Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Turakina fought German Surface Raider for 2 1/2 hours before being sunk. The Turakina was commanded by Capt. James Boyd Laird. Capt. Laird had served his time in sail and was believed the youngest "square rigged skipper". His father Mr. John Laird was lost when a dredger being towed to Russia sank. His maternal uncles, James & David Boyd are noted deep sea divers and one was involved when the "Lova" ran aground on Horse Island.

A later report in Novemeber 1941 indicates that Capt. Laird, elder son of late Mr. & Mrs. John Laird and brother of Mrs J. Taylor, had been awarded a commendation for Brave Conduct by the King for his action.

"Sequel to a Sea Battle", Sea Breezes, November 1993