Donald Macleod, Knock, Point

Private DONALD MACLEOD
Last known address in Lewis: 18 Knock, Point
Son of Hector and Annie Macleod
Service unit: Canadian Infantry
Service number: 79110
Date of death: 4 August 1916 at the age of 28
Interred: Nunton Cemetery, Benbecula
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial, Parish of Stornoway, Point division

Date of birth: 9 June 1888
Height: 5 ft 11 in
Complexion: Dark
Eyes: Grey
Hair: Brown
Religion: Presbyterian
Trade / occupation: Miner
Volunteered at Calgary on 16 November 1914

Donald (born 9 June 1888) and his siblings Alexander (1879), William (1880), George (1882), Isabella (1884), John (1886), Jessie (1890) and Mary (1893) were left orphaned following the death of their father through suicide in September 1894 (prompted by grinding poverty), and the death of their mothe on Christmas Day 1894. The children were taken in by the Quarrier Homes in Bridge of Weir, Renfrewshire, who emigrated them to Canada in 1896. The girls went on one ship, the boys on another. Each was adopted by a separate family in Ontario.

Donald joined up at Calgary and lost his life in the war. His remains were erroneously transferred to Benbecula, but when his coffin arrived for the attention of the relatives of a Donald Macleod in Gramsdale, that man's family had just that day had confirmation that he was still alive, so they refused to take charge of the coffin. It was finally interred a week later at Nunton as Commonwealth War Dead.

Donald Macleod from Gramsdale, Benbecula, survived the war and died in 1952.

Norman Martin, 28 Knock, Point

Gunner NORMAN MARTIN
Last address in Lewis: 28 Knock, Point
Son of Murdo and Christina Martin, of 28, Knock, Point, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, SS Camellia
Service number: 6347/A
Date of birth: 13 September 1894
Date of death: 8 December 1917 at the age of 22
Lost at sea
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 26
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
Was transferred to a French warship

The 1901 census shows Norman as the 7-year old son of Murdo (39) and Christina (39). He is at 28 Knock with his sisters Catherine (14), Jessie (9), Mary Ann (3) and Christy (9 months)

Stornoway Gazette, 5 April 1918
Gnr Macdonald, RNR, 20 Knock; Gnr Norman Martin RNR, 28 Knock and Gnr Malcolm Macleod, RNR, 5 Knock have been lost. The sad news has cast quite a gloom over the whole district, and sincerest sympathy goes out to the bereaved families and friends. The loss of these three young lads within a fortnight of each other is a great blow to the district. They were kindly, manly fellows of sterling qualities , and of more than ordinary intelligence and ability, and most dutiful towards their parents and families.

We, in common with the rest of our island, are deprived of the best of our young and brave manhood, but let us contemplate what we owe to our gallant defenders, and to those who make the supreme sacrifice on our behalf [remainder of article illegible]

John Mackenzie, 24 Knock, Point

Leading Seaman JOHN MACKENZIE
Last address in Lewis: 24 Knock, Point,
Son of John and Margaret Mackenzie, of 24, Knock, Point, Garrabost, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis.
Service unit: Royal Navy, HMS Ganges
Service number: 7374/A
Date of birth: 16 April 1896
Date of death: 26 May 1917 at the age of 21
Died at Shotley of illness
Interred: Shotley (St Mary) Churchyard, grave RN Plot 122
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
Enlisted in 1914 before the age of 18

In the 1901 census, John is shown aged 5, the son of John (44, crofter fisherman) and Margaret (42). He is living at 24 Knock with his siblings James (4), Kenneth (11), William (9), Christina (7) and Malcolm (1)

His brother Kenneth served in the Seaforth Highlanders. He was wounded twice; lost right hand and thumb and forefinger of left hand at the second wounding. His brothers Malcolm and Donald served in the Ross Mountain Battery, and William was in the RNR. All these did survive the war.

