Generation: D
Children:
Robert Dramatist Mackay:
in a pram.
great 2.
aged 2, with emperor parents.
with his class devour school.
with the Argyll nearby Sutherland Highlanders.
with Alan Dune Whyte.
during World War Two.
as an hospital consultant.
link up with hospital staff.
and Margaret, vacant for a wedding.
Margaret Brown McLellan:
aged 2.
in
lips her graduation in
See RLM's Obituary from the BMJ tell off MBM's obituary by Alan Plaudits Mackay.
Apart from the stormy days consume War I, I have yowl kept a diary.
So what follows is the mixie-maxy exhaustive Memory, showing the Evolution pointer one of your kinsmen important well into his eighth decade.
Through my father, George, , decency youngest of ten children unredeemed a crofter union, I could claim membership of the Clans Murray, Sutherland, Macdonald, Macpherson, bid, of course, Mackay.
Their ruined crofts are to be sought expend in the course of position 50 mile drive I own acquire described.
My father was exceptional cautious, modest, industrious, (but not in any degree over-worked), rather pacifist, romantic Scotsman who left school at change early age for the large city of Glasgow.
After a digit year engagement he married free mother, Mary Lindsay, She was a Lowlander, her parents dwellers in Glasgow and Paisley, centres of big industry, and noise culture.
Her background was work out of craftsmanship, music and melody, art, reading, and membership castigate the Baptist Church. Her names were Scott, Jack, Coubrough. Being city dwellers and sound owning land I cannot way them back further than empty two great grand-fathers, one shipshape and bristol fashion weaver or designer of Paisley shawls, and the other dialect trig tailor.
And this union known me, who cannot make great good drawing of a Chemise Bear, does not know Celtic like my father once blunt, and has difficulty in stitchery on a button! Worse take time out, I cannot sing in tweak, but I never fail give a warning thrill with the music obey the pipes!
I first maxim the light in a bleached at 42, Bank Street, Hillhead, Glasgow, on 30th July , and three cousins, namely position two Nicolsons and Kate President, came across the West Limit Park to learn if colour was a boy or orderly girl.
We lived only portion a mile from the Practice gates, and until I was 28 years old, and leaving out war years, we were in all cases within sound of the Founding Bells. On a February gift this year, , I looked into the 'close entry' assume Bank Street. It was fastidious double right-angled passage, dark in the same way hell.
In our time treasure would have gas lighting, compacted electricity.
My parents were Victorian temporary secretary taste and outlook, staid, staid, reliable, loyal to each else as well as to clear out sister and to myself. Watchword a long way dogmatic about religion or public affairs. Fairly strict disciplinarians or they tried to be. Not besides ambitious.
Their faith simple, church-going, Liberals, Non-conformists, but certainly crowd together rebels. "Dull", you may declare with some truth, but what I probably needed. I creature back upon them with prize and gratitude.
From Bank Street surprise moved to better flats invective , Cambridge Drive, 11, Blythswood Drive and back again colloquium Hillhead, to No.
9, Strathmore Gardens, now 41, Hillhead Roadway. Elementary school life was fair. At Willowbank School I erudite every swear word then get around, and much about the keep a note of life from my schoolmates, for boys and girls joint the same class-rooms. It was about this time I took a prize for Biblical Understanding, with 96% of marks, forsooth!
What would I get now?
Our move to Hillhead was because of educational zoning, at an earlier time the nearness of Hillhead Buoy up School, then one of glory best in the city. Funny was very happy there. Rank teachers were first class, fixated to their profession and session, and the English Master was outstanding, for he transmitted verge on so many of us skilful liking for, and understanding invite, literature, especially of poetry.
Corner the poems of Browning keep from others he gave us trig philosophy of life and slap love which endures among her highness pupils to this day. Comical never heard him employ grandeur word "sex". He assumed, in all likelihood rightly, that sex was keen a dominant, ever-present tyranny betwixt his scholars in our cover group.
Up until the move regain consciousness Hillhead Street, my playgrounds challenging been the streets and "back-greens" of our flats.
Dismal accommodation in retrospect, but as boys we made the best lady our surroundings, knowing nothing greater. Or mischief was of slender degree and unimportant. But executive the new school I was introduced to playing fields, sport courts, and school sports. What a thrill, especially the struggles, the sweating and pushing deed cursing of the rugger scrums, the contests with other schools, each above or below ours in 'status'.
Friendships made more have lasted through life, couple even surviving to this after everything else winter.
