Islay remembers SS Tuscania
THE ISLAY community organised a commemorative service on Monday 100 years on from the sinking of SS Tuscania just off the Mull of Oa.
The British ship was torpedoed by a German U-boat while transporting more than 2,000 American troops to Europe. Around 210 US servicemen and British crew members lost their lives.
On February 5, a commemorative service was held at the island’s American Monument on the Mull of Oa, followed by a ceremony at the graveside of Roy Muncaster in Kilnaughton Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery, where many of the dead from the SS Tuscania were temporarily buried.
There was a Gaelic bible reading, piping by Isobel Ferguson, and singing by pupils of the Port Ellen Primary School Gaelic Choir. A reception was held at No 1 Charlotte Street, where survivors of the sinking were billeted.
As well as the valiant rescue efforts of the local community when the SS Tuscania and HMS Otranto (which sank in October 1918 off Islay’s coast) went down and the efforts to give the dead proper burials, Monday’s events remembered the Ileachs that served during WWI and more than 200 who lost their lives throughout the war.
Islay is hosting a year-long programme of events marking the island’s contribution to World War One and the loss of two British troop ships carrying American soldiers to fight alongside the Allies.
The sinking of SS Tuscania and HMS Otranto saw around 700 US servicemen and British crew members lose their lives.
Meanwhile, a fundraising appeal has been launched on the Isle of Lewis as the centenary of another maritime disaster approaches.
On January 1 1919 HMY Iolaire struck rocks near Stornoway Harbour, on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, sinking and claiming 205 lives.
A JustGiving crowdfunding page was launched ahead of the centenary in 2019, which is seeking to raise £20,000 to improve access to the memorial on the island.
Most of the passengers of HMY Iolaire were soldiers returning home after the end of the Great War. Despite the Admiralty Yacht sinking so close to shore, conditions meant that most (71 per cent) of her passengers died.
Organiser Colin Morrison, from Western Isles Council, wrote on his JustGiving page: ‘The Iolaire Working Group is made up of representatives from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, local historical societies and community councils.’
He continued: ‘[We are] hoping to raise funds to assist with the much-needed path works to the Iolaire memorial at Holm, Stornoway, in addition to raising funds for the centenary commemoration events of the tragedy, which took place on New Year’s Eve 1919.’
In addition to this appeal, it was announced earlier this month that businessman Stewart Graham proposed building a £5m visitor centre to remember the disaster. Donors left messages of support on the JustGiving page. One wrote: ‘In memory of my great uncle Donald Macleod, 38 North Shawbost.’
Another said: ‘Fingers crossed that people will realise how poignant and important raising funds for this is. Good luck to you all.’