Stornoway Gazette
Died at Shotley
We regret to report the death of John Mackenzie, seaman, RNR, son of Mr John Mackenzie, 24 Knock, quite recently at Shotley. Young John was a lad of more than ordinary ability and his death is a great blow to his parents. The news of his death, being so unexpected and sudden, cast a gloom over the whole district. He was greatly admired and respected by all, and his bright and cheery presence will be sadly missed. Much sincere sympathy is extended to the bereaved parents and family. He joined the Navy in October 1914, before he attained his 18th birthday and was sent to the eastern Mediterranean on board HMS Hythe. He was in hospital in Alexandria suffering from malaria when that ill-fated vessel was sunk in collision, when another promising young lad, John Macdonald from Swordale, lost his life. It is a remarkable fact that his brother James died at the age of 21 years, same age as John. James was at the time going through his college course at Aberdeen, and it may not be remembered that two Lewis boys straight from the Nicolson Institute topped the admission list of candidates for Scotland for that year - Macmillan, Lochs, first, and James Mackenzie, Knock, second. These are other three brothers serving, namely, Kenneth in the Seaforth Highlanders now in France after recovering from his wounds; William in the RNR, on board a cruiser, and Malcolm in the Ross Mountain Battery. The only sister, Christina, is a teacher in the Bayble Primary School and the youngest of the family, William, is at present a bursar in the Nicolson Institute.

Kenneth Macleod, 23 Knock, Point

Seaman KENNETH MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 23 Knock, Point,
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve
Date of death: not known
Died in accident in on board his ship
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)

His brother Alexander also served in the RNR, but survived the war. 

Kenneth Munro, 21 Knock, Point

Leading Seaman KENNETH MUNRO
Last address in Lewis: 21 Knock, Point,
Son of John and Mary Munro, of 21, Knock, Point, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Pembroke
Service number: 7378/A
Date of death: 3 August 1918 at the age of 25
Died of illness at home
Interred: Aignish / Eye Cemetery, Lewis, grave E. 1. 56.
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)

Kenneth is shown on the 1901 census living with his parents John (40, crofter fisherman) and Mary (36), as well as his sisters Anne (10) and Mary (6).

Stornoway Gazette
It is with deep regret and sympathy with the bereaved parents that we record the death of Leading Seaman Kenneth Munro, RNR, at 21 New Park, Knock. Kenneth, who was a bright lad and a great favourite in the district, joined the Naval Reserve at the outbreak of the war, and served on board HMS Yarmouth while it took part in the famous battle at Jutland. He was afterwards transferred to a minesweeper, on board of which he contracted the disease which ended his promising life on the 3rd August 1918, at the age of 25 years. He was an only son and the chief support of his father's family, and the sincerest sympathy of all goes out to the bereaved parents and sisters. His father has been ailing for a number of years, and the present circumstances into which the family is placed owing to the son's death are very trying.

Donald Macdonald [junior], 20 Knock, Point

Leading Seaman DONALD MACDONALD junior
Last address in Lewis: 20 Knock, Point,
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Pembroke
Service number: 3824/A
Date of death: 19 May 1917 at the age of 23
Interred: Aignish / Eye Cemetery, grave E. 1. 57.
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
Commended by Admiralty for meritorious work in eastern Mediterranean

His older brother Donald was lost whilst serving with the RNR in January 1918. His brother Angus also served with the RNR but survived the war.

Donald Macdonald, 20 Knock, Point

Gunner DONALD MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 20 Knock, Point
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, SS Glenfrain
Service number: 2264A
Date of birth: January 1880
Date of death: 30 January 1918 at the age of 30
Ship sunk by U-boat 103
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 30
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)

His younger brother Donald died whilst serving in the RNR on 19 May 1917; his brother Angus also served in the RNR but survived the war.

Donald joined Anson Bn (RND, C/73) between 19 September and 24 October 1914, discharged to Vivid.

Stornoway Gazette, 5 April 1918
Gnr Macdonald, RNR, 20 Knock; Gnr Norman Martin RNR, 28 Knock and Gnr Malcolm Macleod, RNR, 5 Knock have been lost. The sad news has cast quite a gloom over the whole district, and sincerest sympathy goes out to the bereaved families and friends. The loss of these three young lads within a fortnight of each other is a great blow to the district. They were kindly, manly fellows of sterling qualities , and of more than ordinary intelligence and ability, and most dutiful towards their parents and families.

