Roderick Mackenzie was the third son of George and Mary Mackenzie of 7, Bank Street, Balintore. Roddy was in Royal Naval Reserve at the start of World War Two and was called up to serve in the Royal Navy.

His first ship was a cargo vessel, Royal Navy personnel on a cargo ship were usually there to work the naval guns that were added to cargo ships for defence. Early in the war Roddy’s ship was torpedoed and sunk, Roddy survived the sinking and he was then transferred to the cruiser H.M.S. Penelope.

H.M.S. Penelope was involved in the defence of Norway, took part in the Battle of Narvik and although the fight to protect Norway ended in failure the Penelope gave a good account of itself.

Roddy was invalided home soon after the Battle of Narvik, not with wounds but with Tuberculosis, he was sent to the Seaforth Hospital in Maryburgh, Roddy was in the hospital for nearly two years and there was hope of a recovery but he developed pneumonia and he passed away on the 11th of March 1944 at the age of 27.

There was a large attendance at Balintore Cemetery for his funeral.The Rev. Messrs Aitkens and Macleay officiated at the house and graveside. Among the floral tributes, two were from the hospital, one from the nursing staff and one from the patients as he was a great favourite with both.

Much sympathy was extended to his aged father George and his sisters and brothers, two of which are on active service.