Duncan Macmillan, 23 Lemreway

Lance Corporal DUNCAN MACMILLAN
Last address in Lewis: 23 Lemreway,
Son of Kenneth Macmillan, of 23, Lemreway,
Service unit: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 283
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 27 March 1915 at the age of 27
Died of meningitis in St Omer
Interred: Longuenesse Souvenir Cemetery, St Omer, grave I. A. 71
Local memorial: Pairc, Kershader
Had been with 1st Seaforths for 7 years, went to France with vanguard of Expeditionary Force

Duncan was one of the children of Kenneth (1852) and Margaret (1855), the others being Chirsty Ann, Christina, Duncan (1877), James (1878), Jean Ann, John Angus, John and Angus (1886).

His brother Angus was a major in the Seaforth Highlanders, and survived the war.

Duncan Mackay, 11 Kershader

Corporal DUNCAN MACKAY
Last address in Lewis: 11 Kershader,
Son of Finlay and Annie Mackay, of 11, Kershader,
Service unit: 7th Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: S/9309
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of birth: 1897
Date of death: 11 May 1916 at the age of 19
Killed in action in Bailleul, France
Interred: Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, II. D. 47
Local memorial: Park, Kershader

Duncan was one of the children of Finlay (1865) and Ann (1868), the others being Catherine (1899), Donald Duncan (1900), Isabella Ann (1893) and John (1905).

His brother Donald Duncan served in the RNR and survived the war. 

John Duncan Mackay, 8 Kershader

Private JOHN DUNCAN MACKAY
Donnachadh an Mhoir
Last address in Lewis: 8 Kershader,
Son of Duncan and Mary Mackay; family later moved to 3 Caversta.
Service unit: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: S/9777
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of birth: 1899
Date of death: 1 July 1916 at the age of 19
Killed in action
Memorial: Thiepval Memorial, Pier and Face 15C
Local memorial: Park, Kershader; Nicolson Institute WW1, left panel
Was a junior student at the Nicolson Institute in Stornoway before joining up

War diary entry for 1 July 1916.

John Duncan was one of the children of Duncan (1867) and Mary (1861), the others being Chrissie Mary (1901), Jessie (1897) and Donald John (1902).

Duncan Anderson, 5 Kershader

Corporal DUNCAN ANDERSON
Last address in Lewis: 5 Kershader,
Service unit: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7424
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 11 April 1917 at the age of 22
Killed in action in France
Interred: Brown's Copse Cemetery, Roeux, grave II. E. 33.
Local memorial: Park, Kershader

War diary entry for 11 April 1917.

His brother Donald also served in the Seaforth Highlanders and his brother John was a second hand in the Merchant Navy.

Stornoway Gazette
Official intimation has been received that Corporal Duncan Anderson, 5 Kershader, is presumed to have been killed during the Somme advance. Corpl. Anderson was mobilised in August 1914, being at the time attached to the Seaforth militia. He was sent to France towards the end of that same year, and had been there ever since, having only once got leaving during all that time, when he spent a few days with his friends at home in the winter of 1915. He had seen a great deal of hard fighting, and passed scathless through it all. During the Somme offensive last year, through which he passed without a scratch, he was promoted Corporal and was made chief bomber of his company. A few days ago word was received that he was missing as from the 11th April, and it was reported later that he was presumed to have fallen in action on that date. His older brother, John, is in the Mercantile Marine, and his younger brother, Donald, has lately joined the Seaforths. He was about 22 years of age. 

Duncan Nicolson, 22 Gravir

Seaman DUNCAN NICOLSON
Last address in Lewis: 22 Gravir,
Son of Malcolm Nicolson, of 22, Gravir
Was present at Antwerp, 1914.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Laurentic
Service number: 5305/A
Date of birth: 8 February 1895
Date of death: 25 January 1917 at the age of 22
Ship sunk by U-80 off Malin Head
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 26
Local memorial: Pairc, Kershader
Served from the start of the war

Duncan was one of the sons of Malcolm (1851) and Christina (1851), the others being Ann (1887), Christina Ann (1897), Christina (1882), Donald (1890), Isabella (1884), Jean Ann (1886) and John Murdo (1895). 

Duncan was in Anson Bn (RND, C/87) from 19 September 1914.