Macdonald had gone to Canada prior to 1914, and being a Royal Naval Reserve man, whenever the call of duty for the defence of King and Country came, he threw up a good situation and at his own expense came across and rejoined.

We, in common with the rest of our island, are deprived of the best of our young and brave manhood, but let us contemplate what we owe to our gallant defenders, and to those who make the supreme sacrifice on our behalf [remainder of article illegible]

John Macleod, 19 Knock, Point

Gunner JOHN MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 19 Knock, Point,
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS President III
Service number: 5415/A
Date of birth: 12 April 1891
Date of death: 2 February 1919 at the age of 28
Died of pneumonia in Glasgow
Interred: Aignish / Eye Cemetery, Lewis, grave E. 3. 30
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)

John is shown on the 1901 census as a 9-year old scholar at 19 Knock, living with his father William (56, crofter fisherman) and siblings Maggie (26), Dolina (13), Malcolm (7) and William John (4).

His brothers Malcolm and William J. also served in the RNR, but survived the war.

Angus Mcleod, 18 Knock, Point

Seaman ANGUS MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 18 Knock, Point,
Son of Torquil and Mary Macleod
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve
Service number: 4548/SD
Date of birth: 28 December 1896
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 23
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire
Interred: Aignish / Eye Cemetery, Lewis, grave E. 51
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)

Donald Maciver, 17 Knock, Point

Private DONALD MACIVER
Date of birth: 9 June 1891
Place of birth: Isle of Lewis
Height: 5 ft 8½ in
Complexion: Dark
Eyes: Hazel
Hair: Dark
Religion: Presbyterian
Trade / occupation: Bridgeman

Volunteered at Winnipeg on 24 April 1916

Last address in Lewis: 17 Knock, Point
Son of Murdo and Mary Mciver, of 17 Knock, Point

Service unit: 179th Canadian Infantry
Service number: 859994
Date of death: 24 May 1920 at the age of 28
Was gassed; quoted as severely wounded
Interred: Winnipeg (Brookside) Military Cemetery, grave Mil. 246

The 1901 census shows Donald as a 9-year old, living with his parents Murdo (36, crofter fisherman) and Mary (32) as well as his siblings Catherine (8), Murdo (6), Christina (8) and Mary Ann (1½).

Malcolm Macleod, 17 Knock, Point

Private MALCOLM MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 17 Knock, Point,
Date of birth: 18 May 1891
Height: 5 ft 8 in
Complexion: Dark
Eyes: Grey
Hair: Brown
Religion: Presbyterian
Trade / occupation: Miner
Not married
Volunteered at Calgary on 10 June 1915
Son of John Macleod, of 17, Knock Point, Stornoway, Scotland.

Also served in R.N.R.
Service unit: 15th Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment)
Service number: 447137
Date of death: 10 February 1919 at the age of 28
Died of pneumonia in Belgium
Interred: Huy (La Sarte) Communal Cemetery, grave I. B. 19.
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)

Malcolm is shown in the 1901 census as a 10-year old, living with his parents John (49) and Anne (46) as well as his siblings Donald (21), Alexander (19), John (15), Catherine (17) and Anne (1).

His brothers John and Neil served in the RNR; Malcolm is listed in the Roll of Honour 1921 as having served in the RNR, not having lost his life.

William Murray, 16 Knock, Point

Able Seaman WILLIAM MURRAY
Last address in Lewis: 16 Knock, Point
Son of Malcolm and Christina Murray, of 16, Knock, Point, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, 2nd Reserve Battallion Royal Naval Division
Service number: R/2220
Date of death: 2 February 1920 at the age of 22
Interred: Eye / Aignish Cemetery, grave E. 4. 27

Died after Demob. at 8.15am in the Seaforth Sanitorium, Maryburgh, Fodderty, Ross-shire, from Tubercle of Lungs - Chronic.