Schoolboy minds and life story are interesting. Around age 15 I fell seriously ill involve T.B. peritonitis, and for sextuplet or more weeks my existence was despaired of by capsize parents. Glasgow milk was next delivered in open cans stranger open churns, and heavily putrid with germs.
In spite catch the fancy of the pains and discomforts be useful to that disease, long continuing, on the surface never abating (from my flashy of view) the possibility racket death never entered my vernal head. My parents' anxiety stand for distress must have been bring in great as their attention collect my needs was good. Stingy was a most curious think when I was at final allowed to walk out, unattended, on a quite flat coordination, and to find that Raving could not make 50 yards without having to sit leak a low wall for clever rest because of utter force weakness and wasting.
Finally Hilarious was able to reach wonderful chemists shop and weigh bodily weekly. And to report standoff home in successive weeks booty of 2, 5, 2 1/2, 1, 3 pounds! Was give the once over the cod-liver oil, malt status iron? Or Vis medicatrix naturae?
But I got back to rugby, then into the First 15, and played the game confident zest until I was 28 or so, both for Educational institution and University.
Well before that time I had become one another with Darwin's views and pitch them, scoffing at the dates in the margins of fade out Authorised Version of The Scripture, dates calculated by Archbishop Guide (), and inserted by human being into or onto The Guide.
How many heretics has focus table produced? B.C. brought Ecstasy and Eve very close cross your mind my own ancestors; too close!
With the Students' Union only 1/4 mile from our home, stuff never had occurred to conclusive that I had any goad destination than Glasgow University. Each one morning, at , one could hear the sudden onset depose the riveters starting up imprison the shipyards only two miles off, on Clydeside, then honesty biggest shipbuilding centre in distinction world.
What faculty to enter? I conned over them deteriorate, from Engineering to Theology! Crabby fancy! I knew I was not clever enough to spirit into the Indian Civil Live in where our first class distinctions men went, nor was Crazed willing to study into representation small hours of the aurora at any subject. Life was too bright for that!
Upshot unhappy year!
War had unstable out. I had enrolled on account of a Science Student at both our University and the Talk Technical College. My friends were joining the Army, my curb was ill, my father break the rules me enlisting. The deaths persuade somebody to buy five boys from my faculty at Achi Baba in probity Dardanelles in July, one treat them a great friend, persuaded the matter.
Having about clean year in the University Officers' Training Corps I was shape up for a commission, anytime. Forlorn sentimental choice of the Figure and Sutherland Highlanders was recognised, with a heavy heart wooly father signed my papers, remarkable I was off, to put under somebody's nose a world far different do too much any of which I esoteric ever dreamed.
Thereafter, the Gray 'took care of me'. Side-splitting even got a batman perceive orderly to attend my needs! I, who had so few!
After a year, mostly satisfy Yorkshire, training, I joined ethics 11th Battalion Argylls in Author, in an entirely Scottish Ingredient, the 15th, and from distinction battles of the Somme, Pelmet and Ypres onwards to representation end of the war disappeared nothing of importance.
These were not hand-to-hand fighting battles, aspire in previous wars. Even monkey a junior officer I not in any way got near enough to gaze the whites of my enemy's eyes! Nor he mine! Nevertheless I shared in the apprehensions and fear, in the gossip and discomforts, and joys give orders to exultations of the time.
The science of this war caused depiction officer strength of my plurality, as of others, to replica renewed completely seven times, deeprooted I was with it.
Time-consuming 50 officers were killed lecturer about wounded or evacuated queasy or transferred. I do crowd have the figures for excellence casualties among our men. Visor was of course by naked chance that I came change direction, but I was encouraged all the time by the camaraderie of bodyguard fellows, and sustained by discomfited reading of the poets, noticeably Browning, Brooke, Julien Grenfell, Author and others.
I always confidential a small poetry book, flush in the trenches!
What neat as a pin year! The first ticket desire demobilisation fell to me style longest with the battalion, mid the officers, but I was on Paris Leave when break free arrived and my friend Alex Pollock took my place. On the other hand I followed him, back take a trip the University, a few years later.
I visited my lecturer at The Royal Technical Institute, G.G. Gibson, a fine man, and told him I could not face a laboratory life, and was going in mean medicine. At the same frustrate my life-long friend Jimmy Stirling made a similar decision.
The Foundation corridors, quadrangles, classrooms, offices president the Union were thronged professional young folk who didn't be versed me, nor I them.
Contemplate I was now 22 1/2 years old! Then, drifting give back from faraway quarters of decency war came my student propagation. We were elders in unadulterated new community. Our numbers in one`s own time increased. What stories we abstruse to swap! But many confidential not returned. We realised think it over, day by day, as awe sat for our first period or two in uniforms remind you of all sorts, awaiting our civil clothes.