Duncan Mackay, 5 Achmore

Private DUNCAN MACKAY
Last address in Lewis: 5 Achmore,
Son of Murdo and Isabella Mackay, of Achmore, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: 1st Cameron Highlanders
Service number: 3/5369
Enlisted at Inverness
Date of death: 23 December 1914 at the age of 21
Memorial: Le Touret Memorial, Plaque 41 / 42
Local memorial: Crossbost

His brother John died of malaria in Mesopotamia in 1916, serving with the Seaforth Highlanders. 

Duncan Macleod, 41 Park, Carloway

Deckhand DUNCAN MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 41 Park Carloway,
Son of John and Catherine Macleod;
Husband of Catherine Macleod, of 41, Mill Park, Carloway, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Navy, HMS Pembroke
Service number: 9665/DA
Date of death: 11 February 1919 at the age of 51
Died of illness
Interred: Dalmore Cemetery

Duncan appears in the 1871 census, aged 3, the son of John (29) and Cathrine (28) and brother of Donald (5), Mary (1) and Marion (14); A decade later, John has married Anne, and has had two sons named John (aged 8 and 3) since 1871.

Duncan Mackay, 1 Park, Carloway

Private DUNCAN MACKAY
Last address in Lewis: 1 Park Carloway
Son of Norman Mackay, of Park, Carloway, Stornoway.
Service unit: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 7443
Date of death: 18 June 1915 at the age of 18
Killed in action at Ypres
Interred: Bard Cottage Cemetery, VI. C. 8
Local memorial: Carloway
Had been at the front for only a few weeks

Duncan appears in the 1901 census aged 4, the son of Norman and Catherine (both aged 34) and brother of John (8) and Catherine (1).

Battalion war diary for 18 June 1915
The battalion is entrenched on the eastern bank of the Yser Canal, north of Ypres. The diary entry refers to the period of 17 to 22 June 1915

Wonderful weather. Comparatively quiet week, with exception of the usual shelling, which was particularly annoying along the canal after dark. The line taken over was pretty good. We've put a lot of work into it and improved it a great deal. On the left of our line at a small salient, the Germans have sapped forward and made a T trench within 25 yards of our trench. They are supposed to be mining or at any rate boring there. Exploded a small mine there just before we took over. Elsewhere, the trenches are about 300 yards apart. The Germans do not seem offensive and are consolidating their line as hard as they can. Several casualties during the week, mostly from shell fire, and some from bullets.

Duncan Mackenzie, 5 Knock, Carloway

Private DUNCAN MACKENZIE
Last address in Lewis: 5 Knock, Carloway,
Service unit: Canadian Infantry (Saskatchewan Regiment)
Service number 440545
Date of death: 21 November 1915 at the age of 40
Died of wounds in France
Interred: Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension (Nord), grave I. C. 9
Local memorial: Carloway

Date of birth: 14 November 1875
Height: 5 ft 9 in
Complexion: Dark
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Dark
Religion: Presbyterian
Trade / occupation: Baker
Marital status: Married
Next of kin: Mrs Duncan Mckenzie, Wife, of 217 8th St Prince Albert
Volunteered at Prince Albert on 18 December 1914
 

Duncan Mackinnon, 18 Brue

Seaman DUNCAN MACKINNON
Last address in Lewis: 18 Brue
Son of Malcolm and Kirsty McKinnon, of Brue
Husband of Annie McKinnon, of 18, Brue
Service unit: HMS Viknor, Royal Naval Reserve
Service number: 3053/B
Date of birth: 11 February 1874
Date of death: 13 January 1915 at the age of 40
Ship sunk by mine
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 14

Duncan appears in the 1901 census at 18 Brue, aged 27, the son of Malcolm (55) and Chirsty (57), and brother of Charles (22), Allan (19) and Kenneth (16).

His brother Allan also served in the RNR but died in Egypt early in 1917; his brother Charles served with the Canadians and was a POW in Germany, he survived the war. So did his brother Kenneth who was in the RNR.