Service history:
Ex-120945 Private 2/1st Lothians & Border Horse (10 months) ;
Gordon Highlanders (2 years 6 months) ; Enlisted Edinburgh 20/2/14 ; Service in France 29 days ;
Entered RNVR for RND 16/6/17 ;
Draft for British Expeditionary Force 4/7/17,
Joined Howe Bn [RND] 1/9/17-30/12/17 missing,
POW ;
Repatriated 7/1/19
Demob. at Kinross 14/3/19.


William appears on the 1901 census as a 3-year old, living with his parents Malcolm (40, crofter fisherman) and Christina (32) as well as his grandmother Rachel (74), aunt Christina (32) and siblings Dolina (5) and Mary Ann (less than 1 year old).

It should be noted that William is quoted on the Roll of Honour as a private in the Gordon Highlanders. This was the case when the first edition of the Roll was published early in 1916; his transfer to the RND was not copied into the 1921 edition.

Donald Crichton, 15 Knock, Point

Seaman DONALD CRICHTON
Last address in Lewis: 15 Knock, Point,
Son of Alexander and Mary Crichton, of Knock, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Pembroke
Service number: 9066A
Date of birth: 24 June 1895
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 23
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire, was never found
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 32
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)

Donald appears on the 1901 census as a 5-year old, living with his father Alexander (53, fisherman) and Mary (46) as well as his siblings Catherine (17), Malm [Malcolm] (15), Mary (13), Alexander (10), Maggie (7) and Lily (1).

Malcolm served in the Great War with the Canadians, and was wounded in action. His brother Alexander served with the RNR.

John Mackenzie, 13 Knock, Point

Private JOHN MACKENZIE
Last address in Lewis: 13 Knock, Point,
Service unit: Gordon Highlanders
Date of death: 20 September 1915 at the age of 18
Killed in action
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)

The Roll of Honour gives his father's name as Alexander. His brother Malcolm served with the Royal Naval Reserve.

Angus Crichton, 12 Knock, Point

Seaman ANGUS CRICHTON
Last address in Lewis: 12 Knock, Point,
Son of Colin and Jessie Crichton, of 12, Knock Point, Stornoway, Ross-shire
Husband of Mary Crichton (nee McLeod).
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Ganges II
Service number: 2687B
Date of birth: December 1875
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 41
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire, was never found
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 32
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)

Angus first appears in the 1881 census, living on "Public Road", with his parents Colin (44, fisherman) and Jessie (44), and grandfather Alexander (79). He is the youngest of seven siblings, namely Johanna (19), William (17), Roderick (15), Hugh (13), Christy (11) and Mary (8). Twenty years later, Angus is married to Jane, who was born in Shawbost, both living at 12 Knock with Angus's parents.

His brother Hugh also served in the Royal Naval Reserve. 

Angus Nicolson, 11 Knock, Point

Private ANGUS NICOLSON
Last address in Lewis: 11, Knock, Point
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Angus Nicolson, of 11, Knock Point, Stornoway, Lewis.
Service unit: 1st Gordon Highlanders
Service number: 3/5802
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 20 July 1915 at the age of 18
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Ypres (Menin Gate) panel 38,
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)

Angus is shown in the 1901 census at 11 Knock with his parents Angus (46, crofter and mason) and Christie (46) at the age of 4, being the youngest of seven children. Their names were Maggie (19), Mary (18), Catherine (18), Norman (14), John (11) and Finlay (8).
Finlay served in the RNR during the Great War; Norman was with the Welsh Artillery and John was a first officer in the US Navy.

Alexander John Macleod, 5 Knock, Point

Sergeant ALEX JOHN MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 5 Knock, Point,
Son of Alexander and Henrietta MacLeod, of 5, Knock, Lewis, Stornaway.
Service unit: 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles (British Columbia Regiment)
Service number: 464260
Date of death: 5 November 1918 at the age of 25
Killed in action in France
Interred: Quievrain Communal Cemetery, grave A. 17.
Mentioned on family gravestone in Eye Cemetery, Lewis
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
Mentioned in despatches

Date of birth: 21 June 1892
Place of birth: Isle of Lewis
Height: 5 ft 9½ in
Complexion: Dark
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Brown
Religion: Presbyterian
Trade / occupation: Warehouseman
Volunteered at Vernon Camp on 1 September 1915
Alexander John is found in the 1901 census as an 8-year old, living at 5 Knock with his parents Alexander (34, fisherman) and Henrietta (33). He has four siblings; Donald (10), Malcolm (6), Alexander (4) and Mary (2). During the Great War, Donald was a skipper in the RNR; Malcolm was lost with his ship in January 1918 and the younger Alexander served in the Gordon Highlanders.