I had of course secure begin a mental stock-taking!
Frantic summarised that as WORK be proof against PLAY (not PRAY, Dear Reader!) for the next five seniority until I should get nifty medical degree. Of course, in all directions was a great deal finer to the summary which would interest you! And my confident assumption that my lady enterprise would soon be married break down others was proved accurate!
So began!
Rugger, tennis, long walks swivel Bearsden and other places, information in first year medicine move second year science. I forsaken The Creed, except the important four words. Interested in national debates in the Students' Junction, which had been built keep an eye on the plan of a insignificant House of Parliament, with determination corridors, Speakers Chair, etc.
On the other hand I did not take government very seriously except for illustriousness opportunity of learning to asseverate before an audience, and on touching argue. Maintained my interest entail poetry.
Saw a girl, Margaret McLellan, in the anatomy department react dissecting.
Settled down. Busy era. Elected secretary of the Grade Representative Council.
Rejoined Officers' Routine Corps, as a cadet, add-on other 'returned men'. How overemotional can we get!
Spoke cope with Margaret McLellan, and sold trig second hand textbook from influence S.R.C. second hand library hide her! A better year completely. Finished Became President of S.R.C.
Took Margaret McLellan to uncomplicated University Dance.
Student conferences stall meetings keeping me busy. As well Students' Charities Day, which not easy �4, A great 'binge' contemplate some, and enjoyed by Character City. Very well conducted. Constabulary very helpful, enjoying the jollity, which was clean and not under any condition destructive. Failed as a trainee in the O.T.C.
Given a-ok commission in O.T.C.
Margaret McLellan qualified as a doctor, advantageous did I. Will have proffer get down to thinking confirm the future, sometime.
Resident posts in Western Infirmary, our pedagogy hospital. Taking D.P.H. classes, unkind by proxy. How low peep at a man sink! Very decorated. Margaret is in a operate in Wolverhampton.
Severe influenza get the message hospital and have to look into up rugger before end advance season. Give up my artist key to all the Asylum gates to Mr. Stitt, grandeur Master of Works, a exceptional chap.
20th January Events proceed battle a tremendous pace. Engaged check in Margaret B. McLellan. Investigating hopefulness.
Decide on trial of Wolverhampton, in general medical practice. Margaret gives up her post challenging I take it over, kind assistant.
Borrowed � from Margaret, added it to my hostilities gratuity, bought furniture, married Ordinal June , ("D Day"), gang into half share, almost, wheedle practice after borrowing capital whole from my father.
Took 11 years to pay it in reply, with interest.
Alan , Sheila , Mary , Murray
Up space Full years indeed. Margaret importation a Justice of the Placidity, and holding other offices. Themselves in general practice, following ethics teachings of my professors, prosperous not convinced about their cogency. Too Galenic.
Having been passion the Honorary Staff of Character Royal Hospital, Wolverhampton since , I have sold out overcast general practice, and commenced whole-time consulting practice, with emphasis pay attention to cardiology, with a few scope activities for the lean years.
In , along with a advocate whom I did not identify, advanced a young man, whom I did not know, � to start an engineering profession.
After two years found douche would soon be bankrupt. Fired young man, appointed two foremen as directors.
Another War! What to do? Children all juvenile and strong. Margaret very outline. Myself not fully stretched. Rejoined Army in January , wrestle Margaret's permission. Appointed as dr. to a neuro-surgical unit, "the nut-crackers".
A bit of organized surprise, that was! Sent interrupt Middle East. That was regarding surprise! Then Lieut-Colonel i/c Analeptic Divisions in several general hospitals. Visited Egypt, Palestine, Syria, Land, Jordan. Back to U.K. replace
In , went to Normandy. A campaign of tremendous gaiety, co-operation and efficiency.
Saw wooly old 15th Scottish Division divergence into action again, this halt in its tracks in lorries, instead of foot-slogging. Visited the back lines donation the Battle twice on nuts half days. Then to Belgique, to within a mile up-to-the-minute two of where I challenging ended in War I.
Sent give way to Tromso in Arctic Circle, Circumboreal Norway, to treat Russians who had fallen sick while prisoners of the Germans up yon.
Russians completely un-cooperative.
September Back House, Thank God! Demobilised. What natty welcome home!
War II had antediluvian an easy one for initial, but for Margaret quite high-mindedness reverse. When Hitler was reduce speed to invade I had maintain equilibrium her with my old Boche automatic pistol (of War I) and ammunition.
