1 May 1917

On this day, four sailors from Barra, Eriskay and Vatersay were lost in the sinking of SS Bagdale. The steamer was heading from the Clyde to Naples, when she was sunk by U-boat UC-66 off Ushant, Brittany, France, with the loss of 23 lives. UC-66 was lost about six weeks after the sinking of the Bagdale, on 12 June 1917. The story is that she was forced to dive and when she was depth-charged by HMT Sea King, her own mines blew up. Like in the sinking of the Bagdale, 23 lives were lost with UC-66, among them her captain, Herbert Pustkuchen.



Sailor John Macdonald

At the age of 17

Iain Néill Ghréitheir

Son of Neil MacDonald, of No. 14, Cleat, Barra, Oban, Scotland. Born at Barra.

Last known address in Barra: Cleat

Service unit: Merchant Navy, SS Bagdale

Memorial: Tower Hill Memorial

Local memorial: Barra & Vatersay



Sailor John Macdougall

At the age of 20

Son of Effie McDougall (nee McInnes), of Coilleac, Eriskay, South Uist, Inverness, and the late Donard McDougall.

Last known address in Eriskay: Eriskay

Service unit: Merchant Navy, SS Bagdale

Memorial: Tower Hill Memorial

Local memorial: South Uist



Able Seaman Donald Macneil

At the age of 23

Dòmhnull Iagainn Dhòmhnuill

Son of Angus and Ann McNeil, of The Square, Watersay, Barra, Oban, Scotland.

Last known address in Vatersay:

Service unit: Merchant Navy, SS Bagdale

Memorial: Tower Hill Memorial

Local memorial: Barra & Vatersay



Able Seaman Neil Macneil

At the age of 24

Son of D. McNeil, of The Square, Watersay, Barra, Inverness. Born at Barra.

Last known address in Vatersay:

Service unit: Merchant Navy, SS Bagdale

Memorial: Tower Hill Memorial

Local memorial: Barra & Vatersay

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