Record

Reference NumberC/P/456
Archive CentreCaithness
TitlePapers of Donald and Alexandrina MacKenzie
Date1904-2002
DescriptionPersonal and work papers; Correspondence; Photographs; Postcards;1st Wick Boys Brigade; Various; Published material
Administrative HistoryDonald Bain MacKenzie (Don) was born in Kinnaird Street, Wick in 1913. Having entered the Post Office as a sorting clerk and telegraphist he later transferred to Wick Radio.
Alexandrina (Alice) Gunn was born in 1913 and grew up to be a skilled baker for her family’s licensed grocers shop in Bank Row. Alice married Donald Mackenzie in 1936, after which the couple took up residence at 22 Bank Row in Wick, where they started their family.

While Donald was away on active service Alice and her son narrowly escaped with their lives from the German bombing raid of 1940. Donald served as a Radio Officer on H.M Cable ship Alert repairing submarine cables in the Atlantic. He was actively involved with the laying of the first communication cable across to France. At the end of active service Don was promoted to Radio Surveyor (Marine) and the couple settled in Glasgow.

With a keen interest in Scottish history and culture Donald joined and soon rose to become President of the Glasgow Caithness Society. In recognition of his work for his native county of Caithness the Toronto Caithness Association made him their honorary president in 1967.

After retiring in the 1970’s Donald and Alice returned to Caithness and settled in Latheronwheel where they were active within the community for many years.
Related MaterialP685 - 1st Wick Boys Brigade
P294 - Records of the Glasgow Caithness Benevolent Association
Access StatusOpen
Access ConditionsAvailable within the archive searchroom
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