Murdo Macdonald, 3 Fivig, Bragar

Deckhand MURDO MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 3 Fivig, Bragar,
Son of Murdo Macdonald, of 3, Fevig, South Bragar, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Venerable
Service number: 20516/DA
Date of birth: 21 May 1900
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 18
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire
Interred: Bragar Old Churchyard

Murdo appears in the 1901 census, aged 9 months, at 3 Fevig, the son of Murdo (36) and Ann (32).

John Martin, 1 Fivig, Bragar

Deckhand JOHN MARTIN
Last address in Lewis: 1 Fivig, Bragar,
Son of Mrs. Mary Martin, of 1, Fevig Bragar, Lewis.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMT Vanessa II
Service number: 21431/DA
Date of birth: 9 August 1900
Date of death: 25 October 1918 at the age of 18
Died in Liverpool
Interred: Bragar Old Churchyard

John appears in the 1901 census, aged 8 months, at 1 Feevig, son of Donald (34) and Mary (32), grandson of Angus (60) and Ann Macaulay (57) and brother of Murdo (8), Donald (4) and Mary (2).

Stornoway Gazette, 22 November 1918 The remains of the late John Martin, seaman RNRT, arrived in Bragar on Tuesday of last week from an English seaport. Youn gMartin had only recently joined the service, caught the influenza and other complications followed, with the result that he succumbed after ten days' illness. He was a young man of excellent repute, cheerful and bright, and a great favourite with young and old. He was buried in Bragar Cemetery. Great sympathy is felt for his widowed mother, brothers and sisters in their sad bereavement.

Donald Smith, 43 North Bragar

Seaman DONALD SMITH
Last address in Lewis: 43 North Bragar,
Son of Donald and Annie Smith
Husband of Marion Campbell Smith, of 43, North Bragar, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Goliath
Service number: 2350D
Date of birth: 6 July 1878
Date of death: 12 May 1915 at the age of 40
Died in torpedoing of HMS Goliath at the Dardanelles
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 14
Local memorial: West Side, Bragar

Donald appears in the 1901 census, aged 25, at 12 North Bragar, the son of Donald (68) and Ann (60) and brother of Robert (34) and Kate (32).

Isaac Campbell, 33 North Bragar

Picture courtesy National Archives
ISAAC CAMPBELL
Last address in Lewis: 33 North Bragar
Son of Murdo and Mary Campbell, brother of Malcolm, Angus and Norman Campbell. 
Service unit: Merchant Navy
Date of death: 1917
Lost at sea due to enemy action
Returned from Canada to join RNR, ended up in Merchant Navy

Isaac appears in the 1901 census at 33 North Bragar, aged 14, the son of Murdo (55) and Mary (48) and brother of Mary (25), Marion (23), Annie (18), Eric (17), Joan (9), Angus (7) and Norman (4).

His brother Angus served in the RNR; Norman was in the Seaforths and Malcolm in the Forestry Corps.

Stornoway Gazette
Intimation was recently received by Mr M. Campbell, 33 North Bragar, that his son Isaac was lost at sea through enemy action. Isaac, who emigrated to Canada some ten years ago, was employed by the Tramway department of Fort William (Ontario) Corporation. He threw up his situation and proceeded to the Mother Country with the intention of joining the RNR, but matters had been otherwise ordained, and he took seafaring as his career, as he was accustomed to this line of life on the Pacific coast. He was only 30 years of age; of sterling uprightness of character; a most dutiful and loving son and brother; a genial and true friend; and a general favourite with all who knew him. the deepest sympathy is extended to his bereaved parents, brothers, and sisters in their great sorrow. Recently, a sister of deceased died in Winnipeg, Canada. Mr Campbell has got other three sons serving King and country, namely, Malcolm (in France), Angus (RNR) and Norman, who took part in the great fight for Hill 60, and is now in a convalescent hom. Mention may also be made of the fact that these four brothers met at home in August 1916, a family reunion that will doubtless often be called to remembrance by the sorrowing parents in this sore trial.

Murdo Macphail, 32 North Bragar

Private MURDO MACPHAIL
Last address in Lewis: 32 North Bragar,
Son of Christy Mcphail, 32 Bragar
Service unit: 29th Canadian Infantry (British Columbia Regiment)
Service number: 76179
Date of death: 19 April 1916 at the age of 24
Killed in France
Memorial: Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, panel 18 - 28 - 30
Local memorial: West Side, Bragar

His brothers John and Donald served in the RNR and survived the war.

Murdo Mackay, 31 North Bragar

Private MURDO MACKAY
Last address in Lewis: 31 North Bragar,
Brother of Miss C. McKay, of 31, North Shawbost, Stornoway.
Service unit: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 7318
Date of death: 25 June 1916
Killed in France
Interred: Mailly Wood Cemetery, Mailly-Maillet, grave I. A. 11
Local memorial: West Side, Bragar
Was gassed at Hill 60

Battalion war diary entry
The battalion is in action near Mailly-Maillet, between Arras and Amiens

Our bombardment is getting more severe. A 15" Howitzer is quite near us and is quite busy. We moved into a fox corn on the top ridge behind MAILLY in the afternoon, as MAILLY was getting really dangerous. We all made corn of sorts for [illegible] and it was a lovely night.

Killed: 14
Wounded: 34

Donald Campbell, 26 North Bragar

Seaman DONALD CAMPBELL
Last address in Lewis: 26 North Bragar
Also quoted at 7 Arnol
Son of Norman Campbell
Husband of Christina Campbell, of 26, North Bragar, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Clan MacNaughton
Service number: 4018B
Date of birth: October 1878
Date of death: 3 February 1915 at the age of 40
Drowned, vessel believed foundered in North Atlantic storm
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 14,

Donald is shown in the 1901 census at 7 Arnol, aged 24, the son of Norman (60) and brother of Margaret (22), Kate (19) and Chirsty (17)

He served in Royal Naval Division, Drake Bn (B/337), as of 16 September 1914.

Donald Macphail, 24 North Bragar

Leading Seaman DONALD MACPHAIL
Last address in Lewis: 24 North Bragar,
Son of John and Bella Campbell MacPhail, of North Bragar
Husband of E. MacPhail, of 24, North Bragar, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Otway
Service number: 1623C
Date of birth: 20 April 1876
Date of death: 23 July 1917 at the age of 42
Ship sunk by U-boat
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 26
Local memorial: West Side, Bragar
Decoration(s):1915 Star
Left a widow and six children.

Donald appears in the 1881 census, aged 6, the son of John (47) and Isabella (40), and brother of John (and Murdo (9).

His brother John also served in the RNR, and survived the war.

Stornoway Gazette
The village of Bragar has had to pay its toll for the loss of the Otway. We very much regret to announce that Donald Macphail, 24 North Bragar, was one of the ten killed by the explosion. Macphail was one of the most powerful men in Lewis, standing over six feet in height and built in proportion. He was a very intelligent man, and of a quiet and peaceable nature. He had been gone only a few weeks from home, having had a short leave to attend his mother's funeral. Much sympathy is felt for his widow and family of young children, and also for his sister. 

Norman Maclean 19 North Bragar

Seaman NORMAN MACLEAN
Last address in Lewis: 19 North Bragar,
Son of John and Maggie MacLean, of 19, North Bragar, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS President III
Service number: 3109A
Date of birth: 9 March 1889
Date of death: 5 March 1917 at the age of 28
Died at home whilst on leave
Interred: Bragar Old Churchyard
Local memorial: West Side, Bragar

His brother Malcolm served as a stoker in the Canadian RNR and survived the war.

Norman was in Collingwood Bn (RND, D/618) between 17 September and 5 October 1914, then discharged to Pembroke I.

Stornoway Gazette, March 1917
We regret to announce the death of Norman Maclean, late seaman RNR, which occurred at his home in North Bragar after a short illness. Deceased had been some time in foreign waters. Unassuming and of a quiet disposition, he was a fine specimen of a Lewis sailor, standing well over 6 feet tall and proportionally built. Much sympathy is felt for his widowed mother and sister.

John Macphail, 11 North Bragar

Private JOHN MACPHAIL
Last address in Lewis: 11 North Bragar,
Son of Annie McPhail, of 11, North Bragar, Stornoway, Scotland, and the late Angus McPhail.
Service unit: 72nd Canadian Infantry (British Columbia Regiment)
Service number: 2021278
Date of death: 10 August 1918 at the age of 30
Was killed in France
Interred: Rosieres Communal Cemetery extension, grave III. A. 26
Local memorial: West Side, Bragar

His brother Malcolm also served in the Canadians, but survived the war.

Date of birth: 6 July 1888
Complexion: Medium
Eyes: Grey
Hair: Brown
Religion: Presbyterian
Trade / occupation: Smelterman
Current address: Trail, BC
Was drafted in at Trail, BC on 24 January 1918

John appears in the 1901 census at 11 North Bragar, aged 12, the son of Angus and Annie (45), and brother of Malcolm (16), Annie (14), Kenneth (10) and Chirsty (7).

Murdo Mackay, 7 North Bragar

Deckhand MURDO MACKAY
Last address in Lewis: 7 North Bragar,
Son of Norman and Peggy Mackay, of 7, North Bragar, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Shikari II
Service number: 16652/DA
Date of birth: 27 December 1897
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 21
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire
Interred: Bragar Old Churchyard and extension
Local memorial: West Side, Bragar

Murdo appears in the 1901 census at 7 North Bragar, aged 3, the son of Norman (35) and Peggy (35), and grandson of Malcolm (68) and Annie (60); brother of Malcolm (4) and Angus (8 months).

Murdo's brother Murdo served with the Newfoundlanders; Malcolm was in the Gordon Highlanders and Angus was in the RNR. These three survived the war.

Angus Morrison, 31 Upper Shader

Seaman ANGUS MORRISON
Last address in Lewis: 31 Upper Shader,
Son of Malcolm and Chirsty Morrison, of 31, Upper Shader, Barvas
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMT St Ayles
Service number: 12126/DA
Date of birth: 24 March 1898
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 20
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire
Interred: Barvas Cemetery
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

His brother Donald Murdo served with the Seaforths, but survived the war.

