I was born in 1937 so have no recollection of when war broke out but I have memories of the latter parts of the war.

The most vivid memories I have are of the plane crash just a short distance from our house in very foggy conditions. Apparently the plane was trying to find Dalcross airbase but could not do so. Both airmen died in the crash. My father rushed to the scene but could do nothing to save them.

My other vivid memory is of the 8th of January 1945 when word came to our family that my brother, who was a pilot was killed in a plane crash, aged just 20 years. That stays with me to this day.

I can remember blackouts and rationing and the fact that sweets were on ration for some time after the war ended. I remember us having a huge flag on a tree in the front garden when the war ended and being presented with a certificate at the school to commemorate the end of the war.

In the area I lived there were two airbases at Brackla and Dalcross. An area near Culloden Moor was used as an airstrip. You can still see today where they dismantled the walls and hedges to let the aircraft in and out. Clava Lodge was requisitioned for accommodation.

The airbase at Brackla had a hard runway whereas many others just had grass. The dots on the picture above are all aeroplanes!

Petty Church has a memorial board inside with the names of airmen who lost their lives flying out from Dalcross.

There was a Prisoner of War camp at Keppoch Inn is at present, near the Culloden Battlefield. After the war this was used as a Displaced Persons camp while they were waiting for permission to live here or repatriation back to their own country. Quite a number were Polish and some from eastern European countries.

I also remember us having German and Italian P.O.W’s working on the farm. They were always pleasant and hardworking.

Although I was quite young at the time the memories are still vivid and clear, as they are for many people in the Highlands.