Private MATTHEW MURRAY
Last address in Lewis: 20 Church Street, Stornoway
Son of Neil and Mary Murray (nee McDonald), of 20, Church St., Stornoway.
Service unit: 13th Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders
Service number: S/2630
Date of death: 8 September 1916 at the age of 28
Died of disease at home
Interred: Sandwick Cemetery, grave N. 1910. 1123
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial; Nicolson WW1 memorial, right panel
Was connected to the army from boyhood. When barely 14 he enlisted in the Seaforth Militia as a bugler, and served 6 years in that capacity. Was 4 years in the Gordons (TF) joined voluntarily the A&SH when war was declared in 1914. While undergoing training he contracted rheumatic fever, was discharged on medical grounds, 25 July 1916.
Matthew appears in the 1901 census for Stornoway, aged 13. He is living at 47 Bayhead Street, Stornoway with his parents Neil (a tailor, 38), Mary (37) and siblings Isabella (9), Alexander Donald (6), Murdo (4) and Neil (1 month). Also present are his nieces Barbara Mcdonald (9) and Katie Mcdonald (11).
His brother Alexander Donald was killed in action on 1 September 1918 whilst serving with the Australians.
Matthew and Alex Donald are both commemorated on this family gravestone at Sandwick
No comments:
Post a Comment