251053 Tel Ian Robertson Collie Royal Navy HMS Spartan from:Dunblair, Blairgowrie, Perthshire (d.29th January 1944) Telegraphist Ian Robertson Collie was born on 31st March, 1925 at "The Cottage", Keay Street, Blairgowrie, Perthshire, Scotland. He was the son of Ronald Alexander Collie (Watchmaker) and Mary Elizabeth Davidson. He died on 29th January 1944 when HMS Spartan was hit and sunk in Anzio Bay by a single radio controlled bomb during a glide bomb attack on ships anchored in the Bay.
The following is extracted from the local newspaper, The Blairgowrie Advertiser 12/05/1944 and is reproduced from the book "Blairgowrie & Rattray War Memorial - Behind the Names" Edited and Compiled by Mark Duffy (Printed by William Culross & Son Ltd, Queen Street, Coupar Angus, Perthshire PH13 9DF).
"Mr Ronald A Collie, Dunblair, Blairgowrie received official intimation on Saturday that his elder son, Telegraphist Ian Collie, Royal Navy, who was previously reported missing, is now presumed to have lost his life by the sinking of HM Cruiser "Spartan" in January of this year. Early in February Mr Collie was informed by the Naval Authorities that his son was missing. Later in the month the Admiralty announced the loss of HMS Spartan and the Prime Minister stated in Parliament that the sinking occurred at the Nettuno beachhead. Telegraphist Collie would have been 19 years of age in March. He joined the Boys' Service of the Royal Navy about 2 years and 3 months ago shortly after completing his education at Blairgowrie High School. His training extended over 18 months and he had been at sea for about 6 months when he made the supreme sacrifice. Telegraphist Collie was a member of the local troop of Boy Scouts. He was for a short time in the Home Guard and afterwards in the Air Training Corps (Strathmore Squadron) before enlisting in the Navy. Telegraphist Collie was a very promising youth with most likeable qualities and his untimely death will be deeply regretted by many friends. In their sad bereavement his father and the other relatives will have the sincere sympathy of the community."
Ian Collie is commemorated on Panel 88 Column 3 of the Plymouth Naval Memorial, England. He is also commemorated on both the Blairgowrie High School Memorial Board and St Andrew's Church Memorial Plaque.
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