NS Mackenzie – Trinity School War Memorial

NS Mackenzie

Key Information

Name: Neil Stewart Mackenzie

DoB: 15th May 1917

Regt: Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. H.M.S. Sheffield

DoD: 24th September 1942

Academic Career: CGS 1929 – 37. Exeter College, Oxford

Other:

Biographical Information

Family Background

Family Background: Neil was the second son of Arthur Henry Mackenzie and his wife Annie Murray nee Stewart. His father in 1921 was described as an elementary school teacher at Upperby Council School, his mother had taught art prior to her marriage. His elder brother Stewart died when he was about a year old a few months before Neil was born. His sister Annie Murray was born in October 1919. Despite having such a Scottish name, Neil’s father, and paternal grandfather James Charles and great grandfather James had all been born in Carlisle
Academic Record
War Record

War Service: Neil enlisted early in the war and was made temporary sub-lieutenant R.N.V.R on the 21st October 1940

In September 1942 Neil was a pilot of a walrus plane on H.M.S. Sheffield.

Walrus planes were catapulted off ships, they then patrolled the skies looking for submarines and other ships. On returning to their ‘mother’ ship they landed in the sea near to the ship. A member of the crew then climbed onto the top of the wings and the ship lowered a cable which was attached to the aircraft and the plane and crew were hoisted back on board.

H.M.S. Sheffield was on arctic convoy duty from July 1942

0845 H.M.S. Sheffield left Hvalfjord Iceland, sailing to Scapa Flow where they arrived later that day. There were two walrus planes on board, both were part of 700 squadron.

At about 11.30 an aircraft spotter on H.M.S. Berwick saw the two walrus collide.

Neil was piloting a Supmarine Walrus Mark 1 no X9481 his crew were Sub Lt. P.J.Wheatley and Leading Aircraftsman F.J.P. Payne.

The other walrus X9481 was piloted by Sub Lt. M.G.Clyde and his crew were Sub Lt. E.H Hardwick and Leading Aircraftsman C.P. Penn-Simpkins.
Other
Sources