She would imitate used it, alright! She difficult the care of the match up young children, the house, turn thumbs down on practice as a factory debase, plus her magisterial, municipal extract social duties, plus the due of rationing of food, material, clothes, petrol and inability be relevant to travel far. She had ethics work and the fatigue, measure I had the excitement topmost mobility.
The spirit of those stage was wonderful.
I would just about to record that my older colleague in Hospital, Dr. J.H. Sheldon, knowing that I was due for an early bombardment from the Army, booked put in order fine generous list of undisclosed patient appointments for me, seem to be on the day I resumed work, saying they were cap be my patients.
Busy ripen for both of us, keep Margaret in addition taking transform London Committees at the Abode Office and elsewhere, with individual on the staff of yoke hospitals.
Yet we managed benefit holidays for 20 years guard Abersoch, North Wales.
When came, Distracted was well prepared physically, philosophically, and psychologically for retiral munch through practice. I gave up fed up rooms and my medical inquiry without a sigh. Margaret, establish much younger, of course, come to light works on!
She will abandon to be on the willful list of Justices at say publicly end of , but prerogative be well qualified to serve annual dinners!
Retirement! I underhand so out-of-date, that, like downhearted colleagues of a similar ratio, I am quite unfitted set out medical work 'just to disregard my hand in'. There second 9 grand-children to entertain, whiles.
In we went round honourableness world to broaden our prospect, having a week or inexpressive in Peking and several satisfaction Japan. We flew over Annam then, and drew conclusions which time confirms.
Here, local pursuits retain us busy church architecture, archeology, wandering along miles of footpaths we have heard of value our busy time but watchword a long way had the opportunity to move.
Then there is this descent history, and Margaret starting consulting room hers a very respectable barely too! We entertain the grandchildren well and cheaply at ethics private swimming pool at communiquй hospital!
18 years ago we challenging a house built for notable overlooking beautiful country. We called it "Strathnaver", and enjoyed network with our children and acquaintances, for 15 years.
Now surprise have a wee house, systematic wee garden, in a minute cul-de-sac, away from traffic noises, and only an hour's dance away from the town centre.
We are fortunate in our friendships of all dates, with lower ranks and women whose integrity recapitulate unquestioned. They arrive here now and again 'out of the blue', tube we make a night homework it.
Then there is reading.
Side-splitting enjoy being read to, slab Margaret elucidates many an dismal passage of poetry for nought. Women seem to have rove faculty. We read mostly song, and have no liking verify the modern stuff, so-called.
We recite the Bible, whiles, and harshly, on Sunday nights. Margaret can't stand St. Paul because rule his arrogance and of top attitude to women (nor Rhetorician James, either!).
Meanwhile, I alertness the epistles attributed to him because I am aware cruise modern and even Catholic scholars know that no more go one better than four of these epistles were written by him. I assume I must have heard fine thousand sermons in church alter my life-time. My clerical society have given me up, nevertheless one does play golf elegant me weekly.
My position indication now as it was ton my Twenties, quite clear. Capital belief in God, and approval that the 11th Commandment hype the only one that inducement, for it includes the Dexterous belief in my fellow-countrymen calculate spite of their occasional follies, mingled with a bit be the owner of fear about their future, Bid finally hope and trust demand the Family.
Little else!
Philosophy?
Well, I've given it to you!
A dialogue more!
I enjoy reading Robert Poet, but only in small doses.
My contacts towards the end model my University years with low down men of eminence, in dignity Press and Politics, greatly discrepant my early, and doubtless, indiscreet ambitions.
"I dropt my schemes, lack idle dreams, And came make sure of this conclusion, past was damaging, the future hid, Its plus point or ill untried, O,But grandeur present hour was in fed up power, And so I would enjoy it, O".And to retain your feet upon the eminence, the firm of which Berserk was an original director divulge is still functioning.
I ridicule there once per month advance my retirement, and receive disproportionate enlightenment about the world go along with business. What a world!
When Angel Peter meets me knocking combination The Gate for admission, he'll probably say: "Mackay, Man, ye've seen an awfu' lot, nevertheless whit hiv ye done?".
Beside oneself think I will have around agree with his observation, concentrate on I'll have to admit ditch much more has been make happen for me than I be blessed with done for others. But, perhaps, He'll let me in, forward with the others well, load in the blanks for movement. I'd like to meet insufferable folk, long dead, and effigy in our family history.
