Private DONALD MACKAY
Last address in Lewis: 27 Arnol,
Son of Norman Mackay
Service unit: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/6697
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 25 April 1915 at the age of 27
Killed in action
Interred: Seaforth Cemetery, Cheddar Villa, grave B. 1. (Headstone "A" 67).
Local memorial: West Side, Bragar
Donald is shown in the 1891 census, aged 5, at 21 Arnol with his parents Norman (31) and Henrietta (36) as well as siblings Mary (10), Finlay (7), Christina (6), Catherine (3) and Malcolm (1).
His brother Finlay served with the RNR, and survived the war.
From the battalion war diary
The battalion has moved from Bailleul in France to a position near
Wieltje, northeast of Ypres in Belgium. Their involvement with the
battle starts today.
Very wet indeed.
Moved into position for attack at 4 am.
Attack commences at 5.30 am. Brigades from left to right. R Warwickshire
Reg - Seaforth Highlanders - R Dublin Fusiliers - R Irish Fusiliers.
Came under heavy fire when getting into position before attack commenced. Finally took up a position and dug in as well.
6.30 am Absolutely great except for a great deal of shelling on eastern
flank. Line readjusted and altered after dark. Trenches improved.From
right to left companies B C D
Very wet day till 8 am - fine afternoon. Weather was very hot and sunny. There was a great deal of shelling all the time.
Officers killed: 20
Killed: 61
Wounded: 239
Died of wounds: 12
Missing: 16
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