "Cheigein" Raghnaill Mhóir
Charles McShane, 2nd Eng MN

Bentangaval
Donald MacKinnon, L/Trmr MN, Dògan Iagain Eòghainn Bhain

Bogach
Kenneth MacKinnon, AB MN, Coinneach, Eachainn Phàdruig
Neil MacLean, Chief Off MN, Niall Néill Dhuibh

Bolnabodach
Michael MacDonald, Bo'sn MN, Michael Mór, Alasdair Aonghais
Murdo MacDonald, AB MN, Murchadh Néill Raghnaill

Borve
Michael MacDonald, AB MN
Roderick J MacKinnon, Sailor MN, Rodaidh Dhugainn

Brevig
Donald MacNeil, AB MN, "Paddy" Peigi Iain Uilleam

Bruernish
Hector MacIntyre, AB MN, Eachann Beag Néill Iagain
Angus J MacKinnon, AB MN, Eosaph Shandaidh Éipeal
John MacKinnon, Sailor MN, Iagan Shandaidh Éipeal
Michael MacKinnon, Michael Dubh Mhicheil Éipeal
Neil MacKinnon, Cheif Off MN, Niall "Dhooldaidh"
Neil MacLean, Bo'sn MN, Niall Iain Bhig
Malcolm MacNeil, AB MN, Calum Iagain Mhicheil Bhig

Caolis
Calum MacDonald, Sailor MN, Calum "Neckie"
William J MacDonald, Bo'sn, Uilleam "Neckie"

Castlebay
Donald A MacNeil, AB MN, Dòmhnull Eairdsidh Sheonaidh Màiri

Cleat
Roderick MacDonald, Master MN, "Captain", Peigi Ruairidh

Earsary
John Campbell, OS MN, "Sasunnach" Màiri Fhionnlaidh

Eoligarry
Calum Buchanan, AB MN, Calum A'Chlipein
Neil J Buchanan, AB MN, Niall A'Ghlindich
Hector MacKinnon, AB MN, Eachann Iagainn Ruairidh
John MacKinnon, AB MN, Iagan Dhòmhnuill Ailein
James W MacLean, Sapper RE, Seumas "Sguiraidh"

Garrygall
Neil Gillies, AB MN, Niall Ruairidh Néill
Hugh MacLean, AB MN, Eògaidh Eòin Néill Mhicheil

Glen
Joseph Boyd, Bo'sn MN, Eosaph Ailig A'Bhaoidich
Donald A MacDougall, OS MN, Dòghaidh Dhògain Sheumais
Hector MacDougall, AB MN, Eachann Raghaill Eachainn
John MacKinnon, Iagan Néill Eòin
Neil MacKinnon, Sailor MN, Niall "Lisy"

Horve
Neil MacDougall, Master MN, Niallachan Néill
Lachlan MacNeil, AB MN, "Lachy", Shòmhnuill Lachlain
Michael MacNeil, Master MN, Michael Móireadh

Kentangaval
Edward Johnston, AB MN, "Eddie" Bean Iamhair
Calum MacKinnon, Sailor MN, Calum A'Chatamain
Rory J MacNeil, AB MN, Ruairidh, Annag A'Phadaidh

Leanish
Charles W Page, L/Cpl R Hamps

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Ledaig
Calum MacDougall, Edh MN, "Cally", Sheumas Iain Eachainn

Northbay
Angus J Campbell, QM MN, Aonghas Eosaph Dhonnchaidh A'Ruaidh
Neil Morrison, CH Stwd MN, Am Béiceir
Neil MacPherson, Flt Sgt RAF, "Neily A'Choddy"

Rhu
Michael Gillies, AB MN, Michael Ruairidh Mhicheil Néill

Tangusdale
Michael MacNeil, AB MN, "Mickie na Doit"
Roderick MacNeil, AB MN, Ruairidh A'Stéinoire

Vatersay
Michael A Sinclair, AB MN, Michael Dhonnchaidh Mhóir

Barra (Township unknown)
Michael MacDonald, AB MN
Angus MacNeil, AB MN

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

TO THE IMMORTAL HONOUR OF THOSE MEN OF BARRA
AND VATERSAY WHO FELL IN THE TWO GREAT WARS.

- - - -

CUMBAIGH GU BRÀTH CUIMHNE ORRA
GILLEAN ÒG AN ÀIT
GU SÌTH A THOIRT DO'N T-SAOGHAL
BHÀSAICH IAD SA BHLÀR

- - - -

THIS MEMORIAL IS DEDICATED IN PROUD AND GRATEFUL RECOGNITION
BY CONTRIBUTORS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD

- - - -

THIS MEMORIAL WAS DEDICATED AT A SERVICE HELD ON 11th NOVEMBER 1993.

- - - -

COMMITTEE
CAPT. Roderick MacKinnon
Donald MacLean
Donald J MacDonald
Michael Buchanan
Iain MacIntyre
Ronald Boyd

- - - -

M. Stewart Hume. Architect.
Dugald Cameron. Designer.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Around the top of the memorial:
THESE DIED IN WAR - THAT WE AT PEACE
MIGHT LIVE - THEY GAVE THEIR BEST
SO WE OUR BEST SHOULD GIVE

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

ADP

adb41 · Joined: 03 Jan 2008 Posts: 178 Location: Stornoway

March 2016: Funding has been allocated to improve access to the memorial. The paving and handrails on the access path to the memorial are in poor condition and will be repaired.