Malcolm Martin, 21 Balallan


Gunner MALCOLM MARTIN
Last address in Lewis: 21 Balallan,
Son of Donald and Christina McAulay Martin, of 21, Balallan, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Pembroke
Service number: 12067/DA
Date of birth: 12 August 1880
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 38
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire
Interred: Laxay Cemetery, Lochs, in northwest part
Local memorial: Kinloch, Laxay

Was engaged in Argentine and Patagonia sheep farming at outbreak of war. Applied for exemption from service as conscientious objector, but was refused.

Malcolm appears in the 1881 census, aged 1, the son of Donald (37) and Christina (28), as well as brother Roderick (3). In 1891, Malcolm is the eldest of four children, the others being Finlay (7), Maryann (4) and Murdo (2). In 1901, that list is extended to include Roderick J (9), Barbara (7), Marion (4) and Christina (2).

His brother Finlay served in the RAF, he was wounded Sep 1916 on the Somme; invalided home Dec 1916; first Lewisman to join Air Service; present at Loos and other engagements

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