Military History Collection

The museum holds collections including medals, uniforms, letters and personal effects from the Boer War and the first and second World Wars.  Of particular significance are the collections relating to the Iolaire Disaster of 1 January 1919 and you can find more information about this tragedy here. The Gibson Collection has significant WW1 material relating to the conflict at the front line as well as the Home Front.

There are also more modern items relating to the UK Ministry of Defence Hebrides Range in South Uist.

Below are samples from our collection.

Click on the images below to scroll through our image gallery:

World War 1

WW1 Allied Victory medal (obverse) awarded posthumously to Sgt Angus Bowie. This was awarded after the War to all who had served with each ally selecting its own design.
WW1 Allied Victory medal (reverse) awarded posthumously to Sgt Angus Bowie. Each of the allies selected their own design. The British version depicts the winged figure of the goddess ‘Victory’ on the obverse.
WW1 medal (reverse) showing St George on horseback trampling the eagle shields of the German and Austro-Hungarian Empires, with a skull and crossbones. About 6.4 million of these medals were issued, showing the scale of the war.
Propaganda medallion ‘celebrating’ the sinking of the Lusitania, 1915
WW1 medal (obverse) depicting King George V. It was awarded to all men who served in the British and Imperial forces. The recipient’s service no, rank, name and unit were inscribed on the rim.
WW1 Memorial Plaque awarded posthumously to Sgt Angus Bowie, Cameron Highlanders for service in the First World War and accompanying letter to his family
WW1 Memorial Plaque sent to the family of Angus Bowie of the Cameron Highlanders. Made of bronze, these were issued to the next of kin of all who had died on active service.
1914 Star medal (obverse) awarded posthumously to Sgt. A. Bowie, Cameron Highlanders for service in the First World War
1914 ‘Star’ Medal (reverse). This medal was issued to British forces who had served in France or Belgium between 5 August and 22 November 1914 as members of the BEF.
Button holder (for polishing). Brass holder for holding buttons while polishing. Bowie Collection. Flat with holes and edging.
Letter to Mr John Bowie, Carnan, South Uist about the ‘1914 Star’ medal posthumously conferred on Sgt A Bowie, Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders, 24/3/1919
Letter to Mr J Bowie, Carnan, South Uist about posthumous award of the British War and Victory Medals to Pte A. Bowie, Cameron Highlanders, 6 July 1921
Pair of brown leather riding boots, with an 8 eyelet laced section at front of ankle. Conventional British Army officer’s field service boots commonly worn in the First World War by both mounted and dismounted officers. Belonged to Lieutenant Colonel DJ MacDonald, OBE, DL, a Stornoway dentist who was originally in the local regiment, known as the Ross Mountain Battery, and then became a Lieutenant Colonel in the Royal Artillery (RA).
Lewis War Memorial , Stornoway

Iolaire Disaster

‘Throwing Line’ – design by Arthur Watson for the Iolaire memorial at Holm, Lewis
Commemorative poppy pin.
Engine plate and bell retrieved from the wreck of the Iolaire.
Lifebelt used on the Iolaire
Letter to Iolaire Disaster Fund trusteed from Alexander A. Stewart

World War 2

WW2 ration book. Credit John Maclean Photography
WW2 ration book. Credit John Maclean Photography
WW2 Poison bottle and field dressing. Credit John Maclean
WW2 air raid siren. Credit John Maclean
WW2 air raid siren, crated. Credit John Maclean
WW2 air raid siren instructions. Credit John Maclean
WW2 Minesweeper magazine. Credit John Maclean
WW2 Merchant navy magazine. Cedit John Maclean

Modern

Starburst missile (inert) used at the MOD missile test site in South Uist
Starburst missile (inert) used at the MOD missile test site in South Uist
Starburst missile (inert) used at the MOD missile test site in South Uist
Starburst missile (inert) used at the MOD missile test site in South Uist
Starburst missile (inert) used at the MOD missile test site in South Uist
Corgi toy. Model of corporate missile & missile launcher

More to explore

Museum
Ness Historical Society

Heritage Grants

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Heritage Grants are available for community heritage organisations (Comainn Eachdraidh)

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Think you’ve found some archaeology?

What should you do if you think you've found some archaeology?

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Museum

Venue Hire

The Learning Room and the Special Exhibitions gallery at Museum nan Eilean Stornoway are available for hire when available.

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