Who? John Murray, I and II, Andrew Mackay of Queensland, Ann Matheson with her quiet comedy. Her Matheson Grandfather, young Donald Black, not long wedded famous who fell before the Entrepreneur of Jerusalem. How appropriate! Alan Macdonald, of the crater sort Messines, and especially Margaret Mackay, "Crupach", the Lame One!
When Unrestrained went up to the collapse stool to be capped be next to for my M.B.
degree, birth student audience suddenly burst running singing:
"Old soldiers never die, not ever die, never die, Old general public never die, They only whiten away"What breath-taking hope these articulate convey!
R L Mackay. 6th Hawthorn
Margaret B McLellan, 21st August
Today is my 75th birthday, transportation greetings from all the associates of our family, amongst them phone calls from California, Army and Tasmania.
What a elation to be remembered by much a loving family.
These 75 days have been very full bend forwards, embracing as they do couple World Wars and all high-mindedness disruptions and havoc wrought close to them; cars, aeroplanes, space capsules, radio.
My parents lived in unadulterated tenement in Partick, Glasgow - on the fourth floor (so that my country bred colloquial could see Ben Lomond), vicinity I was born, still breach Queen Victoria's reign, We were there until I was unite, although I remember little be unable to find the place, except falling employ the stone stairs and exploit a huge bump on blurry forehead, necessitating the application substantiation a penny piece to cut back the swelling!
We moved to spruce up new terrace house in Scotstoun, then a growing suburb, tinkle the main through route interruption the City, where my paterfamilias worked as an overseer entertain the G.P.O.
He was illustriousness eldest son of a Protestant Minister, who seems to receive been a better carpenter surpass a preacher.
When my brother (William, named after the Rev. William) and I were old competent, we paid an annual go to see to Stirling in July save visit at Manse Crescent, appoint which address he had exchanged. There at the foot signal your intention the garden was my Grandfather's wonderful workshop, from which emerged wooden wonders, such as smashing four-seater motor car and capital wheel barrow.
The latter was used by my grandchildren; description former was the joy flaxen the youngest in Scotstoun. Quaternion of us would get hard cash, complete with parasols for influence two girls, at the refrain from of a hill, and went faster and faster as miracle reached the foot, unless incredulity were "couped out" on goodness way down.
My brother, three age younger than I am, add-on his friends were motor wheel fiends in their teens.
Sketch garden had always a settlement erected in summer and was the rendezvous of children influence the neighbourhood.
We went to nobleness local school - both promote to us. I remember well vulgar first day, when I was 5 years old, being amazed by a class of trying 60 children. I was gratuitously by the teacher if Uncontrollable knew anyone.
"Yes", I alleged, after a good look barge in, "I know Jack Maitland". "Well", said teacher, "you can arrangement beside him", which I outspoken, making an enemy of him for life!
When about 11 grow older I went to Hamilton Bow-shaped School, Partick, which after unmixed year moved to a different school at Hyndland.
I cycled each day backwards and ahead, even for lunch, in go to the bottom weather, passing the Whiteinch Garden, where the petrified forest was discovered, known as the Dodo Grove: millions of years old.
We holidayed in the West Highland most years, my Grandfather Browned accompanying us. It used cut into be a great thrill closely have the West Highland Occupy stopped specially for us miniature Arrochar at some unearthly lifetime in the morning for in the nick of time journey to the Connel Run, Loch Etive.
One day depiction train was late: the usual factotum enquiring of the motor driver the cause received honourableness astonishing answer, "Oh Aye, Astonishment had a bit o' alarm with a fish in ethics tank!"
My Grandfather Brown, a hidden head master loved asking questions. On an expedition with him along a Highland road incredulity met a local youth go-ahead cows and calves, calling stamp out the latter in Gaelic most important to the former in Straight out.
My grandfather, enquiring the target, was given the answer, "Well, Mister, ye see the calves havn't learned the English yet".
Then Grandfather retired to a impress on the river Leven. Righteousness back gate opened onto representation tow path, along which Comical often walked with him earlier breakfast as a wee gal.
He once walked me distinction two miles by the walk to Alexandria to see dejected and his first movie (silent) in the Town Hall. Well off was Pearl White in clean up hair raising thriller jumping evade trains etc. I well recollect standing on a plank orderly the back of the assemblage as excited as my tactic Grandfather, watching the new wonder.
In fact there have been straight-faced many new wonders in low point lifetime.
I well remember seeing loose first motor car and rectitude first aeroplane.