Norman Martin, 30 Upper Shader

Private NORMAN MARTIN
Last address in Lewis: 30 Upper Shader,
Service unit: Scots Guards
Date of death: 19 June 1916 at the age of 34
Killed in action in France
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

Norman appears in the 1891 census, aged 9, at 37 Upper Shader, the son of John (49) and Christina (46) and brother of Christina (19), Catherine (12), Isabella (7) and Roderick (6 months). 

His brother Roderick served in the Royal Scots Fusiliers and survived the war.

Norman was a regular soldier in the Scots Guards.  For some reason he left the regiment and rejoined later under another name.  John Macdonald (he may or may not have used the same address). He was wounded and died the following day in 1916.  He was a piper but not sure if he piped for the regiment [info courtesy Ness Historical Society].

Although a John Macdonald, serving in the Scots Guards (reg 11333) is listed as dying on 19 June 1916, his place of birth is quoted as Glasgow.

Donald Colin Macleay, 24 Upper Shader

Private DONALD COLIN MACLEAY
Last address in Lewis: 24 Upper Shader,
Son of Annie Macleay
Service unit: 43rd Canadian Infantry (Manitoba Regiment)
Service number: 693108
Date of death: 8 August 1918 at the age of 22
Killed in action in France
Interred: Hourges Orchard Cemetery, Domart-sur-la-Luce, grave A. 10.
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

Date of birth: 20 July 1896
Height: 5 ft 8 in
Complexion: Dark
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Dark brown
Religion: Presbyterian
Trade / occupation: Bookkeeper
Current address: Yorkton, SK
Next of kin: Annie Macleay, Mother, of Yorkton, SK
Volunteered at Winnipeg on 7 August 1916


Before WW1


Donald Colin and brother Duncan before WW1


Duncan in uniform with little sister Marion

Murdo Smith, 24 Upper Shader

Lance Corporal MURDO SMITH
Last address in Lewis: 24 Upper Shader,
Service unit: 1st Cameron Highlanders
Service number: 3/5289
Enlisted at Inverness
Date of death: 12 January 1915 at the age of 19
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Le Touret Memorial, panel 41 and 42
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

Angus Macleay, 23 Upper Shader

Private ANGUS MACLEAY
Last address in Lewis: 23 Upper Shader,
Son of Colin and Chirsty Macleay, of 23, Upper Shades, Stornoway.
Service unit: 1st Cameron Highlanders
Service number: 3/5550
Enlisted at Inverness
Date of death: 22 December 1914 at the age of 17
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Le Touret Memorial, panel 41 and 42,
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

Donald Macdonald, 20 Upper Shader

Private DONALD MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 20 Upper Shader,
Son of Murdo and Henrietta Macdonald, of 20, Upper Shader, Barvas, Stornoway.
Service unit: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: S/7139
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 14 August 1916 at the age of 26
Died of fever in France
Interred: Etaples Military Cemetery, grave IX. E. 6A
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

His brother Angus served in the RNR, and Charles was in the Trawler section of the RNR; both survived the war. 

Donald Smith, 16 Upper Shader

Private DONALD SMITH
Last address in Lewis: 16 Upper Shader,
Son of John and Catherine Smith, of 16, Upper Shader, Barvas, Stornoway.
Service unit: 1st Cameron Highlanders
Service number: 5363
Enlisted at Inverness
Date of death: 3 September 1916 at the age of 20
Killed in action
Memorial: Thiepval Memorial, Pier and Face 15B
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

 Donald appears in the 1901 census at 26 Upper Shader, aged 5, the son of John and Cath Smith (both aged 46), and brother of Murdo (15), Alexander (12) and Chirsty (8).

His brother Murdo served in the Seaforths, but was wounded and permanently disabled. His brother Alexander served in the Canadians. 

John Macdonald, 13 Upper Shader

Private JOHN MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 13 Upper Shader,
Service unit: 3rd Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment)
Service number: 438026
Date of death: 22 March 1916 at the age of 24
Killed in action
Interred: Bailleul Communal Cemetery (Nord), grave II. B. 14.
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

Date of birth: 12 March 1892
Height: 5 ft 7 in
Complexion: Fair
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Light brown
Religion: Presbyterian
Trade / occupation: Labourer
Volunteered at Shorncliffe on 23 July 1915 

Malcolm Matheson, 10 Upper Shader

Seaman MALCOLM MATHESON
Last address in Lewis: 10 Upper Shader,
Son of Malcolm Matheson
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMT Iceland
Service number: 11907/DA
Date of birth: 10 February 1890
Date of death: 1 January 1919
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire
Interred: Barvas Cemetery
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

Had destroyed two Zeppelins in the North Sea while Gunner on HMT Iceland. Had gone to France with Seaforths in 1914, where he was mentioned in despatches, and subsequently served in Mesopotamia where he was so severely wounded that he was discharged.

His brother Alexander also served in the RNR, but survived the war.

Alexander Saunders, 6 Upper Shader

Private ALEX SAUNDERS
Last address in Lewis: 6 Upper Shader,
Son of Malcolm and Alexandra Ann Macdonald Saunders, of 6, Upper Shader, Barvas,
Service unit: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 317185
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 8 July 1916 at the age of 22
Died of fever at Persian Gulf
Interred: Amara War Cemetery, grave II. D. 10
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve
Previously wounded twice in France

 Alexander appears in the 1901 census at 6 Upper Shader, aged 6, the son of Malm [Malcolm] (40), Alexanderina (35) and brother of Chirsty (11), Donald (8), Roderick (4), John (2) and Mary Ann (2 months).

His brother Donald  also served in the Seaforths. He was wounded 4 times and taken POW in March 1918; Roderick was in the RNR, and John in the Trawler section of the RNR. These three all survived the war.

Murdo Matheson, 3 Upper Shader

Sergeant MURDO MATHESON
Last address in Lewis: 3 Upper Shader,
Son of John and Mary Matheson, of 3, Upper Shader, Barvas, Stornoway, Lewis, Scotland.
Service unit: 12th Australian Infantry
Service number: 465
Date of death: 6 April 1917 at the age of 26
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Villers-Bretonneux Memorial,
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve
Had previously been seriously wounded at Gallipoli

Height: 5 ft 3½ in
Complexion: Dark
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Brown
Religious denomination: Presbyterian
Occupation / trade: Miner

Joined up in Pontville, Tasmania
Date of attestation: 20 August 1914
Age at attestation: 28 years 3 months 

Murdo appears in the 1901 census at 3B Upper Shader, aged 10, the son of John (44) and Mary (36) and brother of Ann (14), Bella (12), John (8), Peggy (6), Mary (4) and Malm [Malcolm] (2).

His brother Malcolm served in the Trawler section of the RNR and survived the war.

Donald Macdonald, 39 Lower Shader

Seaman DONALD MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 39 Lower Shader,
Son of Norman and Christy Macdonald, of 39, Lower Shader, Barvas.
Service unit: Merchant Marine, SS Moresby
Service number: 3825/A
Date of death: 28 November 1916 at the age of 27
Ship sunk by U-39 north of Alexandria, Egypt
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 18
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

His brother Angus served in the RNR and Norman was in the Cameron Highlanders. 

John Macleay, 38 Lower Shader

Seaman JOHN MACLEAY
Last address in Lewis: 38 Lower Shader,
Son of John and Annie MacLeay. Born at Shader Barvas, Lewis.
Service unit: Royal Naval Division, Collingwood Battallion
Service number: CH/2588/B
Date of birth: 29 June 1882
Date of death: 26 August 1915 at the age of 31
Died in Groningen during internment in Holland
Interred: Groningen Southern cemetery, Holland North-West part, Class 4, row 37
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

John was in Collingwood Bn (RND, D/628) from 17 September until 9 October 1914; he was interned in Holland after retreat from Antwerp.

An account of his funeral.

John Macdonald, 34 Lower Shader

Private JOHN MACDONALD

Last address in Lewis: 34 Lower Shader,
Son of Donald and Peggy Macdonald, of 34, Lower Shader, Barvas, Stornoway.
Service unit: 1st Cameron Highlanders
Service number: 3/5365
Enlisted at Inverness
Date of death: 25 September 1915 at the age of 19
Died of wounds in Loos
Interred: Gosnay Communal cemetery, grave 1
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

John appears in the 1901 census, aged 2, with his parents Donald (38) and Mary (33), and siblings Ann (13), Donald (9), Angus (4), and Bella Ann (9 months).

His brother Donald died at home of flu, a few days after demobilisation, in 1919. 

Donald Macdonald, 34 Lower Shader

Leading Seaman DONALD MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 34 Lower Shader,
Son of Donald and Peggy Macdonald, of Shader, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Mars
Service number: 3947/A
Date of death: 24 February 1919 at the age of 29
Influenza at home
Interred: Barvas Cemetery
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve
Had been demobilised a few days before his death

Donald appears in the 1901 census, aged 9, with his parents Donald (38) and Mary (33), and siblings Ann (13), Angus (4), John (2) and Bella Ann (9 months).

His brother John died in 1915 of wounds, sustained whilst serving with the Cameron Highlanders.

Alexander Martin, 33 Lower Shader

Seaman ALEXANDER MARTIN
Last address in Lewis: 33 Lower Shader
Son of John and Mary Matheson Martin;
Husband of Mary Macleod Martin, of 33, Lower Shader
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Rugby
Service number: 3059/A
Date of birth: 10 July 1888
Date of death: 27 November 1918 at the age of 30
Died in an accident
Interred: Greenock Cemetery, grave F. Recess 41
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

Alexander appears in the 1891 census at Lower Shader, aged 2, with his parents John and Mary (aged 47) and elder siblings Angus (17), Peggie (16), Murdo (13), Mary (9), Donald (8), Katie Ann (7) and John (5).

