John Mackenzie, 5 Aird, Point

Leading Seaman JOHN MACKENZIE
Last address in Lewis: 5 Aird,
Son of Murdo and Effie MacKenzie, of 5, Aird Point, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, SS Madame Renee
Service number: 3027A
Date of birth: 19 September 1890
Date of death: 10 August 1918 at the age of 28
Ship sunk by UB-30 near Scarborough
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 30
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)

We find John as a 6-month old baby in the 1891 census, with his parents Murdo (47, shoemaker) and Effie (30 ?). Effie's age is quoted as 30, but as her eldest child is 17 that would appear to be tenuous.Her children are Effie (17), Christy (13), Donald (8), Kate (6), Catherine (4), Jessie A (2) and John (6 months).
Donald also served in the RNR.

Stornoway Gazette
Official notice has been received by Mr Murdo Mackenzie, shoemaker, Aird, that his son John, serving as a gunner on SS Madam Renee, was killed by enemy action on 10 August. Deceased, aged 28, had been on service since the outbreak of war, having taken part in the Antwerp Relief Expedition. John was a fine specimen of the Highlander, strong, handsome, courteous and brimful of humour and his general presence will be sadly missed by his many friends and admirers. Much sympathy is felt for the parents who have lost in him their mainstay. Mr Mackenzie has another son and several grandsons engaged in the national defence.  

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