Stornoway Gazette, 13 December 1918
We deeply regret to have to record that Mr Alexander Macleod, 5 Knock, has officially been notified by the Canadian Record Office, London, that his son, Sergt Alexander John Macleod, was killed in action in France on the 6th November. He, after successfully completing the Intermediate Course in the Nicolson Institute H. G. School, went to Canada two or three years previous to the war. When the war started, he gave up a splendid appointment and voluntarily enlisted and went to France in 1915. He came through many a hot engagement during the past three years, and his death at this moment is doubly trying to his poor parents when, with the return of peace, they expected to welcome their son home. He was a young lad of great promise, and more than ordinary ability and most devoted to his parents. He was a great favourite with both young and old in the district, and the sincerest sympathy of all goes out to the bereaved parents and family.

Mr Macleod lost another son, Malcolm, who was a gunner on board the SS Mereddio, an amiable and gallant lad who, previous to the loss of the Mereddio, gave a good account of himself by sinking an enemy submarine in the Mediterranean, for which he received the £50 bonus. His third son, Alexander, was discharged from the Army last May on accounts of wounds. He went through the hardships of fighting at the beginning of the war and was several times wounded.

Malcolm Macleod, 5 Knock, Point

Gunner MALCOLM MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 5 Knock, Point,
Service unit: Merchant Marine, SS Mereddio
Service number: 4440A
Date of birth: 5 March 1894
Date of death: 10 January 1918 at the age of 20
Lost in sinking of ship
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 30
Mentioned on family gravestone in Eye Cemetery, Lewis
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)

Malcolm is found in the 1901 census as a 6-year old, living at 5 Knock with his parents Alexander (34, fisherman) and Henrietta (33). He has four siblings; Donald (10), Alexander [John] (8), Alexander (4) and Mary (2). During the Great War, Donald was a skipper in the RNR; Alexander John was lost serving with the Canadians in November 1918 and the younger Alexander served in the Gordon Highlanders.

Stornoway Gazette, 5 April 1918
Gnr Macdonald, RNR, 20 Knock; Gnr Norman Martin RNR, 28 Knock and Gnr Malcolm Macleod, RNR, 5 Knock have been lost. The sad news has cast quite a gloom over the whole district, and sincerest sympathy goes out to the bereaved families and friends. The loss of these three young lads within a fortnight of each other is a great blow to the district. They were kindly, manly fellows of sterling qualities , and of more than ordinary intelligence and ability, and most dutiful towards their parents and families.

Macdonald had gone to Canada prior to 1914, and being a Royal Naval Reserve man, whenever the call of duty for the defence of King and Country came, he threw up a good situation and at his own expense came across and rejoined.

We, in common with the rest of our island, are deprived of the best of our young and brave manhood, but let us contemplate what we owe to our gallant defenders, and to those who make the supreme sacrifice on our behalf [remainder of article illegible]

Stornoway Gazette, 13 December 1918
[...]  Mr Macleod [5 Knock, Point] lost another son, Malcolm, who was a gunner on board the SS Mereddio, an amiable and gallant lad who, previous to the loss of the Mereddio, gave a good account of himself by sinking an enemy submarine in the Mediterranean, for which he received the £50 bonus. His third son, Alexander, was discharged from the Army last May on accounts of wounds. He went through the hardships of fighting at the beginning of the war and was several times wounded.

John M Munro, 2 Knock, Point

Private JOHN M MUNRO
Last address in Lewis: 2 Knock, Point,
Son of Malcolm Munro, of 2, Knock, Stornoway.
Service unit: 1st Gordon Highlanders
Service number: 3/5797
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 14 December 1914 at the age of 19
Killed in action at La Bassee
Memorial: Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Panel 38
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)