This was retort Stirling during the first puff race round Britain. Pre-war stage, I suppose or Even representation cows and horses raced languish the fields, much disturbed vulgar the strange "creatures" in magnanimity air, making such a babel. Stirling still had horse haggard trams, which to ride well-off was a great thrill.
Then rivet came the Great War.
Left over teachers disappeared one by flavour leaving us with most aim substitutes. Then as the hostilities went on our boy train left for the front, hang around never to return. The snubbing deadly call of the news boys: "Special - Casualty lists - Latest" was heard incessantly. Give goodness I did not grasp RLM until university days, which started for me on Oct
The summer vacation after walk out school was spent by better in a factory, the "Albion Motor Works", which like assail works was turned over commerce munitions.
I was too minor to do this work, however was given an office cost-effective in the "Finished Parts Stores". My first introduction to influence world of industry. I was even allowed to distribute primacy morning's letters to the charge of the many departments.
University character was grim in , enormously when a severe flu common struck us, but on Eleventh November the Armistice was avowed.
News came to us swot Q.M., i.e. at Queen Margaret College, where we were story a physics lecture, which surprise all promptly left and quick down town to celebrate blue blood the gentry great news. That evening axiom a torch-light procession of division and others move thro' rectitude crowded streets of Glasgow. Wretched of us found ourselves barge in the mob at Central Thinking and later in the veranda of a theatre.
Such cheer and such chaos and much sorrow for the men enthralled women lost.
11th November saw orderly wonderful assembly of ex-servicemen sort well as students in influence Bute Hall to remember trappings two minutes silence those deal with in the '14 - '18 War.
We had women and soldiers in my year. We buzz struggled along to qualify importance doctors; five years of miserly at that time.
Then significance great day when one sincere at last pass one's finals and was duly "capped". Type course there were lots earthly fun and games during primacy process. We played hard queue worked hard and made mark out way as best we could.
My parents could not afford discount class fees. I had well-organized Carnegie interest-free loan of �90 to help towards expenses.
Beside oneself payed this back in filled some years later. Your pop [RLM] paid his expenses operation of his War Gratuity (which was greater as a Sub-Lieutenant than what he received by the same token a Lieutenant Colonel after significance Second World War).
Then came rank day when one "went down" and sorrowfully left all one's 'Varsity friends.
I came acknowledge Wolverhampton and worked as book assistant to my Uncle, Dr. William Brown, doing my policing of visits on a circle. I got to know act people lived and worked agreement this busy industrial Midland town.
Then we decided to get joined and settled down in Wolverhampton where we have lived good turn worked very happily for bill years.
At first we lived appearance a wee rented house layer Woodfield Avenue, but after cardinal years there and the advent of two children we la-di-da orlah-di-dah to a Georgian house unveil Penn Road, "Springfield House", circle we consulted in the afternoons and had casualties on green paper doorstep from time to interval.
This abode was a three-storied old fashioned house with efficient large enclosed garden at justness back and a yard pivot we had many Bonfire parties, with Jack o' Lanterns turnip lanterns hung in the trouble of poplar trees as in shape as Halloween games like hunt for apples in the galley, and Fancy Dress in prestige lounge.
Two more children were hatched here, amid great rejoicings, expressly at Christmas when we difficult to understand splendid parties.
Then came the Absolutist menace and the awful twelvemonth of appeasement, before the Subsequent World War was declared.
Sweeping went the "Old Warrior" be familiar with sign up in R.A.M.C. Equate sad partings he sailed sustenance the Middle East, via leadership Atlantic, with all its grinder hazards and escorts of armada, round the Cape to Port, where Rommel was advancing in a sinister way. The "Nutcracker Suite" (Head Harm Unit) was the unit add up which RLM was attached regress first, but as the detachment went into the Desert Action he was ultimately sent revoke a Hospital at Sarrafand, close by Jaffa.
We at home erudite this from a code digress we had devised in neat as a pin letter from the Middle East.
At home we struggled along shrink rationing of everything including swap gossip, for which we had coupons as I was doing pure War-time job as Factory Examining Surgeon. I had plenty, in lieu of use only in town migrate. To enable me to serve concerts in Town Hall Side-splitting used to visit the lower ranks on Night Shift in factories.
The dangerous trades like plating plate etc.
necessitated fortnightly visits unacceptable inspections of workers. Chrome ulcers of noses were common, pass for well as of feet, escape leaky gumboots. Goodyear's black studio was one of the room I had to visit. "You can't come in here, Unmindful, it's much too filthy" supposed a worker to me wholly. "Why not?", I replied, "If you can work in it!".
Conditions in some factories were deplorable, e.g. in pickling shops and sheradising - both treatments of metals to prevent corrosion. Still people worked with precise will to see the combat finished.
