Sir, - I am carrying out research for a book that I am writing about Orkney during the second World War. I know that many civilian contractors from Ireland were employed on construction work around the islands. The work was often arduous and there were a considerable number of deaths. I would be grateful if I could use your letters page to appeal for information from any of your readers who may have served in Orkney/Scapa Flow/Lyness at that time.
Personal recollections of everyday life on and off duty, travel to and from Orkney, impressions of the place - and the Orkney weather! - and any particularly memorable incidents are some of the sorts of information that I am looking for. Photographs and documents related to this time are also needed. These will be returned.
I am not looking for information about momentous events but rather the small details that show how life was for ordinary men who lived through and shaped extraordinary times. If readers feel that they can help, they should contact me at the address below. Alternatively, readers can send me anything they feel is relevant. - Yours, etc.
Ginny Schroder, Millfield Cottage, Costa, Evie, Orkney,
KW172NJ
Tel: 01856751 465.