Alexander Macleay, 33 Lower Shader

ALEX MACLEAY
Last address in Lewis: 33 Lower Shader
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve
Date of death: December 1918
Died of appendicitis at Greenock
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve


Four of his brothers served in the RNR and survived the war, namely Donald, Norman, Angus and Donald; Murdo was in the Canadians; Angus was lost in the Iolaire in 1919. 

Angus Macleay, 33 Lower Shader

Seaman ANGUS MACLEAY
Last address in Lewis: 33 Lower Shader,
Son of John and Annie MacLeay
Husband of Katy Ann MacLeay, of 33, Lower Shader, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Emperor of India
Service number: 3689/A
Date of birth: 6 September 1880
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 38
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire
Interred: Barvas Cemetery
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

Angus appears in the 1891 census at Lower Shader, aged 11, the son of John and Anne (both aged 46), and brother of Allan (18), Donald (13), James (9), John (8), Johnnie (2) and Murdo (15). The 1881 census also shows an elder brother, Donald (14).

Four of his brothers served in the RNR and survived the war, namely Donald, Norman, Angus and Donald; Murdo was in the Canadians; Alexander died in Greenock in 1918.

John Smith, 32 Lower Shader

Seaman JOHN SMITH
Last address in Lewis: 32 Lower Shader,
Son of Donald and Mary Smith, of 32, Lower Shader, Barvas, Isle of Lewis.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Kent
Service number: 2380D
Date of birth: June 1876
Date of death: 26 December 1915 at the age of 46
Died in Bellavista, Peru
Interred: Bellavista Old British cemetery, grave II. L. 20


John appears in the 1891 census at Lower Shader, aged 17, the son of Donald (57) and Mary (52), and brother of Angus (26), Effie (24), Janet (22) and Kate (20).

Norman Smith, 29 Lower Shader

Private NORMAN SMITH
Last address in Lewis: 29 Lower Shader,
Service unit: 1st Gordon Highlanders
Service number: 3/5271
Enlisted at Inverness
Date of death: 22 December 1914
Killed in action at La Bassee
Memorial: Le Touret Memorial, Panel 41 and 42
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

Norman appears in the 1901 census, at 29 Lower Shader, aged 6, the son of Murdo (41) and Henrietta (44) and brother of Donald (14), Bella (12), Angus (10), William (8), and James (2). 

His brother Angus served with the Cameron Highlanders; William was in the Gordon Highlanders and James in the RNR. His brother Donald was killed in 1917, serving in the Canadians.

Stornoway Gazette
Corpl. Donald Smith, son of Mr Murdo Smith, 29 Lower Shader, died on the 26th June in a casualty clearing station in France of wounds received in action on that date. Corpl Smith emigrated to Canada seven years ago, where by his upright character and steady, industrious habits, he had established himself in a very good position before he joined the Canadians after the outbreak of war. He was a young man of marked intelligence, a splendid workman and a most dutiful son. Mr Smith's family, like many others, has suffered severely through the war. Another son, Norman, was posted missing on 22nd December 1914, and is now presumed to have been killed on that date. William was badly wounded, and is so far disabled as to be only fit for light duty in a home defence unit. The youngest son recently joined the Trawler Section of the Navy. The genuine sympathy of the community is extended to the grief-stricken family in their bereavement. 

Donald Smith, 29 Lower Shader

Corporal DONALD SMITH
Last address in Lewis: 29 Lower Shader,
Son of Murdo and Henrietta Smith, of 29 Lower Shader, Barvas, Stornoway, Scotland.
Service unit: 46th Canadian Infantry (Saskatchewan Regiment)
Service number: 887353
Date of death: 25 June 1917 at the age of 31
Died of wounds in France
Interred: Bruay Communal cemetery extension, grave G. 42
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

Date of birth: 26 May 1886
Place of birth: Isle of Lewis
Height: 5 ft 8 in
Complexion: Dark
Eyes: Grey
Hair: Dark brown
Religion: Presbyterian
Trade / occupation: Blacksmith
Current address: Stornoway, SK
Volunteered at Yorkton on 6 December 1916

Donald appears in the 1901 census, at 29 Lower Shader, a 14-year old herd, the son of Murdo (41) and Henrietta (44) and brother of Bella (12), Angus (10), William (8), Norman (6) and James (2). 

His brother Angus served with the Cameron Highlanders; William was in the Gordon Highlanders and James in the RNR. His brother Norman was killed in 1914, serving in the Camerons.

Stornoway Gazette
Corpl. Donald Smith, son of Mr Murdo Smith, 29 Lower Shader, died on the 26th June in a casualty clearing station in France of wounds received in action on that date. Corpl Smith emigrated to Canada seven years ago, where by his upright character and steady, industrious habits, he had established himself in a very good position before he joined the Canadians after the outbreak of war. He was a young man of marked intelligence, a splendid workman and a most dutiful son. Mr Smith's family, like many others, has suffered severely through the war. Another son, Norman, was posted missing on 22nd December 1914, and is now presumed to have been killed on that date. William was badly wounded, and is so far disabled as to be only fit for light duty in a home defence unit. The youngest son recently joined the Trawler Section of the Navy. The genuine sympathy of the community is extended to the grief-stricken family in their bereavement.

John Macdonald, 25A Lower Shader

Seaman JOHN MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 25A Lower Shader,
Son of John and Mary Macdonald, of 25, Lower Shader, Barvas, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Navy Voluntary Reserve, HMD Boy George III
Service number: 19654/DA
Date of birth: 20 November 1887
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 32
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire
Interred: Barvas Cemetery
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

John Macleod, 25 Lower Shader

Seaman JOHN MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 25 Lower Shader,
Son of John MacLeod, of 25, Lower Shader, Barvas, Stornoway
Husband of Isabelle MacLeod, of 25, Lower Shader, Barvas, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Newmarket
Service number: 2463B
Year of birth: 1872
Date of death: 16 July 1917 at the age of 45

Ship sunk by UC-38 in the Aegean Sea

Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 26
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

John Macaskill, 23 Lower Shader

Private JOHN MACASKILL
Last address in Lewis: 23 Lower Shader,
Son of Malcolm and Ann Macaskill, of 23, Lower Shader, Stornoway.
Service unit: 1st Cameron Highlanders
Service number: 3/5066
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 22 December 1914 at the age of 23
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Le Touret Memorial, Panel 41 and 42
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

His brothers Murdo and Roderick served in the RNR; Murdo sank a submarine off Peterhead in 1915.

Murdo Maciver, 22 Lower Shader

Private MURDO MACIVER
Last address in Lewis: 22 Lower Shader,
Son of Mrs. M. Maciver, of 22, Lower Shader, Barvas, Stornoway.
Service unit: 6th Cameron Highlanders
Service number: S/41485
Formerly 13414 Seaforth Highlanders
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 31 May 1918 at the age of 19
Died of wounds
Interred: Bragar Old Church Yard and extension

Murdo Macleod, 18 Lower Shader

Seaman MURDO MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 18 Lower Shader
Son of John Macleod, of 18, Lower Shader, Barvas, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Victory
Service number: 4444/A
Date of death: 20 January 1919 at the age of 28
Was invalided home and died there
Interred: Barvas Cemetery
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

Murdo appears in the 1901 census at 18 Shader, aged 11, the son of John and Chirsty (both aged 50), and brother of Kenneth (17), Norman (12), Malm [Malcolm] (8) and Mary (16). 

His brother Malcolm also served in the RNR and survived the war. 

John Macdonald, 14 Lower Shader

Private JOHN MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 14 Lower Shader,
Service unit: 1st Cameron Highlanders
Service number: 3/5093
Enlisted at Inverness
Date of death: 23 July 1916 at the age of 24
Killed in action
Interred: Caterpillar Valley Cemetery, Longueval, grave V. K. 17
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve
Decoration(s):Was recommended for DCM for exceptional bravery in action


John appears in the 1901 census at 15 Shader, aged 16, the son of Angus (55) and Mary (50), brother of Donald (18), Dolina (25), Angus (11). and Donald (8).

His brother Angus served in the Seaforth Highlanders, but  was killed in 1916. His brother Malcolm served in the Seaforths, but survived the war.

Angus Macdonald, 14 Lower Shader

Lance Corporal ANGUS MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 14 Lower Shader,
Service unit: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 7020
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 25 June 1916 at the age of 21
Killed in action
Interred: Mailly Wood Cemetery, Mailly-Maillet, grave I. A. 9
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

Angus appears in the 1901 census at 15 Shader, aged 11, the son of Angus (55) and Mary (50), brother of Donald (18), Dolina (25), John (16) and Donald (8). 

His brother John served in the Cameron Highlanders, but  was killed in 1916. His brother Malcolm served in the Seaforths, but survived the war.

Malcolm Macleod, 13 Lower Shader

Private MALCOLM MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 13 Lower Shader,
Service unit: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: S/13150
Date of death: 11 April 1917
Killed in action in France
Interred: Brown's Copse cemetery, Roeux, I. A. 10
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

His brother Colin was a ship's carpenter in the Royal Navy and survived the war.

Battalion war diary 

Norman Martin, 8 Lower Shader

Seaman NORMAN MARTIN
Last address in Lewis: 8 Lower Shader,
Son of John and Margaret Martin; husband of Annie Martin, of 8, Lower Shader, Barvas, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Victory
Service number: 3397/C
Date of birth: 17 March 1876
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 42
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire
Interred: Barvas Old Churchyard
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve
Was on service since 1914

John appears in the 1881 census, at 9 Lower Shader, aged 4, the son of John (44) and Margaret (40) and brother of Margaret (15), Roderick (12) and John (7). 

His brother Roderick was in the RNR but was invalided home. His brother John was likewise in the RNR and was at the Battle of the Falklands.

Angus Maclean, 28 Brue

Seaman ANGUS MACLEAN
Last address in Lewis: 28 Brue,
Son of Alexander and Catherine McLean, of 28, Brue, Barvas, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMD Southesk
Service number: 9019/A
Date of birth: 12 March 1898
Date of death: 7 July 1917 at the age of 18
Died in mining of ship
Interred: Lyness Naval Cemetery, D. 14
Mentioned on family gravestone in Barvas Cemetery, Lewis

Angus appears in the 1901 census, at 28 Brue, aged 2, the son of Alexander (42) and Catharine (50) and brother of Chirsty (4) and Kenneth (2 months).


