Part 4
The previous pages have been revised since originally written and I have since come across more information of interest to both family and the clan beyond. I was chatting with my mother when she mentioned some old family photographs and other things that she had, naturally I was interested to see them. Amongst them I found an essay, written by someone with a family connection, that deals with the history of the early Scottish and then the Ulster Cunninghams. It is thought to have been written around 1944 during the 2nd World War. As would be expected when your country has been at war for five years the writer has not only the expected enthusiasm for the Cunningham Clan but a very patriotic frame of mind.
The original is showing it's age. The paper has browned and the type has faded and the scans were difficult to read but luckily we have a Gimp 'expert' in the family who has made the images easily legible. Thanks to Christopher for his assistance.
There are three pages and I have added my comments at the bottom of each.
The author was justifiably proud of the Cunningham contribution to the war effort. Many others were there too but without the same degree of fame. Here in Londonderry during the war and after there was a major Royal Navy base known as HMS Sea Eagle which was a centre of the anti-submarine activity in the North East Atlantic. I remember the docks here being crowded with destroyers, frigates, minesweepers etc of many nations during exercises. Surviving to this day are most of the main buildings including this one, visible from the main road passing by, which is very prominently dedicated to the memory of 'Andrew B'.
Thanks yet again to Mick Bourke who sent me this pic of a signpost in Adis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia. General Sir Alan Cunningham shares the honours with Winston Churchill. Alan C commanded the troops that liberated the city from the Italian occupiers.
Go 'Next' for page 2 of the essay.