William Macaulay, 16 Carloway

Private WILLIAM MACAULAY
Last address in Lewis: 16 Carloway,
Son of Malcolm and Margaret Macaulay, 16 Carloway.
Service unit: 16th Canadian Infantry (Manitoba Regiment)
Service number: 442021
Date of death: 4 August 1917
Killed in action in France
Interred: Bully-Grenay Communal Cemetery, British extension, grave IV. D. 6
Local memorial: Carloway

Stornoway Gazette
Mrs Kenneth Macleod, 26 Carloway, has been informed by the Canadian Records Office that her brother, Pte William Macaulay (Canadian Infantry Battalion) was killed on the 4th August. Pte Macaulay, who was 36 years of age, went to Canada some ten years ago, and at the outbreak of war joined by the Canadians. Arriving in this country towards the end of 1915, he paid a short visit to his friends in Carloway prior to leaving for the front. He was the youngest son of the late Malcolm Macaulay, Carloway, and a brother of Mr John Macaulay, postmaster there. The deceased was well-known in the district, and won the affection of all. His death is deeply regretted. He is survived by three brothers and a sister, with whom much sympathy is felt. His officer, writing to Mrs Macleod, says:

"He had been attached to me for duty on the ammunition dump for the past four months or so, and it is with the deepest regret that I have to acquaint you with the sad news. Your brother was killed by a German shell whilst going about his duties on the night of the 4th August 1917. I am pleased to say that he suffered no pain as he was killed instantly. His body was buried in a little French town behind the lines, a service being held over the grave at which a large number of his friends attended. His loss is felt very keenly by everybody who knew him, as he was always a good friend and companion, and for my part I always found him very attentive to his duties. We have lost a good soldier".

His C.O. writes to his sister:

"He was a good soldier, and showed splendid devotion to duty. His loss is keenly felt by all ranks of his company, and particularly his platoon comrades, with whom he was deservedly popular. Assuring you of deep sympathy".