His father Alexander served in the Cameron Highlanders and survived the war.



Stornoway Gazette
The parents of Seaman Angus Maclean, RNR, 28 Brue, have been notified that he was accidentally killed on 7th July 1917 and buried with full military honours in the Naval Cemetery at Orkney on the 10th. Maclean, who was serving on board HMT South Esk, was only 18 years of age. Of a genial and kindly disposition, he was a general favourite and much sympathy is felt for the family in their bereavement. Maclean's father is serving with the Cameron Highlanders, and currently doing duty at Invergordon.

 

Donald Matheson, 26 Brue

Private DONALD MATHESON
Last address in Lewis: 26 Brue,
Son of Kenneth and Ann Matheson
Service unit: 1st Cameron Highlanders
Service number: 3/5250
Enlisted at Inverness
Date of death: 25 September 1915 at the age of 20
Killed in action in France
Interred: Ninth Avenue Cemetery, Haisnes Sp. Mem. 24

Donald appears in the 1901 census at 26 Brue, aged 6, son of Kenneth (44) and Ann (42), brother of Kenneth (3) and Peter (1½).


His brother Kenneth served with the Seaforth Highlanders and his brother Peter was with the RNR. These two survived the war.

William Paterson, 20 Brue

Private WILLIAM PATERSON
Last address in Lewis: 20 Brue
Son of Alexander Paterson, of 20, Brue, Barvas, Stornoway.
Service unit: 1st Cameron Highlanders
Service number: 3/5247
Date of death: 11 November 1914 at the age of 19
Killed in action
Memorial: Ypres (Menin Gate), panel 38 and 40


William appears in the 1901 census at 20 Brue, aged 6, the son of Peggy (39) and brother of Kenneth (14), Peggie (14), John (12) and Ann (8).

His brother Kenneth served with the RNR and John was also with the Cameron Highlanders. These two survived the war.

Duncan Mackinnon, 18 Brue

Seaman DUNCAN MACKINNON
Last address in Lewis: 18 Brue
Son of Malcolm and Kirsty McKinnon, of Brue
Husband of Annie McKinnon, of 18, Brue
Service unit: HMS Viknor, Royal Naval Reserve
Service number: 3053/B
Date of birth: 11 February 1874
Date of death: 13 January 1915 at the age of 40
Ship sunk by mine
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 14

Duncan appears in the 1901 census at 18 Brue, aged 27, the son of Malcolm (55) and Chirsty (57), and brother of Charles (22), Allan (19) and Kenneth (16).

His brother Allan also served in the RNR but died in Egypt early in 1917; his brother Charles served with the Canadians and was a POW in Germany, he survived the war. So did his brother Kenneth who was in the RNR.

Allan Mackinnon, 18 Brue

Leading Seaman ALLAN MACKINNON
Last address in Lewis: 18 Brue,
Son of Malcolm and Christina MacKinnon (nee Matheson), of Brue
Husband of Effie MacKinnon, of 61, South Bragar, Barvas, Stornoway, Lewis.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, SS Torcello
Service number: 3322C
Date of death: 8 January 1917 at the age of 37
Died of dysentry in Alexandria
Interred: Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery, grave A 25

Allan appears in the 1901 census at 18 Brue, aged 19, the son of Malcolm (55) and Chirsty (57), and brother of Duncan (27), Charles (22) and Kenneth (16).

His brother Duncan also served in the RNR but was lost early in 1915; his brother Charles served with the Canadians and was a POW in Germany, he survived the war. So did his brother Kenneth who was in the RNR.

Stornoway Gazette, February 1917
Official notification has been received by his wife and parents residing at 18 Brue of the death of Leading Seaman Allan Mackinnon, RNR. He died of dysentery in hospital at Alexandria on the 8th [January 1917]. The sad news cast a gloom over the district where he was so popularly known. Much sympathy is felt for the parents who lost another son through drowning on HM ships. Another son, serving with Canadians, is a prisoner-of-war in Germany and one is serving in the Royal Navy. Mackinnon leaves a young widow and child, to whom the deepest sympathy of the community goes forth.

Allan Mackenzie, 14 Brue

Private ALLAN MACKENZIE
Last address in Lewis: 14 Brue,
Son of John and Elizabeth MacKenzie, of 14, Brue, Barvas, Lewis.
Service unit: 7th Cameron Highlanders
Service number: 3/5632
Enlisted at Inverness
Date of death: 8 May 1916 at the age of 18
Killed in action
Interred: Philosophe British Cemetery, Mazingarbe, IV. J. 8

Allan appears in the 1901 census, aged 3, at 14 Brue, the son of John (40) and Elizabeth (42) and brother of Donald (15), Mary (13), Margaret (11), John (10), Peter (9) and Margaret (5).


His brother Donald John was a POW in Germany, serving in the RNR; his brother Peter served in the Seaforth Highlanders and was discharged due to ill health.

Norman Macleod, 13 Brue

Seaman NORMAN MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 13 Brue,
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Bulwark
Service number: 3630C
Date of birth: 10 August 1882
Date of death: 26 November 1914 at the age of 35
Died when HMS Bulwark was blown up in an internal explosion at Sheerness
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 8

Kenneth Finlayson, 11 Brue

Seaman KENNETH FINLAYSON
Last address in Lewis: 11 Brue,
Son of Norman and Marion Finlayson, of Brue, Barvas, Stornaway;
Husband of Maggie Finlayson, of 11, Brue Barvas, Stornaway, Ross-shire.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, SS Etonian
Service number: 1555C
Date of birth: January 1873
Date of death: 23 March 1918 at the age of 45
Ship torpedoed by U-boat
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 14

Kenneth appears in the 1881 census at 11 Brue, aged 7, the son of  Norman (32) and brother of Donald (6).

Donald Finlayson, 11 Brue

Seaman DONALD FINLAYSON (jnr)
Last address in Lewis: 11 Brue,
Son of Annie Finlayson, 11 Brue
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Viknor
Service number: 4537A
Date of birth: 15 January 1893
Date of death: 13 January 1915
Ship sunk by mine
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 14

Donald appears in the 1901 census, aged 8, at 11 Brue, with his mother Ann (45) and siblings Marion (16)   and Mariann (12). Also present is his stepbrother Donald (25) and aunt Effie (50).

Donald's stepbrother Donald also served in the RNR but survived the war.

Donald Allan Finlayson, 6 Brue

Sergeant DONALD ALLAN FINLAYSON
Last address in Lewis: 6 Brue,
Son of Kenneth Finlayson, of 6, Brue Barvas, Stornoway.
Service unit: 1st Gordon Highlanders
Service number: 3/5265
Enlisted at Inverness
Date of death: 22 December 1914 at the age of 19
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Le Touret Memorial, Panel 41 and 42
Joined army before age 16

His brothers Alexander and John both served in the RNR and survived the war. Alexander was interned in Holland.

Colin Macdonald, 2 Brue

Seaman COLIN MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 2 Brue,
Son or Norman McDonald
Husband of Effie McDonald, of 2, Brue
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Newmarket
Service number: 1515/C
Date of birth: August 1876
Date of death: 16 July 1917 at the age of 44
Ship torpedoed by UC-38 in the Aegean Sea
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 26
Left a widow and four children

Colin appears in the 1881 census, aged 6, at 3 Brue Road, the son of Norman and Ann (both aged 38), brother of Murdoch (10), Henrietta (8), Mary Ann (5) and Norman (2). 

His brother Murdo also served in the RNR, but survived the war.

Kenneth Matheson, 1 Brue

Private KENNETH MATHESON
Last address in Lewis: 1 Brue
Son of Murdo and Annie Matheson, 1 Brue
Service unit: 6th Cameron Highlanders
Service number: 5362
Enlisted at Inverness on 22 September 1911, mobilised on 10 August 1914
Date of death: 2 February 1919 at the age of 23
Died at home of illness; 
Was wounded 4 times and discharged as physically unfit for service on 21 June 1918
Was posthumously awarded the British Victory Medal in 1921
Interred: Barvas (St Mary) Old Cemetery

Description at enlistment
Height 5 ft 4½ in
Weight: 107 lbs
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Brown
Religion: Presbyterian
Occupation: Seaman with White Star Line for 2 years

Kenneth appears in the 1901 census, aged 5 at 1 Brue, the son of Murdo (38) and Ann (27), brother of Malcolm (5), Mary (4) and Norman (1).

His brother Malcolm served in the Seaforth Highlanders, and his brother Norman was in the RNR. These two survived the war.  

Malcolm Maciver, 48 Borve

Private MALCOLM MACIVER
Last address in Lewis: 48 Borve,
Service unit: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7153
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 11 April 1917 at the age of 20
Killed in action in France
Interred: Brown's Copse Cemetery, Roeux, grave III. E. 12
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

Was called up with 3rd Seaforths at outbreak of war and was in France from the beginning of operations; was seriously wounded in action in 1915.

His brother Dugald served in the RNR and survived the war. 

Donald Morrison, 41 Borve

Seaman DONALD MORRISON
Last address in Lewis: 41 Borve,
Son of Angus and Marion Morrison, of 41, Borve, Stornoway
Husband of the late Peggie Morrison.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Clan MacNaughton
Service number: 2395D
Date of birth: 16 March 1873
Date of death: 3 February 1915 at the age of 46
Died in sinking of ship
Left six orphans
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 14
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

Donald appears in the 1881 census, aged 12, at 48 Fivepenny, Borve, the son of Angus (45) and Marion (34), and brother of Margaret (8), Catherine (7), John (5), Marion (3) and James (1). 
His brother Angus also served in the RNR. He was at Antwerp and survived the sinking of HMY Iolaire. 

