Lionel School District

Gordon Macleod
Port of Ness Post Office

LIONEL SCHOOL DISTRICT.
(Habost, Lionel, Fivepenny, Eoropie, Adabrock, Eorodale, Port of Ness, Knockaird and Skigersta.)
Population last Census, 1996; (Males, 911 ; Females, 1085).

THE hour of testing caine and our men were ready. I mean the men of Lewis whom I knew and know. Meantime I have before my notice men included in the Lionel School Area, of whom I shall attempt a short sketch.

In that first week in August, 1914, many of our men and lads were engaged at the East Coast fishings, where they heard and answered the call of their country. Many of them left for home to receive their mobilisation instructions, arriving in Stornoway on Saturday, 8th August. There being no conveyances available, the men lost not a moment but set out and walked across the moor to their homes, a distance of over twenty miles. After snatching a few hours much needed rest, those who were attached to the Army Special Reserve embarked next morning (Sunday) on board the drifter "Fraserburgh," of Hull, whose skipper kindly volunteered to take the men to Stornoway. From there they left for their several destinations. Alas, how very few of that stalwart band returned ! From the Lionel School area 390 answered the call and served in all the branches of the Service. Of these 91 made the supreme sacrifice. Military Medals awarded, 4; D.S.M., 1 ; D.C.M., 1 ; M.C., 1 ; Russian Cross of the Order of St George, 1 : Silver Medal of the Royal Humane Society, 1; and many 1914 Stars; officers, 2 (Lieuts.)

It was certainly cheering for the friends to see the lads depart in such high spirits, and week after week letters were received from all over the world telling of their coming home to take part in the struggle. One young
lad wrote banteringly to his mother, "We are en route ; expect me home when we settle the Germans." Another lad wrote, "We embark to-morrow. I am pleased and proud to come and strike a blow for the dear old country." Such is the spirit in which our lads answered the call to arms.

The tension during these years was somewhat allayed in this district by a daily official telegram which was received at Port of Ness P.O., and hung up for the public to read. Large numbers waited daily for that telegram and went to their homes joyful or otherwise, but always hopeful of final victory. No wonder the 11th November, 1918, is a day to be remembered. The signing of the Armistice brought tears of joy and outbursts of thankfulness, and little we then thought that we had yet to suffer the most crushing event of the war—the wreck of H.M.Y. "Iolaire" on New Year's morning, 1919. We were for a time unable to comprehend its vastness, but we now know that we still stagger under that overwhelming crash. Words are inadequate to describe our feelings. The Lionel School area lost 17 gallant seamen. Many of them were coming home discharged, and we and they predicted a bright future, but such is the irony of fate. John F. Macleod from this district is the lad who swam ashore with a line and succeeded in securing the hawser which was attached to it, so that many lives were saved; indeed, almost all who were saved owe their lives to the heroic efforts of this young man. Donald Morrison, also from this district, was the last survivor of the "Iolaire." For eight hours he clung to the mast until rescued next morning, exhausted, but able to assist himself down the mast and into the small boat that took him off his perilous position.

Post Office. Port of Ness.