Seaman NORMAN MACDONALD
"Tormod Thormoid Thormoid Oig"
Last address in Lewis: 5 Breaclet, Great Bernera
Son of Norman and Christy Macdonald, of 5, Breaclet, Bernera, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Laurentic
Service number: 3279/B
Date of birth: 13 February 1885
Date of death: 25 January 1917 at the age of 33
Ship sunk by U-80 off Malin Head
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 26
Mentioned on family gravestone in Bosta Cemetery, Great Bernera
Local memorial: Great Bernera
The 1901 census shows Norman, aged 16, at 5 Breaclet, with his parents Norman (51) and Christy (40) as well as 7 of his 8 siblings, namely: John (14), Catherine (12), Mary (10), Donald (8), Angus (6), George (4) and Donald John (8 months). Donald John only lived to the age of 5 years. Another boy was born in 1904, but only lived for 5 days and remained unnamed.
His brothers Donald and George served in the Seaforth Highlanders. Donald was wounded and later discharged, he died in military hospital in 1922. Geroge was gassed . His brother John was in the Canadians Engineers. These three all survived the war.
Norman served in Howe Bn (RND, D/186) from 19 September until 27 October 1914, when he was discharged to RN barracks Portsmouth.
Stornoway Gazette
Seaman Norman Macdonald [whose] loss in the sinking of the Laurentic is deeply deplored. Norman joined the RNR at the age of 19 and has served for 13 years, being at the time of his death 32 years of age. He was one of the most likeable young men one could wish to meet, and he was a general favourite wherever he went. During the summer he generally went to the East Coast herring fishing, but during the rest of the year he prosecuted lobster fishing from here. When bad weather prevented the boats going out, his company was much sought after, and his cheery presence will be much missed. His father is an old RNR man, having served in the first-class reserve for the long period of 27 years, while two brothers are in the Seaforths.
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