John Graham, 36 Borve

Leading Seaman JOHN GRAHAM
Last address in Lewis: 36 Borve
Son of Annie Graham and the late Malcolm Graham, husband of Annie Maciver
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve
Date of death: 27 July 1917 at the age of 46
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve
Was invalided home and died there

John appears in the 1881 census, aged 9, at 15 Fivepenny, Borve, the son of Malcolm (42) and Ann (36) and brother of Catherine (6), Donald (4), Mary (2) and Malcolm (11 months). 

Donald Graham, 30 Borve

Private DONALD GRAHAM
Last address in Lewis: 30 Borve,
Son of Duncan and Mary Graham, of 30, Borve, Barvas, Lewis.
Regiment or division: 2nd Gordon Highlanders
Service number: 3/5591
Enlisted at Inverness
Date of death: 29 October 1914 at the age of 21
Killed in action in France
Interred: Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial
Memorial reference: Panel 38
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

Donald appears in the 1901 census, aged 7, at 21 Borve, the son of Duncan (38) and Mary (31), and brother of Maggie (9), Roderick (4) and Jessie (7 months).

His brother Roderick was killed serving with the Seaforth Highlanders in 1917. 

Stornoway Gazette, 28 September 1917
We deeply regret to announce that on Wednesday 12 September 1917, Widow Duncan Graham received the sad news from the War Office that her only son, Roderick, fell in action in France. Thi sis the second son of Widow Graham who made the noble sacrifice on the field of battle for his country, his brother Donald having fallen at an early stage in the war. Ruairidh was a fine young fellow, possessed of sterling qualities and well liked by all who knew him. We extend our deep sympathy to his widowed mother in her sore and sad bereavement. 

Roderick Graham, 30 Borve

Private RODERICK GRAHAM
Last address in Lewis: 30 Borve,
Son of Duncan and Mary Graham, of 30, Borve, Barvas, Stornoway.
Service unit: 8th Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7352
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 20 August 1917 at the age of 21
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Tyne Cot Memorial, Panel 132 to 135 and 162A.
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

Roderick appears in the 1901 census, aged 4, at 21 Borve, the son of Duncan (38) and Mary (31), and brother of Maggie (9), Donald (7) and Jessie (7 months).

His brother Donald was killed serving with the Gordon Highlanders in 1914. 

Stornoway Gazette, 28 September 1917
We deeply regret to announce that on Wednesday 12 September 1917, Widow Duncan Graham received the sad news from the War Office that her only son, Roderick, fell in action in France. Thi sis the second son of Widow Graham who made the noble sacrifice on the field of battle for his country, his brother Donald having fallen at an early stage in the war. Ruairidh was a fine young fellow, possessed of sterling qualities and well liked by all who knew him. We extend our deep sympathy to his widowed mother in her sore and sad bereavement.

William Graham, 29 Borve

Private WILLIAM GRAHAM
Last address in Lewis: 29 Borve,
Son of Gormillia Graham, of 29, Borve, Barvas, Stornoway, and the late Roderick Graham.
Service unit: 2nd Gordon Highlanders
Service number: 3/6024
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 19 October 1914 at the age of 23
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Le Touret Memorial, Panel 39 to 41
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve
First man from Borve to be killed

His brother Donald served in the Labour Corps; Murdo was also in the Gordon Highlanders and Roderick served in the Trawler section of the RNR. These three brothers survived the war.

Roderick Nicolson, 25 Borve

Private RODERICK NICOLSON
Last address in Lewis: 25 Borve,
Son of Donald and Mary Nicolson, of 25, Borve Barvas, Lewis.
Service unit: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7285
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 6 October 1917 at the age of 20
Died of wounds
Interred: Dozinghem Military Cemetery, grave VIII. I. 17.
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve
Had been previously wounded

His brother Murdo  served with the Gordon Highlanders and was taken POW.
His brother Malcolm served with the Seaforth Highlanders and was wounded twice; after that, he served in the RAF. Both these brothers survived the war.

Stornoway Gazette
Quite a gloom was cast over the community by an intimation from the War Office to Mr Donald Nicolson, 25 Borve, that his youngest son, Roddy, was killed in France. Roddy joined the Seaforth Highlanders when a youth and took part in several engagements and was at home twice recuperating from severe wounds to the head and arm. The deceased was of a bright disposition and much sympathy is felt for Mr and Mrs Nicolson in their bereavement. The other sons on service are Murdo (Gordons) and Malcolm (Seaforths), both of whom have been severely wounded. 

Murdo Smith, 24 Borve

Private MURDO SMITH
Last address in Lewis: 24 Borve,
Son of Angus Smith, of 24, Borve Barvas, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis.
Service unit: 1st Cameron Highlanders
Service number: 3/5290
Enlisted at Inverness
Date of death: 25 September 1915 at the age of 21
Killed in action
Memorial: Loos Memorial, Panel 119 to 124
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

Murdo appears in the 1901 census, aged 7, at 27 Borve, the son of Angus (49) and Catherine (41), and brother of Christy (18), Angus (16), Mary (14), Catherine (12), Donald (9), Maggie (3) and Christy (9 months).

His brother Donald was killed in 1916, serving with the Canadians.

Donald, Smith, 24 Borve

Private DONALD SMITH
Last address in Lewis: 24 Borve,
Son of Angus and Catherine MacDonald Smith, of 24, Borve, Barvas, Stornoway, Scotland.
Service unit: 43rd Canadian Infantry (Manitoba Regiment)
Service number: 153626
Date of death: 4 June 1916 at the age of 24
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Panel 24 - 26 - 28 - 30.
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

 Date of birth: 20 April 1890
Height: 5 ft 11 in
Complexion: Fresh
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Brown
Religion: Presbyterian
Trade / occupation: Engineer
Volunteered at Winnipeg on 11 August 1915

Donald appears in the 1901 census, aged 9, at 27 Borve, the son of Angus (49) and Catherine (41), and brother of Christy (18), Angus (16), Mary (14), Catherine (12), Murdo (7), Maggie (3) and Christy (9 months).

His brother Murdo was killed in 1915, serving with the Cameron Highlanders.

William Mackenzie, 23 Borve

Lance Corporal WILLIAM MACKENZIE
Last address in Lewis: 23 Borve,
Son of Malcolm and Bella Macdonald McKenzie, of 23, Borve, Barvas, Stornoway.
Service unit: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 7283
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 9 June 1915 at the age of 19
Killed in action in Ypres
Interred: Bard Cottage Cemetery, grave VI. C. 13
Mentioned on family gravestone in Barvas Cemetery, Lewis
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve; Nicolson Institute WW1, middle panel

William appears in the 1901 census, aged 5, living at 65 (?) Borve with his parents Malcolm (31) and  Bella (33) as well as siblings Bella (4), John (2) and Chirsty Ann (9 months).

His uncle Peter, brother of his father Malcolm,  was lost in Mesopotamia in 1916, serving with the RNR.

Battalion war diary
There is no distinct diary entry for 9 June 1915, other than to say the weather was thundery. The battalion is at VLAMERTINGHE Castle. west of Ypres.

Killed: 8
Wounded: 10

Peter Mackenzie, 23 Borve

Seaman PETER MACKENZIE
Last address in Lewis: 23 Borve,
Son of the late William and Annie Mackenzie, of 23, Borve Barvas, Stornoway, Lewis
Husband of Margaret Mackenzie, of Elm Bank, Lochcarron, Ross-shire.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Alert
Service number: 2586B(Ch)
Date of birth: 14 August 1879
Date of death: 30 September 1916 at the age of 37
Drowned in the Tigris
Memorial: Basra Memorial, panel 60
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

Peter appears in the 1881 census, aged 1, at 29 Fivepenny, Borve., living with his parents William (37) and Ann (36) as well as siblings Malcolm (11), Margaret (8), Ann (6), Catherine and Mary (both aged 3) .  The 1891 census shows two younger siblings, Donald (8) and William (4). Mother, Ann, is by that time head of the household.

His nephew William, son of Malcolm,  was killed in action in 1915, serving with the Seaforth Highlanders.

Murdo Macdonald, 15 Borve

Seaman MURDO MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 15 Borve,
Son of Murdo and Mary Ann Macdonald, of 15, Borve, Barvas, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Pembroke
Service number: 9534/A
Date of birth: 2 October 1900
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 18
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire, was never found
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 32
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

His father Murdo also served in the RNR, but survived the war. 

Murdo Morrison, 10 Borve

Private MURDO MORRISON
Last address in Lewis: 10 Borve,
Son of Angus and Effie Morrison, of 10, Borve, Barvas, Stornoway.
Service unit: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/6579
Enlisted at Fort George, Inverness
Date of death: 17 May 1915 at the age of 23
Died of wounds
Interred: Bailleul Communal Cemetery extension (Nord), grave I. A. 53.
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve
Crossed to France 25 August 1914

His brother Murdo served with the Canadians and survived the war; his brother Malcolm died of wounds serving with the Cameron Highlanders in 1916.

Battalion war diary
The battalion remains engaged in the 2nd battle of Ypres

5pm: Attempt to use gas by enemy, only one platoon affected. Very wet day and renches in bad state. Trench work done during the night. "Shell Trap" farm being put into state of defence. Trenches, parapet and traverse also being worked on.

Killed: 4
Wounded: 7

Transcriber's note: It stands to reason that Murdo was wounded on a preceding date, and was taken to a field hospital behind the line; Bailleul is some distance south of Ypres.

Malcolm Morrison, 10 Borve

Private MALCOLM MORRISON
Last address in Lewis: 10 Borve,
Son of Angus and Effie Morrison, of 10, Borve Barvas, Stornaway.
Residence: Manish, Harris
Service unit: 1st Cameron Highlanders
Service number: 3/5254
Enlisted at Inverness
Date of death: 28 April 1916 at the age of 21
Died of wounds
Interred: Bethune Town Cemetery, grave III. H. 48
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

His brother Murdo served with the Canadians and survived the war; his other brother Murdo was also in the Canadians, but died of wounds in 1915.

