Malcolm Maciver, 48 Borve

Private MALCOLM MACIVER
Last address in Lewis: 48 Borve,
Service unit: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7153
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 11 April 1917 at the age of 20
Killed in action in France
Interred: Brown's Copse Cemetery, Roeux, grave III. E. 12
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

Was called up with 3rd Seaforths at outbreak of war and was in France from the beginning of operations; was seriously wounded in action in 1915.

His brother Dugald served in the RNR and survived the war. 

Donald Morrison, 41 Borve

Seaman DONALD MORRISON
Last address in Lewis: 41 Borve,
Son of Angus and Marion Morrison, of 41, Borve, Stornoway
Husband of the late Peggie Morrison.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Clan MacNaughton
Service number: 2395D
Date of birth: 16 March 1873
Date of death: 3 February 1915 at the age of 46
Died in sinking of ship
Left six orphans
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 14
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

Donald appears in the 1881 census, aged 12, at 48 Fivepenny, Borve, the son of Angus (45) and Marion (34), and brother of Margaret (8), Catherine (7), John (5), Marion (3) and James (1). 
His brother Angus also served in the RNR. He was at Antwerp and survived the sinking of HMY Iolaire. 

John Graham, 36 Borve

Leading Seaman JOHN GRAHAM
Last address in Lewis: 36 Borve
Son of Annie Graham and the late Malcolm Graham, husband of Annie Maciver
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve
Date of death: 27 July 1917 at the age of 46
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve
Was invalided home and died there

John appears in the 1881 census, aged 9, at 15 Fivepenny, Borve, the son of Malcolm (42) and Ann (36) and brother of Catherine (6), Donald (4), Mary (2) and Malcolm (11 months). 

Donald Graham, 30 Borve

Private DONALD GRAHAM
Last address in Lewis: 30 Borve,
Son of Duncan and Mary Graham, of 30, Borve, Barvas, Lewis.
Regiment or division: 2nd Gordon Highlanders
Service number: 3/5591
Enlisted at Inverness
Date of death: 29 October 1914 at the age of 21
Killed in action in France
Interred: Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial
Memorial reference: Panel 38
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

Donald appears in the 1901 census, aged 7, at 21 Borve, the son of Duncan (38) and Mary (31), and brother of Maggie (9), Roderick (4) and Jessie (7 months).

His brother Roderick was killed serving with the Seaforth Highlanders in 1917. 

Stornoway Gazette, 28 September 1917
We deeply regret to announce that on Wednesday 12 September 1917, Widow Duncan Graham received the sad news from the War Office that her only son, Roderick, fell in action in France. Thi sis the second son of Widow Graham who made the noble sacrifice on the field of battle for his country, his brother Donald having fallen at an early stage in the war. Ruairidh was a fine young fellow, possessed of sterling qualities and well liked by all who knew him. We extend our deep sympathy to his widowed mother in her sore and sad bereavement. 

Roderick Graham, 30 Borve

Private RODERICK GRAHAM
Last address in Lewis: 30 Borve,
Son of Duncan and Mary Graham, of 30, Borve, Barvas, Stornoway.
Service unit: 8th Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7352
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 20 August 1917 at the age of 21
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Tyne Cot Memorial, Panel 132 to 135 and 162A.
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

Roderick appears in the 1901 census, aged 4, at 21 Borve, the son of Duncan (38) and Mary (31), and brother of Maggie (9), Donald (7) and Jessie (7 months).

His brother Donald was killed serving with the Gordon Highlanders in 1914. 

Stornoway Gazette, 28 September 1917
We deeply regret to announce that on Wednesday 12 September 1917, Widow Duncan Graham received the sad news from the War Office that her only son, Roderick, fell in action in France. Thi sis the second son of Widow Graham who made the noble sacrifice on the field of battle for his country, his brother Donald having fallen at an early stage in the war. Ruairidh was a fine young fellow, possessed of sterling qualities and well liked by all who knew him. We extend our deep sympathy to his widowed mother in her sore and sad bereavement.

William Graham, 29 Borve

Private WILLIAM GRAHAM
Last address in Lewis: 29 Borve,
Son of Gormillia Graham, of 29, Borve, Barvas, Stornoway, and the late Roderick Graham.
Service unit: 2nd Gordon Highlanders
Service number: 3/6024
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 19 October 1914 at the age of 23
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Le Touret Memorial, Panel 39 to 41
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve
First man from Borve to be killed

His brother Donald served in the Labour Corps; Murdo was also in the Gordon Highlanders and Roderick served in the Trawler section of the RNR. These three brothers survived the war.