Duncan Macdonald, Gress

Private DUNCAN MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: Gress
Also quoted at Ath Linne and Scaliscro
Son of Murdo MacDonald, of Gress Lodge, Stornoway.
Service unit: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: S/16112
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 11 April 1917 at the age of 19
Killed in action
Interred: Brown's Copse Cemetery, Roeux, grave III. A. 41.
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial

Stornoway Gazette
Gallant Seaforth Killed
Mr and Mrs Murdo Macdonald, Scaliscro, have received official notification of the death of their only son, Pte Duncan Macdonald, Seaforths, who was killed in France on 11th April last.The Seaforth Chaplain in a letter to Mr Macdonald says:

"Yesterday there was sent to the Battalion a parcel of deceased soldier's effects. I went through them today, and I found your son's paybook amongst them. He must have been killed on 11th April. The ground where he fell has recently been won from the enemy. His body has been found and buried. We do not yet know which troops have found and buried our dead, nor do we know exactly where their graves are, but it must be somewhere just to the front of Fampoux, to the east of Arras. This is very sad news for you, but it at least takes away the agony of suspense if it also takes away all hope of seeing your son again in life, and so increases your grief. The officers and men of the Battalion wish me to convey to you their regard for their fallen comrade, and thier deep sympathy with all his sorrowing relatives".

Pte Macdonald was 20 years of age, enlisted in September 1916 and was sent to France in December. He was a particularly fine lad and a prime favourite with all his contemporaries. The deepest sympathy is felt for his surviving parents who have lost an affectionate and dutiful son.

Duncan Smith, 20 Aird Tong

Private DUNCAN SMITH
Last address in Lewis: 20 Aird Tong,
Son of Angus and Annie Smith of Aird Tong
Service unit: 8th Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: S/17741
Enlisted at Fort George, Inverness
Date of death: 26 August 1917 at the age of 31
Killed in action
Memorial: Tyne Cot Memorial, panels 132 to 135 and 162A
Local memorial: Back

Duncan is shown in the 1891 census, the youngest (then aged 5) of the seven children of Angus Smith (50). The elder siblings are Catherine (19), Isabella (18), Anabella (17), Isabella (13), Christina Mary (10) and John (7).

Duncan Graham, 5 Newvalley

Lance Corporal DUNCAN GRAHAM
Last address in Lewis: 5 Newvalley,
Son of Donald and Margaret Graham, of 5, New Valley, Stornoway, Scotland.
Service unit: 16th Canadian Infantry (Manitoba Regiment)
Service number: 736772
Date of death: 8 August 1918 at the age of 35
Killed in action in France
Interred: Demuin British Cemetery, grave A. 8.
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial

Date of birth: 4 February 1885
Height: 5 ft 9 in
Complexion: Dark
Eyes: Grey
Hair: Dark brown
Religion: Presbyterian
Trade / occupation: Labourer
Current address: Grenville, AL

Volunteered at Calgary on 28 March 1916 

Duncan is shown in the 1891 census, aged 7, at home in Laxdale with his parents Donald (43) and Margaret (45) as well as his siblings John (15), Donald (13) and Mary (9).The 1901 census confirms Duncan (and his parents) at 5 Newvalley.

Stornoway Gazette, 30 August 1918
Mr Donald Graham, 5 New Valley, received official intimation that his son, Lance-Corporal Duncan Graham, of the Canadian Infantry, had fallen in action. The sad news was conveyed in a letter from his platoon commander, who wrote:

"I shall hope that this is not the first word that you receive of your son's fall in action. I cannot hope to break it gently if you have not heard officially. Keenly as we feel him loss here in his company and platoon, we realise the awfulness of the blow that must fall on his parents and yet that blow may be somewhat lessened by pride in his bearing and gallantry in the face of the enemy. As his platoon commander, I have recommended him for exceptionally good work in an affair in which he lost his life. Our company had the honour to be in the front line of this big offensive. Shortly after the kick-off, Lance-Cpl Graham and two of his section encountered a strong post. Your son decided immediately on rushing the position, which they did, with the result that three machine guns, which might have done great damage to our force, were captured and the garrison wiped out. It was here your son lost his life, and in doing so saved a great many others. Had he lived, htere is no doubt he would have received a decoration, but they are so seldom given posthumously that you will probabloy only have the knowledge that he earned it. During my short command of 14 Platoon, I have looked on your son as a man on whom I could always depend at a pinch, and he has certainly warranted that opinion. I can only offer my deepest sympathy, and that of his comrades in your great sorrow and assur eyou he will be always remembered by those who knew him."