Murdo Morrison, 6 Borve

Private MURDO MORRISON
Last address in Lewis: 6 Borve
Son of Angus and Mary Morrison, of 6, Borve, Barvas, Stornoway.
Service unit: 6th Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 267468
Enlisted at Fort George, Inverness
Date of death: 12 May 1917 at the age of 38
Killed in action
Memorial: Arras Memorial, bay 8

John Morrison, 4 Borve

Private JOHN MORRISON
Last address in Lewis: 4 Borve,
Son of Murdo and Catherine Graham Morrison, of 4, Borve, Barvas, Isle of Lewis.
Service unit: Seaforth Highlanders / Labour Corps
Service number: 7163 transferred to 528615
Date of death: 27 February 1919 at the age of 25
Died of influenza in Inverness
Interred: Galson Old Churchyard
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

John appears in the 1901 census, aged 5, at 55 (?) Borve, the son of Murdo (44) and Catherine (39), and brother of Murdo (15), Roderick (12) and Murdo (1 month).

His brother Roderick served in the Scots Guards and was awarded the Military Medal; he survived the war.

John Macdonald, 3A Borve

Private JOHN MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 3A Borve,
Son of Donald and Kirsty Macdonald (nee Matheson)
Service unit: Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Service number: 5365
Enlisted at Inverness
Date of death: 25 September 1915 at the age of 22
Killed in action at Loos
Had previously been wounded and only returned to the trenches about a month before he was killed

John appears in the 1901 census, aged 7, at 6 Mid Borve, the son of Donald (39) and Chirsty (33) and brothe rof John (7) and Peggy (1).

William Mackenzie, 1A Mid Borve

Private WILLIAM MACKENZIE
Last address in Lewis: 1A Mid Borve,
Son of Kenneth and Ann MacKenzie, of 1, High Borve, Stornoway.
Service unit: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7371
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 1 July 1916 at the age of 19
Killed in action
Interred: Sucrerie Military Cemetery, Colincamps, I. H. 27
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve
Had previously been wounded

William appears in the 1901 census, aged 3 at 2 Mid Borve, the son of Kenneth (41) and Annie (34), and brother of Annie (10), Malcolm (7), Christy (3) and Donald (1 month). 

His brother Malcolm served in the Gordon Highlanders, and survived the war.

Battalion war diary entry

Malcolm Mackenzie, 1 Mid Borve

Sergeant MALCOLM MACKENZIE
Last address in Lewis: 1 Mid Borve
Son of Malcolm and Annie MacKenzie, of 1, High Borve, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis.
Service unit: 6th Cameron Highlanders
Service number: 315190
Enlisted at Inverness
Date of death: 26 April 1917 at the age of 24
Killed in action.
Memorial: Arras Memorial, bay 9
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve
Decoration(s): MM for gallantry in France
One of the champion bombers in his Division

Malcolm appears in the 1901 census at 1 Mid Borve, aged 8, the son of Malcolm (39) and Annie (33), and brother of Marion (5).

Angus Paterson, 5 Upper Barvas

Private ANGUS PATERSON
Last address in Lewis: 5 Upper Barvas,
Son of Kenneth and Chirsty Macdonald Paterson, of Mission House, Geshader, Miavaig, Lewis. Native of Upper Barvas.
Service unit: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 1149
Enlisted at Fort George, Inverness
Date of death: 15 September 1914 at the age of 18
Killed in action in France
Interred: Crouy-Vauxrot French National Cemetery, grave A. 9.

Angus appears in the 1901 census, aged 4, the son of Kenneth (31) and Chirsty (30), and brother of Donald (6) and Kenneth (1½).

His brother Donald was a lieutenant in the Royal Army Service Corps; he had been wounded at Gallipoli in 1915, but survived the war.

From the battalion war diary
We find the unit at Ferme La Montagne, outside Bucy-le-Long, just east of Soissons in northern France. 

During the night and early morning we dug trenches, and altered their position, drawing them back in rear of the crest of the hill so that they were invisible to the enemy. The field of fire was not materially lessened, still remaining very bad (from 100 to 200 yards only), but the general line confirmed  better to the general line taken up by troops on our flanks - C & D corps relieved A & B after dark last night. Only intermittent shell fire was directed on us at first, and we were able to continue to improve our front line, as well as to dig in our supports and reserves. The tool cart had been brought up and we were able to make better shape at retrenching - about 11am heavy shrapnel fire was opened on us, followed later by very heavy high explosive shell fire. This luckily did very little damage as we were now well entrenched. There were a few casualties among men who were caught in the open - about 1pm, the fire weakened, and the afternoon was fairly quiet. After dark, work of improving trenches was continued, headcover and communication along the line being carried on with. The night was very wet but quite quiet. Heavy engagement on our left (French) and some firing on our right.

Killed: 2
Wounded: 6

William Macleod, 1 Upper Barvas

Private WILLIAM MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 1 Upper Barvas,
Son of Donald and Catherine MacLeod, of 1, Upper Barvas, Stornoway.
Service unit: 1st Gordon Highlanders
Service number: 3/5573
Date of death: 1 May 1915 at the age of 24
Died in POW camp in Germany
Interred: Southwestern Cemetery, Berlin, grave XV. D. 4.

His brother John was killed in action in September 1916, also serving with the Camerons. His brother John also served with the Camerons, but survived the war. 

Donald Macleod, 1 Upper Barvas

Sergeant DONALD MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 1 Upper Barvas,
Son of Donald and Catherine Macleod, of I, Upper Barvas, Stornoway, Lewis.
Service unit: 1st Cameron Highlanders
Service number: 3/5219
Enlisted at Inverness
Date of death: 3 September 1916
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Thiepval Memorial, Pier and Face 15B,
Decoration(s): DCM

His brother William died in a POW camp in Germany on 1 May 1915, serving with the Gordon Highlanders; his brother John also served with the Camerons, but survived the war.

Finlay Maciver, 54 Lower Barvas

Sergeant FINLAY MACIVER
Son of the late Kenneth and Eliza Maciver. B.Sc. (Aberdeen).
Last address in Lewis: 54 Lower Barvas (Barvas Cottage)
Service unit: 13th Yorkshire Regiment (formerly 199 Army Veterinary Corps)
Service number: 33890
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 22 March 1918 at the age of 24
Killed in action in France
Mentioned on family gravestone in Bosta Cemetery, Great Bernera
Memorial: Arras Memorial, Bay 5
Local memorial: Nicolson Institute WW1, left panel

His brother James served in the US Army; his brother John A.served in the Ross Mountain Battery.  These two survived the war.

Stornoway Gazette, 12 April 1918
It was with feelings of deep regret that the people of this district [Barvas] learned of the death in action of Finlay Maciver, son of the gamekeeper, Mr Maciver. After a distinguished career at Aberdeen University, Finlay took his degree in agriculture in 1915 and soon afterwards enlisted voluntarily in the Veterinary Corps, where he attained the rank of sergeant. Some time ago, a number of members of that regiment were transferred to Infantry Regiments and he was attached to the 13th Yorkshires. On 21st March, his regiment went into the trenches and on the 22nd a shell, which landed on the fire bay, killed him and five others of his company.
During the short periods (during holidays which he had spent at Barvas) Finlay had endeared himself to all classes of the community and much sympathy is felt for the family in their sore bereavement.

Also mentioned in tribute to Nicolson Institute Old Boys

Norman Macdougall, 54 Lower Barvas

Private NORMAN MACDOUGALL
Last address in Lewis: 54 Lower Barvas,
Son of Mrs. Margaret McDougall, of 54, Lower Barvas, Stornoway, Scotland.
Service unit: 46th Canadian Infantry (Saskatchewan Regiment)
Service number: 437723
Date of death: 10 April 1918 at the age of 25
Killed in action in France
Interred: Roclincourt Military Cemetery, grave VI. B. 19
Mentioned on family gravestone in Barvas Cemetery, Lewis

Date of birth: 28 March 1883
Place of birth: Barvas
Height: 5 ft 5¾ in
Complexion: Dark
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Black
Religion: Presbyterian
Trade / occupation: Grocer
Volunteered at Edmonton on 21 August 1915
Norman appears in the 1901 census, aged 17, a postrunner, and the son of John (52) and Peggy [Margaret] (48) and brother to Isabella (23), Allan (14), Flora (12), Ann (9), Hugh (7) and Kenneth (3).

His brother Colin also served in the war; Hugh was with the Canadians and Kenneth with the RNR.  These three all survived the war.

Alexander Macdougall Hunter, 54 Lower Barvas

Private ALEX MACDOUGALL HUNTER
Last address in Lewis: 54 Lower Barvas (Barvas Inn)
Son of Robert Hunter, Barvas
Service unit: 5th Canadian Infantry (Saskatchewan Regiment)
Service number: 13746
Date of death: 24 May 1915 at the age of 25
Killed in action in France
Mentioned on family gravestone in Sandwick Cemetery, Lewis
Memorial: Vimy Memorial

Date of birth: 10 January 1890
Place of birth: Barvas
Height: 5 ft 7 in
Complexion: Ruddy
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Light brown
Religion: Church of England
Trade / occupation: Farmer
Volunteered at Valcartier on 17 September 1914


Alexander appears in the 1901 census, aged 11, at the Barvas Temperance Hotel, Lower Barvas, with his parents Robert (45) and Catharine (37) as well as his siblings John (14), Robert (13) and Catharine (5).  Also present are Robert's mother-in-law Ann Mitchell (69), who originates from Cowal in Argyll; his sister-in-law Jessie Mitchell (25); Maggie Mcdonald (17), a general servant, who came from the village of Barvas; and Robert Gillies (37), a schoolmaster who originates from Harthill, Lanarkshire. He is a boarder at the hotel.

