Norman Maciver, 4 Breaclet, Great Bernera

Wireless Operator NORMAN MACIVER
Tormod Thormoid Bhig"
Last address in Lewis: 4 Breaclet, Great Bernera
Son of Norman and Mary Maciver
Service unit: Merchant Marine, SS Ben Lomond (aka Turnbridge)
Date of birth: 25 December 1897
Date of death: 7 July 1918 at the age of 21
Ship sunk by U-92, 30 miles SE of Daunts Rock, en route from Seville to Ardrossan
Memorial: Tower Hill Memorial,
Mentioned on family gravestone in Bosta Cemetery, Great Bernera
Local memorial: Great Bernera

Had gone south to Glasgow at age 18 to study wireless telegraphy, and obtained a first-class certificate.
His brother John served in the Seaforth Highlanders, but was discharged wounded in 1917.

Norman appears in the 1901 census aged 3, at home with his parents Norman (35) and Mary (34) as well as siblings John (5) and Ann (1). He was the second of eight children, the others (born after April 1901) were Katie Mary (1901), Malcolm (1903), Donald Murdo (1905), Norman (1908) and Mary (1911).

Stornoway Gazette
It is presumed that Mr Norman Maciver, son of Mr and Mrs N Maciver, 4 Breaclet, lost his life on the 7th July, when the ship on which he was wireless operator, was unk off the Irish coast. It is sad beyond words to think that such a young life has been suddenly cut off at the outset of a career so full of happy prospects of usefulness and success, and with the sorrowing parents, brothers and sisters, his many friends mourn the loss of a young man, whose charming personality was a joy to all who knew him. In his boyhood Norman Maciver was most popular with his companions by whom, as well as by his teachers, he was held in affectionate esteem. He was a lad of parts and having made up his mind to continue his education, he was much disappointed when circumstances prevented his entering the Nicolson Institute. His disappointment made him all the more determined to get on through some other avenue, as later events proved. For a time after leaving school he was on the staff of the local post-office. Here his civility to the public, his genial courtesy and kindliness of disposition, won for him the respect and confidence of all classes in the community. In August 1916, he entered the Glasgow Institute of the North British Wireless Schools and in April of the following year he passed the Postmaster-General's examination and was awarded a first-class certificate. He then joined the Marconi Company's service.

To the parents, brothers and sisters the utmost sympathy is extended in the loss of a most dutiful and devoted son and brother of whom not only they but the whole district had reason to be proud.