The deceased soldier who was 32 years of age, went to Canada 14 years ago and joined up voluntarily in 1915. He was home last winter recovering from the effects of wounds received in action. In his death, King and country have lost a gallant and fearless soldier; his parents have lost a kind, loving and dutiful son. In their sorrow, they have the sincere sympathy of the entire community.

Duncan Campbell, 10 Upper Garrabost

Private DUNCAN CAMPBELL
Last address in Lewis: 10 Upper Garrabost,
Son of Murdo and Margaret Campbell
Service unit: 2nd Gordon Highlanders
Service number: 3/5810
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 16 May 1915 at the age of 21
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Le Touret Memorial, Panel 39 to 41
Mentioned on family gravestone in Eye Cemetery, Lewis
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)

Duncan is shown in the 1901 census when he is a 6-year old, living with his parents Murdo (36) and Margaret (35) as well as his siblings Annie (8), John (4) and Roderick (1).

His brother John was killed in 1915 whilst serving with the Cameron Highlanders.
His brother Roderick served with the RNR but survived the war.

Duncan Macdonald, Flesherin

Private DUNCAN MACDONALD
Date of birth: 24 May 1888
Place of birth: Isle of Lewis
Height: 5 ft 6 in
Complexion: Medium
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Brown
Religion: Presbyterian
Trade / occupation: Labourer
Last address in Lewis: Flesherin

Not married
Next of kin: Norman Macdonald, Father, of 1 Portnaguran

Military unit: 1st Canadian Infantry (Western Ontario Regiment)
Service number: 201639
Volunteered at Toronto on 19 October 1915

Date of death: 12 April 1917 at the age of 31
Cause of death: Killed in action at Vimy Ridge
Interred: Ecoivres Military Cemetery, Mont St-Eloi, grave VI E 9
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)

The 1891 census shows the 5-year old Duncan at 12 Portnaguran, with his parents Norman (37) and Flora (36) and siblings Murdo (13), Neil (11), Mary C (9), Donald (7), Norman (9 months).

His brother Norman served in the Royal Naval Reserve during the Great War.

Stornoway Gazette
Mr Norman Macdonald, joiner, Flesherin, has been informed that his son, Pte Duncan Macdonald, Canadians, has died of wounds received in action. He was wounded on 12th April, but reported enquiries by his father failed to elicit from the Records Office any information as tot he nature of his wounds; nor has the date of his death yet transpired. The father then wrote the Commanding Officer who now gives the following information: "In reply to your letter of June 5th with reference to your son, 201539 Pte Duncan Macdonald, Canadian Batt, I deeply regret to inform you that he died of wounds in France and is buried in a cemetery a few miles from the spot where he received his wounds. He was badly wounded in the legs and arms by a shell adn was carried out, but his injuries were to severe to hope for recovery. The Graves Commission, who keep records of all graves, will be able to inform you of theh location of the grave, if you wish. I did not know your son peronsally, but he is well spoken of by both officers and men, and beaars a fine record as a soldier in this unit. I can imagine how deeply you feel this loss, but it may be some consolation to you to know that he shared in the glorious advance and in making the supreme sacrifice, met his fate bravely and unflinchingly and in so doing set an example to those of us who are still left to carry on. The Empire can ill afford to lose such men as he. Please accept my deepest sympathy in your sad loss".
The late soldier, who was 32 years of age, emigrated to Canada twelve years ago. He was a member of the Lewis Society, Toronto, amongst whom he was a great favourite. Two of his brothers are now serving in the Navy. His oldest brother, Murdo, a bombardier in the RGA, was accidentally killed in the Isle of Wight sixteen years ago by the bursting of a gun during field practice. Much sympathy is felt for this patriotic family in their time of sorrow.  

Duncan Campbell, 6 Broker

Private DUNCAN CAMPBELL
Last address in Lewis: 6 Broker,
Son of Donald Campbell, of Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Canada
Husband of Christina Campbell, of 6, Broker
Service unit: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/6788
Date of death: 24 November 1914 at the age of 22
Died of wounds sustained at Aisne on 16 October 1914
Interred: Norwich Cemetery, Norfolk, grave 26. 321
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
Was the first from the district [Aird, Point] to fall

Duncan is present on the 1901 census of 6 Broker, when he is aged 8. His parents Donald (31, fisherman) and Christy (32) also have as children Duncan (8), Annie (6), Malcolm (4), Mary (3) and Murdina (9 months).

