Last address in Lewis: Coll
Son of Kenneth and Mary Maciver of Barvas, Saskatchewan, Canada
Service unit: 5th Canadian Infantry (Saskatchewan Regiment)
Service number: 13783
Date of death: 28 April 1917 at the age of 41
Killed in action
Memorial: Vimy Ridge
Mentioned in Despatches
Served in the South African war, was awarded the Queen's Medal with 4 clasps
Date of birth: 4 February 1888
Place of birth: Coll, Isle of Lewis
Next of kin: Kenneth, father
Height: 5 ft 10
Complexion: Fair
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Brown
Church: Presbyterian
Volunteered at Valcartier on 10 September 1914
Stornoway Gazette
From the "Yorkton Enterpise" (Sask, Canada) to hand we cull the following:-
"Word was received by Mr Maciver, Saltcoats, on 19th May, that his son, Sergt Major Dan Maciver, D.C.M. ofo the Fighting Fifth battalion, had been killed in action. Dan, who was well known and a prime favourite throughout the district, was born at Coll, Lewis, Scotland, and came to Canada with his parents in 1889, settling in the Lothian Colony. Whilst still in his teens, Dan, along with Malcolm Docherty (now Major Docherty, DSO) journeyed to Winnipeg and joined the Canadian Dragoons. When the South African War broke out, he was one of the first to volunteer for active service, taking part in no less than twenty-three campaigns. At the outbreak of the present conflict Dan again showed his military spirit by enlisting and went overseas with the first contingent. After reaching France, he gave a splendid account of himself, and was promoted on the field to the rank of Sergt.-Major, being also frequently mentioned in despatches for bravery and coolness in action. Some time he was offered the chance to return to Canada for promotion, but preferred to stay with the game. His death is the fourth that has occurred in the family within the last five years, and he is survived by his parents and two brothers and two sisters out of a family of twelve."
A year last Christmas, Sergt.-Major Maciver paid a visit to the haunts of his youth at Coll, and needless to say had a very cordial welcome.
No comments:
Post a Comment