It started out as a normal day’s fishing in September, 1916.
But there was a dramatic twist to the tale when half-a-dozen crew members were captured by a German U-boat.
The group from Gourdon, who had set off on the Bella, were subsequently held in a prisoner-of-war camp until the end of the war in 1918 when they were all safely returned home.
Now, the Maggie Law Maritime Museum in the picturesque village, and Mearns Heritage Services, are staging a week of special events to commemorate the centenary of the Bella incident.
Gourdon man Alan Ritchie, the great grandson of James Ritchie, who was skipper of the Bella, has been working alongside Dave Ramsay of Mearns Heritage Services, to track down descendants of the crew and invite them to the proceedings, which run from September 21 to 25.
Attendees will include the Lord Lieutenant of Kincardineshire, Viscount and Viscountess Arbuthnott, the German Consul, local dignitaries, and representatives from the Gourdon fishing community.
Mr Ramsay said: “This is an opportunity for Gourdon to celebrate a unique piece of local maritime history.
“The story has tremendous heritage importance and brings out a sense of civic pride in the community.
“It is right to afford the descendants of the families, heritage organisations and community representatives the opportunity to meet, reflect, and celebrate the hundred years which has passed since that day off Catterline Bay.”
The commemoration on Sunday 25 will be signalled by six rockets from the pier at Gourdon, to salute the memory of the men who worked on Bella.
Marie Carnie, chair of the Maggie Law Maritime Museum, added: “We will be hosting a variety of events including a display of historical information regarding the Bella incident which will include articles, prints and photographs.
“There will be treasure hunts for children of all ages, a variety of competitions and raffles for adults with a variety of excellent prizes.
“Historical film shows will be shown over the weekend of 24 and 25 and the museum will be open all day Saturday and Sunday.
“We are also working hand in hand with the school, starting with talks on the Bella and visits to the museum.”
For full details on all the events being run, visit: www.maggielaw.co.uk
