John Macdonald, 15 Aird, Point

Private JOHN MACDONALD
Iain Mhurchaidh (Bhig) Mhurchaidh Mhurchaidh Phortair
Last address in Lewis: 15 Aird,
Son of Murdo and Marion (Mòr Thormoid Choinnich à 14 Port Mholair) Macdonald
Service unit: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7071
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 22 April 1916 at the age of 22
Killed in action in Mesopotamia
Memorial: Basra Memorial, Iraq, Panel 37 and 64
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)

Was killed during the great counter-attack of the Turkish army at Beit Aicesa, where the enemy were heavily repulsed, leaving 3,000 dead on the field and 400 prisoners.

The 1901 census shows John as a 7-year old at 15 Aird, living with his parents Murdo (40, fisherman) and Marion (37) and seven siblings, namely Kate (12), Effie (11), Chirsty (8), John (7), Mary (5), Murdo (3), Maggie (1) and Malcolm (6 months).

His brothers Murdo and Malcolm served in the RNR during the war.

Highland News, 24th June 1916

Aird’s Heavy Losses
Private John Macdonald, Seaforth Highlanders, son of Mr Murdo Macdonald, 15 Aird, and Private Angus Macdonald, Seaforths, son of Mr Angus Macdonald, Flesherin, were killed in Mespotamia in April during the great counter-attack of the Turkish Army at Beit Aicesa, when the enemy were heavily repulsed, leaving 3000 dead alone, wounded in proportion, and 400 prisoners. In this battle, the Turks lost more men than at Sheikh Saad, at Wadi, El Oran, and Falakiych combined.

Private John Macdonald was 22 years of age, and before the war had been employed as a sailor in the merchant service. On the outbreak of hostilities he, being a Militaiman, proceeded at his own expense to Fort George to join his regiment. He crossed to France in September 1914, and was slightly wounded this time last year. Both soldiers arrived in Mesopotamia in January last. Private Angus Macdonald was only 19 years of age. He crossed to France in June 1915. He was wounded in the foot shortly after arriving in Mesopotamia, and was sent to hospital in Bombay. On his recovery he returned to the Tigris, and was killed the day following arrival at the trenches. Neither of these young soldiers go an opportunity to visit his home since he left for the wars in that fateful August, 1914. Both were dutiful sons and the deep gloom of the district shows the respect in which they were held. Nineteen from this district have now fallen. Private Hector Mackenzie, of 6 Francis Street, Stornoway, writing from hospital in Mesopotamia to Private John Macdonald’s father, says: -“It is to my regret I have to inform you of the death of your son, 7071 Private J Macodnald, C Company, 1st Seaforth Highlanders. Being an intimate and favourite friend of your son since we both joined the Army in the trenches until the 22nd of this month (April), when at 7 am that morning we were told to get ready to attack the enemy. We had breakfast together, and when ready John said to me: “We will keep together whatever will happen”. That we did until we were about half-way between the Turkish trenches and our own, when all of a sudden the brave lad fell in a heap on the ground. I am sorry to say that I could not stop to bandage him up, as our officer kept shouting “Advance!”, and to my sorrow and regret, I had to carry on without John. When the battle was over, the white flag went up, and we went to carry in the wounded and bury the dead. The first thing I did was to run to John, and on my finding him he was breathing his last. I tried to speak to him, but I was too late; he passed away. So there I buried him and gave him a good grave. This is what he told to do just before the attack. He said: “If anything happens to me, write and tell my father”. Now I take the liberty of doing so, though I have no pleasure in breaking such sad news to you. But I feel sure that before you receive this letter, you will have the news from the War Office. I can assure you that all of us here felt very sorry for your really brave son, so please accept from us all our humble sympathy in your bereavement. The same day your son got killed we lost another brave lad in the person of Angus Macdonald (Angus), Flesherin. I have composed a song in which I mention both your son and your friend. If you wish to see it, call on my mother, Mrs John Mackinnon, 6 Francis Street, Stornoway. Closing with best wishes, and hoping God will be with you in your bereavement, and always remains with you.