Roderick Nicolson, 25 Borve

Private RODERICK NICOLSON
Last address in Lewis: 25 Borve,
Son of Donald and Mary Nicolson, of 25, Borve Barvas, Lewis.
Service unit: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7285
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 6 October 1917 at the age of 20
Died of wounds
Interred: Dozinghem Military Cemetery, grave VIII. I. 17.
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve
Had been previously wounded

His brother Murdo  served with the Gordon Highlanders and was taken POW.
His brother Malcolm served with the Seaforth Highlanders and was wounded twice; after that, he served in the RAF. Both these brothers survived the war.

Stornoway Gazette
Quite a gloom was cast over the community by an intimation from the War Office to Mr Donald Nicolson, 25 Borve, that his youngest son, Roddy, was killed in France. Roddy joined the Seaforth Highlanders when a youth and took part in several engagements and was at home twice recuperating from severe wounds to the head and arm. The deceased was of a bright disposition and much sympathy is felt for Mr and Mrs Nicolson in their bereavement. The other sons on service are Murdo (Gordons) and Malcolm (Seaforths), both of whom have been severely wounded. 

Murdo Smith, 24 Borve

Private MURDO SMITH
Last address in Lewis: 24 Borve,
Son of Angus Smith, of 24, Borve Barvas, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis.
Service unit: 1st Cameron Highlanders
Service number: 3/5290
Enlisted at Inverness
Date of death: 25 September 1915 at the age of 21
Killed in action
Memorial: Loos Memorial, Panel 119 to 124
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

Murdo appears in the 1901 census, aged 7, at 27 Borve, the son of Angus (49) and Catherine (41), and brother of Christy (18), Angus (16), Mary (14), Catherine (12), Donald (9), Maggie (3) and Christy (9 months).

His brother Donald was killed in 1916, serving with the Canadians.

Donald, Smith, 24 Borve

Private DONALD SMITH
Last address in Lewis: 24 Borve,
Son of Angus and Catherine MacDonald Smith, of 24, Borve, Barvas, Stornoway, Scotland.
Service unit: 43rd Canadian Infantry (Manitoba Regiment)
Service number: 153626
Date of death: 4 June 1916 at the age of 24
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Panel 24 - 26 - 28 - 30.
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

 Date of birth: 20 April 1890
Height: 5 ft 11 in
Complexion: Fresh
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Brown
Religion: Presbyterian
Trade / occupation: Engineer
Volunteered at Winnipeg on 11 August 1915

Donald appears in the 1901 census, aged 9, at 27 Borve, the son of Angus (49) and Catherine (41), and brother of Christy (18), Angus (16), Mary (14), Catherine (12), Murdo (7), Maggie (3) and Christy (9 months).

His brother Murdo was killed in 1915, serving with the Cameron Highlanders.

William Mackenzie, 23 Borve

Lance Corporal WILLIAM MACKENZIE
Last address in Lewis: 23 Borve,
Son of Malcolm and Bella Macdonald McKenzie, of 23, Borve, Barvas, Stornoway.
Service unit: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 7283
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 9 June 1915 at the age of 19
Killed in action in Ypres
Interred: Bard Cottage Cemetery, grave VI. C. 13
Mentioned on family gravestone in Barvas Cemetery, Lewis
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve; Nicolson Institute WW1, middle panel

William appears in the 1901 census, aged 5, living at 65 (?) Borve with his parents Malcolm (31) and  Bella (33) as well as siblings Bella (4), John (2) and Chirsty Ann (9 months).

His uncle Peter, brother of his father Malcolm,  was lost in Mesopotamia in 1916, serving with the RNR.

Battalion war diary
There is no distinct diary entry for 9 June 1915, other than to say the weather was thundery. The battalion is at VLAMERTINGHE Castle. west of Ypres.

Killed: 8
Wounded: 10

Peter Mackenzie, 23 Borve

Seaman PETER MACKENZIE
Last address in Lewis: 23 Borve,
Son of the late William and Annie Mackenzie, of 23, Borve Barvas, Stornoway, Lewis
Husband of Margaret Mackenzie, of Elm Bank, Lochcarron, Ross-shire.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Alert
Service number: 2586B(Ch)
Date of birth: 14 August 1879
Date of death: 30 September 1916 at the age of 37
Drowned in the Tigris
Memorial: Basra Memorial, panel 60
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

Peter appears in the 1881 census, aged 1, at 29 Fivepenny, Borve., living with his parents William (37) and Ann (36) as well as siblings Malcolm (11), Margaret (8), Ann (6), Catherine and Mary (both aged 3) .  The 1891 census shows two younger siblings, Donald (8) and William (4). Mother, Ann, is by that time head of the household.

His nephew William, son of Malcolm,  was killed in action in 1915, serving with the Seaforth Highlanders.

Murdo Macdonald, 15 Borve

Seaman MURDO MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 15 Borve,
Son of Murdo and Mary Ann Macdonald, of 15, Borve, Barvas, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Pembroke
Service number: 9534/A
Date of birth: 2 October 1900
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 18
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire, was never found
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 32
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

His father Murdo also served in the RNR, but survived the war. 

