Spirit of Orkney» Genealogy

Hangie Bay, Tankerness

admin — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 10:14:28 +0000

There seems to be a consensus of opinion that the place where the bodies of the SS Noss Head were washed ashore is Hangie Bay.

Hangie Bay

Hangie bay/geo is situated between Lea Taing and Rerwick Head in Tankerness.

One of our readers has pointed out that tankerness and deerness are quite often mistaken for the same place!

Washed ashore

Bodies of 2 of the crewmen of the SS Noss Head which sank in 1941 were washed ashore in Orkney.

The writing on one of the death certificates is difficult to understand and as our reader has already stated, Deerness has become mistaken with Tankerness, adding further confusion to the research.

The ocean has a strong westerly current in this region, pushing anything in the waters towards the coastline.

Many thanks for your help Collin.

More Information

View Hangie Bay on Google Maps

SS Noss Head – Reader’s research on the crew of the stricken SS Noss HeadSimilar Posts:

Where in Deerness is this?

admin — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 20:30:19 +0000

Can anybody in Orkney help decipher the place listing on a death certificate?

Does anybody know where this is?

The following is written as the place where the bodies were found of 2 of the crewmen of the SS Noss Head which sank in 1941. Its states that they were both found dead in the sea at Deerness, but the exact location is unclear.

Look like this Horgies Gec or Harquis Geo.

If anybody can help with this request, you can get in touch with us via the “contact us” button or via the comments section at the end of this post.

More information

Seeking SS Noss Head informationSimilar Posts:

Seeking SS Noss Head Information

admin — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 17:09:42 +0000

One of our readers is trying to find out more information about the sinking of the S.S. Noss Head in 1941.

Deerness looking south toward the North Sea

Whilst researching a family tree, our reader discovered that her grandfather, Henry McIntosh Murray, a fireman on board the Merchant Naval vessel SS Noss Head, was lost at sea in February 1941.

A raft and two bodies identified as members of the crew, were washed ashore at Deerness on the afternoon of March 1st and a raft marked “Noss Head” was found in Tarracliffe Bay on the morning of March 2nd that same year.

A later report referred to a further body being cast ashore at Reiss near Wick.

Our reader is trying to trace anybody who may be able to provide further information about the sinking of the SS Noss Head and it’s final resting place.

A memorial dedicated to one of the crew, able seaman John Leitch McLeman can be found on the Scottish War Graves Project website. However, we would be interested to hear from anybody who has information about the sinking of the Merchant Navy vessel, SS Noss Head (Leith).

More information

Scottish War Graves Project – John Leitch McLeman, Able Seaman, SS Noss Head.

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Tracing Your Orkney Ancestry

admin — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 19:30:56 +0000

The people of Orkney live surrounded by a rich tapestry of heritage. Neolithic and bronze age sites are many and well preserved, Viking domination of the islands from the 8th Century has given rise to many of the Norse place names and surnames.

The Kirbuster Farm Musuem shows 18th Century Crofter's life

Over the centuries Orcadians have travelled and settled all over the world, many making their homes in Canada and the USA.

Orcadian ancestral research has always been popular but television programmes like the BBC’s “Who Do You Think You Are” have made people realise how easy it can be to trace their forbears.

“Blood of the Vikings” and “Face of Britain” focused on how the Viking bloodlines are still strong in the islands.

Many descendants still bear the Orkney names of their forefathers – Drever, Flett, Foubister, Harcus, Kirkness, Linklater, Louttit, Rendall, Sabiston and Sinclair, to name but a few.

Begin the journey of discovery and with the help of the Orkney Family History Society. Library archives and Museums you can even see how your ancestors lived and worked.

The following sites may be of interest:

Orkney Family History Society – A volunteer group of willing and helpful people can help you trace your Orcadian roots and build a picture of what their life was like.

Orkney Library and Archive – Have a wealth of records and information covering every aspect of life on the islands.

Orkney Library & Archive, Kirkwall

Orkneyjar – This fantastic website provides so much in depth information about Orkney’s Heritage, you will find yourself returning to it time and time again.

www.genuki.org.uk/big/sct/OKI/ – The UK and Ireland Genealogical Information Service

www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk – General Register Office for Scotland. One of the largest online sources of original geneolocial information.

www.familysearch.com – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, home of the International Genealogical Index (IGI). Free online BMD searches and much more.

www.scotsorigins.com – Scots Origins features a Free IGI search, access to Origins Experts research of authentic Scottish records from 1700 to 1990, a Free Scottish Place search, and expert articles and discussion on Scottish history.

www.scran.ac.uk - Scottish Cultural Resources Access Network. Scran is a charity & online learning resource base with over 360,000 images & media from museums, galleries, archives and the media.

www.ScottishDocuments.com – Scots wills, up to 1902.

www.ancestry.co.uk – Discover your ancestors with the world’s largest family history website. Start a family tree, browse census records and more online.

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