Neil Murray, 52 Lower Barvas

Private NEIL MURRAY
Last address in Lewis: 52 Lower Barvas,
Son of John Murray, of 52, Lower Barvas, Stornoway, Scotland.
Service unit: 8th Canadian Infantry (Manitoba Regiment), Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry
Service number: 578
Date of death: 26 September 1916 at the age of 30
Killed in action in France
Interred: Vimy Memorial

Date of birth: 16 March 1886
Height: 5 ft 9¾ in
Complexion: Medium
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Black
Religion: Presbyterian
Trade / occupation: Carpenter
Volunteered at Ottawa on 20 August 1914 

Neil is shown in the 1901 census, aged 15, at home at 52 Lower Barvas, the son of John (52) and Chirsty (46), and brother of Donald (23), Catherine (17), Finlay (10), Chirsty Mary (7) and Ann (4½).

Finlay Macritchie, 46 Lower Barvas

Seaman FINLAY MACRITCHIE
Last address in Lewis: 46 Lower Barvas,
Son of John and Annie McRitchie, of 46, Lower Barvas, Stornoway, Ross-shire; husband of Catherine McRitchie, of 80, Greenfield St., Govan, Glasgow.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Invincible
Service number: 2512/B
Date of birth: 20 November 1884
Date of death: 31 May 1916
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 18,
Lost in Battle of Jutland

Finlay appears in the 1901 census at 46 Lower Barvas, aged 17, with his parents John and Ann (both aged 40) and his younger siblings William (14), Angus (11), Barbara (9), John (5) and Kenneth (2).

His brothers John and Kenneth also served in the RNR but survived the war.

Colin Smith, 43 Lower Barvas

Private COLIN SMITH
Last address in Lewis: 43 Lower Barvas,
Son of Alex. Smith, of 43, Lower Barvas, Stornoway, Lewis, Scotland.
Service unit: 7th Canadian Infantry (British Columbia Regiment)
Service number: 446673
Date of death: 9 September 1916 at the age of 30
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Vimy Memorial

Date of birth: 20 May 1884
Height: 5 ft 7 in
Complexion: Dark
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Dark brown
Religion: Presbyterian
Trade / occupation: Labourer
Volunteered at Calgary on 7 May 1915 

Colin appears in the 1891 census, aged 5, at home at 53 Lower Barvas with his parents Alexander (33) and Margaret (30) as well as his siblings Murdo (7), Malcolm (3) and Ann (1).  The 1901 census does not mention Margaret, but does show the additional siblings Donald (8) and Chirsty (6).

His brother Donald, who served in the Canadians as a piper, was severely wounded but survived the war.

Norman Matheson, 36 Lower Barvas

Private NORMAN MATHESON
Last address in Lewis: 36 Lower Barvas,
Son of Donald and Christina Matheson, of 36, Lower Barvas, Stornoway, Lewis.
Service unit: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/6708
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 19 December 1914 at the age of 32
Killed in action
Interred: Guards Cemetery, Windy Corner, Guinchy, grave V. A. 4.


His brother Donald served in the RNR and survived the war.

From the battalion war diary
Attack on "Bulge" in Ploegsteert wood by 11th Brigade. Demonstration all along line by artillery, rifle, Machine Gun fire all day, culminating with attack at 2.30pm. No reply at all by Germans to our Demonstration, except  by artillery. Tremendous bombardment of the enemy's trenches after 2pm. Attack not altogether successful on account of the waterlogged state of the ground, but some ground was made. Relieved in the trenches about 10pm by R Irish Fusiliers. Very heavy downpour from dark till after midgnith. Billetted at ROMARTIN. [No arrangements made before and very dirty billets, got settled in about 2pm. One company (A) went on to billets in LA CRECHE].

Killed: 1
Wounded: 4

Allan John Morrison, 35 Lower Barvas,

Sergeant ALLAN JOHN MORRISON
Last address in Lewis: 35 Lower Barvas,
Son of Alick Morrison, of 35, Lower Barvas, Stornoway.
Service unit: 6th Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/6973
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 11 April 1918 at the age of 22
Killed in action
Memorial: Ploegsteert Memorial, Panel 9
Decoration(s): DCM, awarded in March 1918 for conspicuous bravery in refusing to surrender his platoon to the enemy.
Wounded in 1915 and 1916

His brother Malcolm served in the RNR, his brother Donald was in the Canadians, his brother Alexander was in the  Trawler section of the RNR. These three survived the war.

Donald John Smith, 34 Lower Barvas

Gunner DONALD JOHN SMITH
Last address in Lewis: 34 Lower Barvas
Son of John and Annie Smith, of 34, Lower Barvas, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Marine Artillery
Service number: RMA/2585(S)
Date of death: 31 July 1919 at the age of 26
Interred: Barvas Cemetery

Donald Morrison, 32 Lower Barvas

Private DONALD MORRISON
Last address in Lewis: 32 Lower Barvas,
Son of Colin and Flora Morrison, of 32, Lower Barvas, Stornoway.
Service unit: 5th Cameron Highlanders
Service number: 3/5221
Enlisted at Inverness
Date of death: 12 October 1917 at the age of 34
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Tyne Cot Memorial, Panel 136 to 138

Norman Macleod, 31 Lower Barvas

Private NORMAN MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 31 Lower Barvas,
Brother of Miss Margaret McLeod, of 31, Lower Barvas, Stornoway, Scotland.
Service unit: 85th Canadian Infantry
Service number: 2183381
Date of death: 2 September 1918 at the age of 30
Interred: Vis-en-Artois British Cemetery, Haucourt, grave I. C. 17
Killed in action in France

Date of birth: 1 August 1889
Height: 5 ft 8½ in Complexion: Ruddy
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Black
Religion: Presbyterian
Trade / occupation: Farmer
Current address: Souris, North Dakota, USA
Volunteered at Winnipeg on 30 March 1917

Norman Macleod, 28 Lower Barvas

Seaman NORMAN MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 28 Lower Barvas,
Son of Norman and Ann Murray Macleod .
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Invincible
Service number: 2338C
Date of birth: 15 August 1880
Date of death: 31 May 1916 at the age of 34
Lost at the Battle of Jutland.
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 18

Norman appears in the 1891 census, aged 9, at 2 Lower Barvas, the son of Norman (54) and Ann (48) and brother of Chirsty (21), John, (16) and Catherine (13).  The 1901 census places the family at 28 Lower Barvas [Loch Street].

His brother John also served in the RNR, but survived the war. 

Murdo Murray, 22 Lower Barvas

Seaman MURDO MURRAY
Last address in Lewis: 22 Lower Barvas,
Son of Murdo and Christina Murray
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve
Date of death: 13 August 1918 at the age of 46
Died of influenza at home

Murdo appears in the 1881 census, aged 10, at 26 Loch Street (Lower Barvas), the son of Murdoch (42) and Christina (38) and brother of Ann (16), John (14), Mary (12), Margaret (8), Christina (6) and William (1).

Donald Macleod, 20 Lower Barvas

Seaman DONALD MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 20 Lower Barvas,
Son of Murdo and Catherine Murray MacLeod, of 20, Lower Shader, Barvas, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, SS Saxonia.
Service number: 3553/B
Date of birth: 8 July 1885
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 33
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire
Interred: Barvas (St Mary) Old Cemetery

Donald appears in the 1891 census, aged 5, at 10 Lower Barvas, the son of Murdo (36) and Catherine (38), and brother of Jessie (9), Malcolm (8) and Norman (3).

Kenneth Maclean, 16 Lower Barvas

Private KENNETH MACLEAN
Last address in Lewis: 16 Lower Barvas,
Son of Ann McLean
Service unit: 28th Canadian Infantry (Saskatchewan Regiment)
Service number: 604
Date of death: 1 October 1916 at the age of 30
Interred: Ste Marie Cemetery, grave Div. 3. I. 2


Date of birth: 10 November 1885
Height: 5 ft 9 in
Complexion: Florid
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Very dark brown
Religion: Presbyterian
Trade / occupation: Labourer
Volunteered at Fort William, ON on 23 October 1914

Kenneth appears in the 1891 census, aged 5, at 14 Lower Barvas, the son of Norman (49) and Ann (45), and brother of James (16), Allan (11), Chirsty (7) and Ann (2).

Roderick Graham, 3 Lower Barvas

Seaman RODERICK GRAHAM
Last address in Lewis: 3 Lower Barvas,
Son of Angus and Peggie Graham, of Barvas, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Pembroke
Service number: 1815/C
Date of birth: 26 January 1869
Date of death: 30 December 1918 at the age of 43
Died of influenza in Chatham
Interred: Barvas (St Mary) Old Churchyard

Roderick appears in the 1881 census, aged 10, at 7 Loch Street (Lower Barvas), the son of Angus (54) and Margaret (50), and brother of Ann (24). Roderick also appears in the 1871 census, aged 2, son of Angus (42) and Margaret (40), and brother of Ann (15), Donald (10) and John (8).

Please note that the date and location of birth in UK, Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 is incorrect.

John Maciver, 3 Park, Barvas

Private JOHN MACIVER
Last address in Lewis: 3 Barvas Park,
Son of Donald Maciver, of 3, Park Barvas, Stornoway.
Service unit: 6th Cameron Highlanders
Service number: 3/5358
Enlisted at Inverness
Date of death: 16 July 1917
Died of wounds
Interred: Dozinghem Military Cemetery, I. G. 7

John appears in the 1901 census at 3 Park Barvas, the 5-year old son of Donald (40) and Peggy [Margaret] Maciver (36), along with his sister Barbara (2). He would have been aged around 21 upon death.

Stornoway Gazette
Mr Donald Maciver, 3 Barvas Park, has received official intimation of the death in hospital of his son, Pte John Maciver, Camerons. Last year, John was seriously wounded in the head, the bullet having passed through his shrapnel helmet and penetrated his skull. He however made a speedy recovery and was sent to the front again. He was again wounded, this time so seriously that he succumbed to his injuries. Much sympathy is felt for the bereaved family.

Neil Macdonald, 21 Ballantrushal

Seaman NEIL MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 21 Ballantrushal,
Son of Angus and Annie Macdonald, of 21, Ballantrushal.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, SS Arabis
Service number: 3335A
Date of death: 16 September 1917 at the age of 24
Ship sunk by U-54, 210 miles W of Ushant en route from Sfax to Falmouth
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 26
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

Neil is shown in the 1901 census at 21 Ballantrushal, aged 10, at home with his parents Angus (42) and Ann (40) as well as his siblings Margaret (16), Mary (14), Chirsty (7), Angus (4) and John (1). 

