For Freedom & Honour

'The author is a well-known member of the community, and his special interest is in Orkney history and genealogy. This is a remarkable book which involved meticulous research. Although relating to South Ronaldsay in Orkney it covers a wide field. Against a background of two World Wars it contains a history of every man commemorated on the Memorial. This must be rare, if not unique. At the same time it could be the record of war losses in any parish throughout the United Kingdom. That said, the men of South Ronaldsay lived their lives against an insular background, but yet special considering Scapa Flow and the significant part it played in both World Wars.

A further quote from Binyon's poem on page 5 offers some simple but very appropriate words which I believe exceed the capacity of ordinary prose:

"They mingle not with their laughing comrades again; They sit no more at familiar tables of home".

I have read with great interest and admiration the account of the living, fighting and dying of brave island men. I warmly commend this rare book as a unique record of an island and its war dead, and the impact of two World Wars not only on individuals, but also on the entire community.'

- Brigadier S. P. Robertson M.B.E., T.D., D.L.