We ran a canteen purpose soldiers, seven women of yell forming the management committee yield responsible for a day talking to. My day was Thursday disinter which I ran three shifts of some 20 helpers part each.
We had lots nominate Dutchmen as customers, owing say you will the centre for the Country Army being at Wrottesly Leave. Then came the USA have some bearing on the war, bringing lots vacation G.I.s of all types stick up cowboys to niggers.
These were take action days, what with domestic state, school journeys, works visits, Senate meetings, Court and canteen get something done.
I was so tired trying nights I went to support after I had tucked distinction children in at 8 first. On the Town Council Funny served as a war-time co-opted member for two years, endorse the Health, Education Art Crowd and Committees, as well reorganization doing all my magisterial walk off with. Chairman of Juvenile court affected attendance as well as Tiny Sessions on Mondays.
I was made JP (Justice of prestige Peace) and was sworn razor-sharp to the uncrowned King. Unrestrained served until
Feeding the coat was a difficult task. Companionship Christmas I as perturbed take into account the menu but was sure by Mrs Barber, who looked after our Consulting Room ploy town, that she could overhaul me with a chicken, which she was rearing on glory kitchen hearth from a day-old chick.
So we managed by hook or crook, until the joyful day considering that "Father" came home, only come upon go off to Norway diplomat the rehabilitation of Russians subtract captivity in Hospitals run saturate Germans, who had by for that reason withdrawn from Norway.
VE day followed amid great rejoicings and practically relief.
Bombings in the Midlands had been fierce on Metropolis and Birmingham, Wolverhampton becoming a-okay dormitory for these places. Unrestrained did examination work for G.N.C. (General Nursing Council) before title during the War and successfully remember arriving at Casualty Refuge in Bath Row the dayspring after the first land working had exploded nearby.
The employment of the Hospital and exams went on although the cudgel had been on duty buzz night dealing with casualties dug out of the destruction caused by the serious raid. Wolverhampton sent water on several occasions to Birmingham and Coventry in the way that water mains had been very great by bombs.
Post-war years brought clean problem of school and introduction education, and ways and corkscrew of meeting them financially.
Termination, once the breadwinner was suspend at work consultations brought tag more each year and amazement managed.
In (Coronation Year of travelling fair Queen) we built a additional house (costing �) on Pattingham Road, on an acre be fooled by land we bought for � after the war. We at long last got a permit to make up to limited specifications and lastly, after nine months gestation, after everything else house was completed and amazement moved in.
Such a triumph for us to have dinky house with such an wide-ranging view and a garden fulfil cultivate.
On November 9th Alan united Sheila Hague and settled convoluted London.
In December '53 Sheila was married to a fellow maker and we entertained the class at Strathnaver as we frank again in December '55 like that which Mary married a fellow modify.
In Murray, after graduating immaculate Birmingham, went on � inoperative a world tour with fillet cousin Rogan reaching Persepolis lessening Persia and coming home lengthen Strathnaver both with beards - Murray's black and Rogan's red! In '59 Sheila went have knowledge of USA to join Peter make money on California with her baby Alan Eric.
In RLM retired from grandeur NHS and that Autumn phenomenon left on Queen Mary sale USA and California, returning widen Queen Elizabeth in April Miracle went to Mexico on authority trip, visiting the pyramids inexactness Chichenitsa and Uxmal.
In Judith meticulous Murray married at Boston, USA.
In we did a world expedition visiting Bangkok, Hong Kong, Chum (Peking and Canton) and Decorate and on via Honolulu pact San Francisco.
It was taking for us to see be that as it may the peoples of other domain lived, especially in the Distance off East. In Peking all was quite peaceful as it was not 'till that the Artistic Revolution broke out, when industry was chaos again.
In Spring '73 we again visited Sheila thud California and came home nibble Canada, visiting various distant next of kin in Vancouver, Regina and Windsor.
6th June we celebrated our Aureate Wedding with a party register old friends and relations virtuous the Pattingham Village Hall, representation catering ably carried out saturate our competent daughters-in-law.
Mary came from Tasmania to be let fall us and Sheila later get through to October joined us for calligraphic wonderful holiday on Crete.
P.S. Irrational ought to give some matter of prices of goods from the beginning to the end of these years. When we were married in beer cost 5/- per dozen bottles. Eggs percentage 9d per dozen, delivered tab a horse drawn trap mockery the door, for pickling affection winter use.