His brother Angus was killed in action in 1917, serving the Seaforths. John  served in the Trawler section of the RNR and survived the war. 

Stornoway Gazette

It is with deep regret that it was learned here last Friday (19 October 1917) that Neil Macdonald RNR, son of Angus Macdonald, 21 Ballantrushal, had lost his life at sea when his ship, the "Arabas", was lost on 16th September. Before being sent to sea as a gunner on a merchantman, Neil underwent a course of training in the gunnery school. Deceased was of a kindly disposition and spright character, a most dutiful son, and a general favourite with all his acquaintances. He will be greatly missed by a wide circle of friends. The sad intelligence was conveyed in a letter from Custom House, stating that Neil was missing from among the survivors of his veessel. This is the second severe blow that has fallen on Mr and Mrs Macdonald through the war, their son Angus having been killed in France last April. The youngest - and now only remaining - son is on patrol duty. Much sympathy is felt for Mr and Mrs Macdonald and other relatives, and the whole community mourns with them in their irrepairable loss.

Angus Macdonald, 21 Ballantrushal

Private ANGUS MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 21 Ballantrushal,
Son of Angus Macdonald, of 21, Ballantrushal, Shader, Stornoway.
Service unit: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7138
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 11 April 1917 at the age of 21
Killed in action in France
Interred: Brown's Copse Cemetery, Roeux, grave III. F. 25
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve


Battalion war diary entry

Angus is shown in the 1901 census at 21 Ballantrushal, aged 4, at home with his parents Angus (42) and Ann (40) as well as his siblings Margaret (16), Mary (14), Neil (10), Chirsty (7) and John (1). 

His brother Neil drowned in the sinking of his ship in the Mediterranean in September 1917. John  served in the Trawler section of the RNR and survived the war.

Stornoway Gazette

It is with deep regret that it was learned here last Friday (19 October 1917) that Neil Macdonald RNR, son of Angus Macdonald, 21 Ballantrushal, had lost his life at sea when his ship, the "Arabas", was lost on 16th September. Before being sent to sea as a gunner on a merchantman, Neil underwent a course of training in the gunnery school. Deceased was of a kindly disposition and spright character, a most dutiful son, and a general favourite with all his acquaintances. He will be greatly missed by a wide circle of friends. The sad intelligence was conveyed in a letter from Custom House, stating that Neil was missing from among the survivors of his veessel. This is the second severe blow that has fallen on Mr and Mrs Macdonald through the war, their son Angus having been killed in France last April. The youngest - and now only remaining - son is on patrol duty. Much sympathy is felt for Mr and Mrs Macdonald and other relatives, and the whole community mourns with them in their irrepairable loss.

Murdo Smith, 18 Ballantrushal

Sergeant MURDO SMITH
Last address in Lewis: 18 Ballantrushal,
Son of Donald and Ann Macdonald Smith, of 18, Ballantrushal.
Service unit: D Coy 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7272
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 4 October 1917 at the age of 21
Killed in action at Ypres
Interred: Cement House Cemetery, grave XV. A. 4
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

Murdo appears in the 1901 census, the 5-year old son of Donald and Ann (both aged 38) at 18 Ballantrushal. His siblings Charles (13), Mary (12), John (11), Ann (7) and Donald (2) are also present.


His brother Donald died of illness at Inverness, having served in the RNR. His brother Charles served in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, and was wounded.  

From the battalion war diary
The battalion is in action east of Ypres, conducting the battle of Broodseinde, the last battle of Passchendaele.

The Battalion formed up for attack by zero -1 hour on correct alignment in touch with 1st Hampshire on right and R Dublin Fusiliers on left. Coys were closed up to total depth of 120 yards to get clear of EAGLE trench which would have broken formations. Two leading platoons of each assaulting coy carried trench boards in cue of difficulty being found in crossing water and marsh between starting point and KANGAROO trench and LAUDETBEEK. Platoons were to advance in succession under cover of the creeping barrage at correct distances of 100yards between platoons and 150 yards between coys with moppers coy HQs 50 yards in rear of the platoon of each coy.

At zero hour (6 am) leading platoons advanced into barrage, but found great difficulty in keeping alignment owin to water forcing them to follow best ground or the marsh. This caused confusion and resulted in formation of assaulting coys being lost, especially on left where the leading wave walked into our own barrage. KANGAROO trench was reached without coys, platoons being able to disentangle themselves enemy who showed resistance being bayonetted and remainder being passed back. A total of about 25 men were taken prisoner on the front up to KANGAROO trench, including several men were killed by enemy barrage fire on their way back. The left assaulting coy came into some resistance and did not take many prisoners. Coy SM Bain killing 15 enemy to his own bayonet. As the advance proceeded coys endeavoured to regain formation but this was found to be impossible owing to confusion and the excited condition of the men. Up to BEEK STREET trench casualties were not heavy, but from that point onwards machine gun fire was encountered, from left flank generally and this fire caused considerable casualties, both coy commanders and 6 of their platoon commanders of the two left coys being put out of action. Continuing their advance towards their objective, the left coy captured the fortified houses and the right coy advance over 19 Metre Hill. The left coys were unable to advance further, where the remaining men established themselves in shell holes.

Donald Smith, 18 Ballantrushal

Seaman DONALD SMITH
Last address in Lewis: 18 Ballantrushal,
Son of Donald and Ann Macdonald Smith, of 18, Ballantrushal
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve
Date of death: 26 July 1917 at the age of 18
Died of illness in Inverness
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

Donald appears in the 1901 census, the 2-year old son of Donald and Ann (both aged 38) at 18 Ballantrushal. His siblings Charles (13), Mary (12), John (11), Ann (7) and Murdo (5) are also present.

His brother Murdo was killed near Ypres in 1917, having served in the Seaforths; his brother Charles  was wounded, having served in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary service. 

John Smith, 15 Ballantrushal

Seaman JOHN SMITH
Last address in Lewis: 15 Ballantrushal
Son of John and Isabella Smith
Service unit: Merchant Marine
Date of death: 25 November 1915 at the age of 17
Accidentally killed in Australia
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

John appears in the 1901 census at 15 Ballantrushal, he is aged 2. He is one of the children of John and Isabella Smith (45); Mary (8), Cath (5), Mordina (3), John (2) and John (10 months). Other siblings, present at the time, are Bella (24), Janet (16), Dolina (13) and Alexander (12).

 His brother John was a sergeant major in the Seaforths and was severely gassed; he survived the war. His brother Alexander was killed in action in 1918, having also served in the Seaforths.

Alexander Smith, 15 Ballantrushal

Company Sergeant-Major ALEX SMITH
Last address in Lewis: 15 Ballantrushal,
Son of John and Isabella Smith, of 15, Ballantrushal
Service unit: 7th Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 10065
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 23 March 1918 at the age of 29
Memorial: Pozieres Memorial, Panel 72 and 73
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve
Decoration(s):Military Medal

Alex appears in the 1891 census at 17 Ballantrushal, he is aged 1. He is one of the 8 children of John (37) and Isabella (36), the others being Isabella (14), Mary (13), Effie (12), Catherine (9), John (7), Janet (5), and Dolina (3). In 1901, five more children have been added to the family, Mary (8), Cath (5), Mordina (3), John (2) and John (10 months). Of the children, present in 1891, only Bella (24), Janet (16), Dolina (13) and Alexander (12) remain at home (or alive?).

His brother John was a sergeant major in the Seaforths and was severely gassed; he survived the war. His other brother John was accidentally killed at sea in 1915 whilst serving in the Merchant Navy.

Stornoway Gazette
The experience of Ballantrushal in the past week accords with the saying that troubles never come singly. We had hardly realised the blank created in the village by the loss of John Macleay, our genial and much-respected fellow villager, when the gloom of sadness was deepend by the news, officially reported that CSM Alex Smith, son of Mr and Mrs John Smith, 15 Ballantrushal, was killed in action on the 23rd March. SM Smith was an old soldier, having joined the Seaforths about 12 years ago. He crossed to France with the first Expeditionary Force, came safely through the retreat from Mons, and had the same good fortune in all the hard fighting of his regiment till he was gassed in June 1915. He made a speedy recovery from the effects of the gas, and in the course of a very short time was back again in the fighting line. In the summer of 1916, he was wounded his arm being fractured, and after a period of hospital treatment in this country returned to the regimental depot where he was for a time employed in training recruits. Towards the end of that year he was sent again to the front where, for his gallant services with the 7th Seaforths, he was awarded the Military medal. Being entitled to the Mons Star he had thus the distinction of two war decorations. SM Smith was a young man of sterling qualities whicih won for him the esteem of all those with whom he associated and much sympathy is felt for his parents, brothers and sisters in their bereavement. Mr and Mrs Smith's only surviving son is a Sergt.-Major in the Seaforths. He also had been a regular soldier before the war, and had served 9 years with the colours, six of which were spent in India, and at the outbreak of war was a reservist. He was severely gassed at the same time as his later brother, who found him lying unconscious, and to whose efforts in carrying him to a place of safety he owes his life. He had never completely recovered from the effects of the poison and is employed at a military depot somewhere in England. 

Roderick Macleay, 14 Ballantrushal

Private RODERICK MACLEAY
Last address in Lewis: 14 Ballantrushal,
Son of Roderick and Margaret Macleay, of 14, Ballantrushal Shader, Barvas, Stornoway.
Service unit: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7049
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 18 May 1915 at the age of 20
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Panel 38
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve
Had been at front since commencement of hostilities

His brother Louis died of wounds in January 1918, having served in the 7th Seaforths.

From battalion war diary
The battalion remains engaged in the 2nd battle of Ypres

Very wet. Germans opposite reported to be wearing British uniforms. B coy relieved one coy of 7th A&SH's. This brings our right up to WIELTJE road.

Killed: 2
Wounded: 3