James Macleod, Cross Roads, Callanish

Lance Corporal JAMES MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: Cross Roads, Callanish
Son of Isabella Macleod, latterly of 8 Mackenzie Street, Stornoway
Service unit: 2nd Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Service number: S/43023
Enlisted at Inverness
Date of death: 8 May 1918 at the age of 21
Killed in France
Memorial: Tyne Cot Memorial, panel 141 to 143 and 162.
Local memorial: East Loch Roag, Callanish

The Roll of Honour puts him at Garynahine, 2 miles east of Callanish.
James appears in the 1901 census, aged 4, at a cottar's house in Callanish, with his grand parents Malcolm (72) and Mary (6), uncle John (23) and mother Bella (26) as well as brother Angus (1).

In February 1912, he enlisted with the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, and told the recruiting officer he was 17 years and 2 months. As James was born on 24 January 1897, he was in fact not much older than 15 years and 2 weeks. His height was 5 feet 3½ inches and only weighed 120 lbs, 54 kg.

Six years after joining the Argylls, James was killed in action near Ypres on 8 May 1918. His body was never recovered, but his name is inscribed on the Tyne Cot memorial at Zonnebeke, 6 miles northeast of Ypres.

His mother, Isabella, had moved to Stornoway by the time of the death of her son. When she gave birth, her occupation was marked as Domestic Servant. A few months after James had fallen, she wrote to the (Army) Records Office in Perth. The text of the letter is reproduced below. Part of it is illegible due to a hole in the paper, as shown in the scan.

"Mrs Bella McLeod
8 Mackenzie Street
Stornoway
16/8/1918

To Records Officer, Office Perth

Dear Sir,

Would you [...] me (his mother) of the late (killed in action (L/Cpl James Mcleod) 2 Bn Arg + Suth Hghns [Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders] Regt No S/43023 has any of his belongings come to hand. As far as I know, he had a wrist watch, Signet Ring, Pocket Folding mirror, Pocket Book or Wallet containing photos etc also a pocket knive [sic]. It would greatly oblige me if you could let me know at the earliest & how to  claim same.

I remain

Yours V. Truly
Mrs B. Mcleod"

The records do not relate whether the items, if any, were returned to Bella. She received a claims form, which was sent back to Perth, but that is were the records for James Macleod end.