Murdo Morrison, 10 Borve

Private MURDO MORRISON
Last address in Lewis: 10 Borve,
Son of Angus and Effie Morrison, of 10, Borve, Barvas, Stornoway.
Service unit: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/6579
Enlisted at Fort George, Inverness
Date of death: 17 May 1915 at the age of 23
Died of wounds
Interred: Bailleul Communal Cemetery extension (Nord), grave I. A. 53.
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve
Crossed to France 25 August 1914

His brother Murdo served with the Canadians and survived the war; his brother Malcolm died of wounds serving with the Cameron Highlanders in 1916.

Battalion war diary
The battalion remains engaged in the 2nd battle of Ypres

5pm: Attempt to use gas by enemy, only one platoon affected. Very wet day and renches in bad state. Trench work done during the night. "Shell Trap" farm being put into state of defence. Trenches, parapet and traverse also being worked on.

Killed: 4
Wounded: 7

Transcriber's note: It stands to reason that Murdo was wounded on a preceding date, and was taken to a field hospital behind the line; Bailleul is some distance south of Ypres.

Malcolm Morrison, 10 Borve

Private MALCOLM MORRISON
Last address in Lewis: 10 Borve,
Son of Angus and Effie Morrison, of 10, Borve Barvas, Stornaway.
Residence: Manish, Harris
Service unit: 1st Cameron Highlanders
Service number: 3/5254
Enlisted at Inverness
Date of death: 28 April 1916 at the age of 21
Died of wounds
Interred: Bethune Town Cemetery, grave III. H. 48
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

His brother Murdo served with the Canadians and survived the war; his other brother Murdo was also in the Canadians, but died of wounds in 1915.

Murdo Morrison, 6 Borve

Private MURDO MORRISON
Last address in Lewis: 6 Borve
Son of Angus and Mary Morrison, of 6, Borve, Barvas, Stornoway.
Service unit: 6th Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 267468
Enlisted at Fort George, Inverness
Date of death: 12 May 1917 at the age of 38
Killed in action
Memorial: Arras Memorial, bay 8

John Morrison, 4 Borve

Private JOHN MORRISON
Last address in Lewis: 4 Borve,
Son of Murdo and Catherine Graham Morrison, of 4, Borve, Barvas, Isle of Lewis.
Service unit: Seaforth Highlanders / Labour Corps
Service number: 7163 transferred to 528615
Date of death: 27 February 1919 at the age of 25
Died of influenza in Inverness
Interred: Galson Old Churchyard
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve

John appears in the 1901 census, aged 5, at 55 (?) Borve, the son of Murdo (44) and Catherine (39), and brother of Murdo (15), Roderick (12) and Murdo (1 month).

His brother Roderick served in the Scots Guards and was awarded the Military Medal; he survived the war.

John Macdonald, 3A Borve

Private JOHN MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 3A Borve,
Son of Donald and Kirsty Macdonald (nee Matheson)
Service unit: Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Service number: 5365
Enlisted at Inverness
Date of death: 25 September 1915 at the age of 22
Killed in action at Loos
Had previously been wounded and only returned to the trenches about a month before he was killed

John appears in the 1901 census, aged 7, at 6 Mid Borve, the son of Donald (39) and Chirsty (33) and brothe rof John (7) and Peggy (1).

William Mackenzie, 1A Mid Borve

Private WILLIAM MACKENZIE
Last address in Lewis: 1A Mid Borve,
Son of Kenneth and Ann MacKenzie, of 1, High Borve, Stornoway.
Service unit: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7371
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 1 July 1916 at the age of 19
Killed in action
Interred: Sucrerie Military Cemetery, Colincamps, I. H. 27
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve
Had previously been wounded

William appears in the 1901 census, aged 3 at 2 Mid Borve, the son of Kenneth (41) and Annie (34), and brother of Annie (10), Malcolm (7), Christy (3) and Donald (1 month). 

His brother Malcolm served in the Gordon Highlanders, and survived the war.

Battalion war diary entry

Malcolm Mackenzie, 1 Mid Borve

Sergeant MALCOLM MACKENZIE
Last address in Lewis: 1 Mid Borve
Son of Malcolm and Annie MacKenzie, of 1, High Borve, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis.
Service unit: 6th Cameron Highlanders
Service number: 315190
Enlisted at Inverness
Date of death: 26 April 1917 at the age of 24
Killed in action.
Memorial: Arras Memorial, bay 9
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve
Decoration(s): MM for gallantry in France
One of the champion bombers in his Division

Malcolm appears in the 1901 census at 1 Mid Borve, aged 8, the son of Malcolm (39) and Annie (33), and brother of Marion (5).