Duncan Mackenzie, 37 Newton Street, Stornoway

Private DUNCAN MACKENZIE
Last address in Lewis: 37 Newton Street, Stornoway
Son of Murdoch and Isabella McKenzie, of 80, Greenfield St., Govan, Glasgow. Native of Stornaway.
Service unit: Royal Naval Division, Drake Battallion
Service number: CZ/5577
Date of death: 22 November 1916 at the age of 20
Died of wounds in General Hospital, Boulogne
Interred: Boulogne Eastern Cemetery, grave VIII. D. 201.
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial; Nicolson WW1 memorial, middle panel

Died of wounds at 6pm in 13th General Hospital Boulogne (GSW forearm, left leg, bladder & testicles 13/11/16)

Service History: Enlisted 30/6/15 ; Draft for MEF 5/12/15, joined Drake Bn. 10/1/16-13/11/16 wounded.

Notes: An apprentice Shipwright ; b.7/7/1896 ; Next-of-Kin & home address: Father, Murdoch, 80 Greenfield St., Govan, Glasgow.

The 1901 census shows Duncan (aged 5) at the Backhouse of 37 Newton Street, with his parents Murdo (30, a carter) and Bella (31). His siblings are Finlay (9), Murdo (7), Donald (3) and Alex J (2). Finlay was in the RNR, Murdo in the Royal Engineers, and Alex J in HMS Columbella.

Duncan Macleod, Craigleor, Lewis Street, Stornoway

Corporal DUNCAN MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: Craigleor, Lewis Street
Next of kin: George / Lilias Mcleod, Parents, of Craigleor House, Lewis Street
Military unit: 16th Canadian Infantry (Manitoba Regiment)
Service number: 77631
Date of death: 2 July 1917 at the age of 29
Cause of death: Killed in action
Interred: Roclincourt Military Cemetery, grave II. C. 8
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial; Nicolson Institute WW1, middle panel

Date of birth: 4 January 1888
Height: 5 ft 8½ in
Complexion: Sandy
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Red
Religion: Presbyterian
Trade / occupation: Miner
Volunteered at Victoria on 5 November 1914

Enlisted 24/8/1914, wounded twice before his death

Duncan appears in the 1891 census with his parents George and Lilias. George, 48, was the governor of Stornoway Prison, and the census return duly shows two prisoners. The governor had four children: Flora (20), Jessie (9), Johanna (7) and of course Duncan (3).

Stornoway Gazette
A wave of deep and sincere regret passed through the community on Sunday forenoon [8 July 1917] when it became known that news had been received of the death of Corpl. DUncan Macleod, Canadian Scottish, only son of Mr and Mrs George Macleod, Creagleor, Lewis Street. Corpl. Macleod, who was 29 years of age, served his apprenticeship in the National Bank, Stornoway, and emigrated twelve years ago to Canada, where he held an appointment in the Union Bank, Calgary, Alberta. The outbreak of war found him ready and eager to serve, and on 24th August 1914, he enrolled in the Canadian Scottish for service overseas. Arriving in this country with the Second Canadian Contingent, just after the first contingent had been badly cut up at Hill 60, he was immediately drafted to France, without getting an opportunity of visiting Stornoway. He was twice wounded, the second time severely, and on being discharged from hospital in July 1916, he was in Stornoway for a short time. The boy who left his home twelve years before had in the interval blossomed into manhood - and came back to his family a fine, well-setup, gallant soldier - a son of whom any parents might well feel proud. Writing to his father, Lieut. C. R. Dunsford says:

"Nothing I can say may change the loss you have had into anything different. All I hope to do is to convey to you the sorrow of myself and brother soldiers at "Mac"'s death. I was his platoon officer for two months back, and I thought of him as a good pal more than an officer and a soldier, and I am thankful to say that I held his hand and his head for part of his last hour. He was a favourite with all of us and a friend to every man, and for us he gave his life. In Heaven's name, what more beautiful end can a man have? I would like to think you find consolation in knowing that no finer man nor better British soldier belonged to the 16th Canadian Scottish".

The truest sympathy of the community goes out to the parents and sisters in their sore bereavement and irrepairable loss.