Veteran of the Russian Arctic Convoys
Born: January 5, 1921;
Died: January 6, 2016
DONALD Mackinnon, who has died at the age of 95, was a Second World War veteran who took part in the Russian Arctic Convoys while serving on HMS Lapwing. The convoys were described by Winston Churchill as the most dangerous journey in the war.
He was born in Moll na Faobhag in Cluer Harris, the eldest of a family of 11 born to James and Murdina Mackinnon. He was an intelligent boy, but the prevailing economics of the time meant he was unable to pursue his education and he left school at the age of 14.
He worked at a number of jobs to support the family until the outbreak of war when he joined the Royal Naval Reserve in 1939. His father, James, served in the Merchant Navy during the war and was lost at sea in January 1941. This was a huge blow to the family and especially to Donald who was only 20 at the time and was himself at sea.
He rose to the rank of Petty Officer in the Royal Navy and joined HMS Lapwing. The Lapwing was torpedoed near Murmansk in March 1945 and Mr Mackinnon was one of 61 survivors – 158 were lost. The survivors were picked up by HMS Savage and one of the sailors on the rescue ship was the late Norman MacSween of Scotisay House, Tarbert. Donald’s story is told in a book called Survival Against the Odds by Donald J Macleod.
Mr Mackinnon was a champion swimmer, having been taught as a boy in Moll na Faobhag by the late Neil Macdonald and he is convinced this ability helped him to survive the ordeal of being torpedoed. In later years he held the World Record for the highest number of Swimming Awards. After the war he worked in the Security Police in Hillington until he retired. He also used his swimming abilities to teach swimming to children and young people with disabilities.
In 2013, the British Government recognised the contribution which was made by Russian Convoys and awarded the Arctic Star to veterans. Mr Mackinnon received his in Prestwick in June of that year.
In November 2014 he also received the Ushakov Medal from the Russian Consul. This medal was established in Russia in 1944 for those who demonstrated courage and prowess in sea warfare during the Second World War. It was awarded to British veterans of the Arctic Convoys “for personal courage and valour shown during the Second World War while participating in the Arctic Convoys.”
As is the custom when a war veteran passes away, the flag on Harris War Memorial was flown at half mast.
Mr Mackinnon was married to Ann who predeceased him last year. He is survived by his daughter Morag, her husband Jim, their two daughters and four grandchildren, his sister Dolina in Aberdeen, his sister Rachel in Thurso, his brother Thomas in Southampton and his brother Roddy Alick in Australia.
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