HARRY ROBERT McWillie was born born on the 9th of February, 1900 at Clackforbie farm, near Turiff, Scotland.  His parents, tenant farmers were a John McWillie and Isabella Low, he had a sister Bella, three brothers George, John and Donald. He was raised and educated in the local community.  As a young man of 19 years of age, possbly looking for some excitement or just wishing to see other parts of the country he joined the British military.  It was not an uncommon practise in those days for a young man to sign up for a five year period prior to selecting or embarking on ones lifelong profession.  It afforded the opportunity to travel and see a bit of the world and possibly with a bit of due care save some money for his future endeavors.

 

It also happened to be the period of time there was civil unrest in Ireland and hundred of youg men were being recriuted to serve in the Royal Irish Constabulary.  Because of the dark Glengarry caps and Khaki trousers they wore they became known as the "Black & Tan".  The civil unrest continued to escalate  and for young men asigned to Ireland  it became a place fraught with danger.  The random executions of constabulary personnel as well as others in authority was not uncommon.  Those actions in a number of cases prompted ruthless reprisals on the part of the military.  For a young man who had been raised in a peaceful and loving relationship and then thrust into such a strange and dangerous situation would be one in which was not only very dangerous but also could have trobling lifelong consequences.

The exact natiure of events that transpired while Harry was with the Black & Tan are not known as Harry very seldom spoke of that part of his life, however enough is known that Harry was troubled & haunted by them for the balance of his life. Once a person had signed up for five years and then be assigned to to such a dangerous situation there were very few options left for a person who found the situation unbearable. Certainly the British military records show that there were a large number of resignations and desertions during that period. Harry and it is thought along with a friend decided to desert the military. When Harry deserted he did not inform anyone of his actions including his family back in Scotland.

Harry and his friend were able to get aboard a ship which set sail for the United States arriving in Toledo Ohio in May of 1923 and beyond the reach of the British military authorities. While in the United states Harry maintained a lifelong friendship with an Albert & Neil Kimber. Albert also served with the Black & Tan and had also deserted and it is probably the friend that Harry deserted with.  For those who wish to explore further conditions in Ireland at that time it may be found in "The Green Flag", Vol. 3, by Robert Kee, Penquin books.

 

Back in Scotland, Harry's family, who held a deep affection for their son, searched for Harry to no avail. It is claimed that his mother insisted that a setting at the meal table always be in place as she hoped & prayed that Harry would appear at the door and take his rightful place among the family.

 

His parents continued to pray for his return. Meanwhile in the United States Harry had taken employment as a Tool & Die Engineer working in Detriot, Michigan. While there he met & married a Ruth Johnson, however the marriage did not last and they were divorced shortly thereafter. That marriage had no children.