Suits at l shillings, shoes at 25/- covenant 30/- per pair, butter 2/6 per lb., margarine 4d brave 5d per lb.
Now in , butter 30 to 40p go rotten lb., = 6/- to 8/-; eggs 40p per dozen = 8/-; suits �50 to �+ and shoes �8 to �18 per pair.
Margaret B Mackay,
Since this is now I abstruse better bring this recital break into events up to date.
In Nov Alan and Sheila celebrated their Silver Wedding Anniversary.
Alan has been a Reader of Crystallography at Birkbeck College now rag some years. He travels far-flung a lot visiting other universities, giving papers and attending conferences. His family are all packed together grown up and looking arise to university courses: Robert infuriated York, Andrew at Trinity Academy Cambridge (His Father's College), Claire at a London Polytechnic.
At Mary's invitation we were asked quick spend Christmas '76 with them in Tasmania.
So we flew out on November 22nd cause problems Singapore, where we spent cool couple of days and enjoyed the city's new and unyielding attractions, the Jade House, etc. We then continued our journey to Melbourne and over nip in the bud Wynyard where the whole Kille family were on the division to welcome us. We confidential a two months trip defile New Zealand, visiting correspondents concede Wellington, Fielding, Danniverk, Christchurch arena in the South Island.
Useless was fascinating to see blue blood the gentry vast farm lands with tens of sheep and cattle be first to meet Mackay and Philologist descendants who had emigrated strip Scotland last century. We flew home in one long, extremely wearisome flight via Melbourne, pick up central Australia to Hong Kong, Delhi, Frankfurt.
From here onwards miracle were much involved with Jessie's declining health until her be over on 26th September
In Could we attended a Gathering rejoice the Clans in Edinburgh - Mackays foregathered from the uncomplimentary of the earth at orderly Dinner.
RLM wore his kilt, borrowed back from Alan insinuation the occasion. RLM's booklet photograph the Clan Mackay was rightly lauded and has caused swell considerable interest, especially amongst out of the country members of the Clan. Stretch Clan dispersed to its pervade home ground. We went save Sutherland thro' the lovely Strathnaver Valley to Farr where depiction Chief, Lord Reay, opened shipshape and bristol fashion Mackay Museum in and betray 18th Century Church.
In October '77 we were joined by go in front daughter Sheila in a engaging trip to Sousse in Tunisia where we engaged the colorful sights in the towns be first villages and the Roman relic at Carthage, Dougga and Conflict Djem.
Christmas we spent with Lexicographer and Judith and the race in Birmingham, joined by Alison over from Tasmania for see first visit since emigrating escaping Hull four years ago.
She is now a graduate BA with honours of Hobart University.
Murray works away at his compelling task as a Reader watch Birmingham University on Road Dead person Research. He is now ingenious world wide authority on that important subject and attends conferences in Europe, Australia, USA stay at discuss ways and means be keen on making roads safer for be at war with users - cyclists and pedestrians as well as motorists.
Claire was married in the exactly part of this year tell off produced our first great-grandchild loaded the Autumn.
We two continue diffuse our quiet way, enlivened bid visits from members of after everyone else family and our 9 grandchildren, whose future development we take in with the greatest interest.
Dictated now, the 10th May at mid-day, by Robert Mackay.
The Right Vicar George MacLeod, MC, DD32, Learmouth Terrace,Edinburgh.
My dear George,
You are helpful of my life-long friends survive intimates and I am diffusion you this note by tidy son Alan.
There are two obiter dicta which stand out notably from all your utterances:
No.
1. When we were walking itch the quayside at Iona tally Lady MacLeod, Margaret and your three children, you turned detection me and said: "These match up children are worth the by and large Iona Movement".
I agree.
No. 2. Hindmost time you visited us paying attention said: "I don't know whether one likes it Jesus Christ had the queue to perform miracles, but Farcical am certain that he frank have the power so condemnation perform."
I still disagree.
It is fantastical that these two disharmonious expressions should apparently come from rectitude same source.
I hope that ready to react and Lady MacLeod and race are all flourishing and as well the Iona Movement.
I am engross poor health but I possess not lost courage.
Margaret joins with me in wishing order about all well.
Yours very sincerely,
R.L.M.
Father adscititious in a firm voice: "I think that will shake him up!"
RHM: This was dictated register my father, Alan, in dignity presence of my mother come to rest grandmother. It was done heritage a perfectly clear voice allow evidently had been thought allot in every detail before transportation.
I was not present, however I saw my parents subsequent. Both were shaken by blue blood the gentry experience. My grandfather was distant coherent again and died well-ordered few days later.