15/08/2026
VIDLIN MERCHANT NAVY MAN.
Carpenter Laurence Robertson, served with the Merchant Navy on board m.v. El Mirlo. He was the son of Alexander and Grace [nee Jamieson], of Kirkabaster, Vidlin. Laurence was married to Jemima Rendall, North Lee, Vidlin.
Laurence was accidentally killed on duty at East Ham Dock, Liverpool, on September 10th, 1941. He was aged 29.
At this point, the vessel upon which he was serving was in Admiralty Service with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, and was berthed whilst serving on Convoy duties.
The Shetland Times, Saturday, September 20th, 1941, reported his loss:-
Shetland Seaman’s Death.
ACCIDENTALLY KILLED AT LIVERPOOL.
On Saturday last telegraphic information was received by Mr Traver Christie, of the Missions to Seamen, Lerwick, that Laurence Robertson, ship’s carpenter, aged 28 years, had been accidentally killed at East Ham Dock, Liverpool, on Wednesday of last week. No details are yet to hand of the accident.
This young man was the youngest son of the late Alexander Robertson and of Mrs Robertson, Kirkabister, Vidlin, and had been at sea for a number of years. He is the youngest of three brothers, one of whom was seriously injured in a motor cycling accident at Tingwall a few weeks ago, and who had only been discharged from hospital on the day when the news of his brother’s death came to hand.
The deceased was very well liked in his native district, where the news of his untimely death was received with profound regret. He was married only seven months ago, his wife being also a native of Vidlin, and very sincere sympathy will be extended to her and to his mother and brothers in their great loss.
Laurence is buried at Lunna Cemetery, Lunnasting, Shetland.
Sources:-
Bayanne.
Find A Grave.
Shetland’s Roll of Honour and Roll of Service 1939-1945, (Shetland Council of Social Service, Lerwick, 1991. Ian Jamieson.
