Sapper ALEXANDER MORRISON
Last address in Lewis: 35 Eoropie
Son of John and Anne Morrison
Husband of Minnie Gertrude Morrison of 55A Upcerne Road, Chelsea, London
Service unit: 2 Coy, Royal Engineers
Service number: 327066
Date of death: 22 February 1919 at the age of 46
Interred: Wandsworth (Earlsfield) Cemetery, Screen Wall B. 20. 371.
Showing posts with label ness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ness. Show all posts
John Macritchie, 42 Swainbost
Seaman JOHN MACRITCHIE
Last address in Lewis: 42 Swainbost,
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Fisguard II
Service number: 5303/A
Date of death: 19 September 1914 at the age of 22
Ship sunk in gale
Interred: Portland Royal Naval Cemetery, grave 534
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
His brother Angus also served in the RNR, but survived the war.
Angus Macritchie, 38 Swainbost
Seaman ANGUS MACRITCHIE
Last address in Lewis: 38 Swainbost
Son of Donald and Henrietta McKenzie McRitchie, of 38, Swainbost, Ness, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMT Hero
Service number: 16522/DA
Date of birth: 21 February 1899
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 20
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire
Interred: Ness (St Peter) Old Churchyard,
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Last address in Lewis: 38 Swainbost
Son of Donald and Henrietta McKenzie McRitchie, of 38, Swainbost, Ness, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMT Hero
Service number: 16522/DA
Date of birth: 21 February 1899
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 20
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire
Interred: Ness (St Peter) Old Churchyard,
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Murdo Macritchie, 37 Swainbost
Seaman MURDO MACRITCHIE
Last address in Lewis: 37 Swainbost,
Son of Murdo and Annie MacKenzie MacRitchie, of 37, Swainbost, Ness, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Bulwark
Service number: 2164/A
Date of birth: 22 December 1885
Date of death: 26 November 1914 at the age of 37
Ship sunk by internal explosion at Sheerness
Interred: Gillingham (Woodlands) Cemetery, grave Naval 18. 924
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Murdo is shown in the 1901 census, aged 16, at home in Swainbost with his parents Murdo (50) and Annie (46) as well as his siblings Angus (19), Donald (14), Peggy (12), John (9) and Annie (7).
His borthers Angus and John also served in the RNR; John was interned in Holland during the war. Both these brothers survived the war.
Kenneth Campbell, 35 Swainbost
Sergeant KENNETH CAMPBELL
Last address in Lewis: 35 Swainbost,
Son of Norman and Mary Campbell, of 35, Swainbost, Ness, Stornoway.
Service unit: 8th Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 316805
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 12 October 1916 at the age of 23
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Thiepval Memorial, Pier and Face 15C
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Kenneth appears in the 1901 census, aged 9, at 4 Eorodale, with his parents Norman (55) and Mary (40) as well as his elder sister Christina (11).
Last address in Lewis: 35 Swainbost,
Son of Norman and Mary Campbell, of 35, Swainbost, Ness, Stornoway.
Service unit: 8th Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 316805
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 12 October 1916 at the age of 23
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Thiepval Memorial, Pier and Face 15C
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Kenneth appears in the 1901 census, aged 9, at 4 Eorodale, with his parents Norman (55) and Mary (40) as well as his elder sister Christina (11).
Donald Murray, 31 Swainbost
Seaman DONALD MURRAY
Last address in Lewis: 31 Swainbost
Son of Angus Murray, 31 Swainbost
Service unit: Merchant Marine, SS Saint Jerome
Service number: 140539
Date of death: 31 December 1917 at the age of 26
Went missing, presumed drowned at Curtis Bay, Baltimore
Stornoway Gazette
Mr Angus Murray, 31 Swainbost, has received intimation that his son Donald, who was a sailor on a merchant steamer, was drowned in Baltimore harbour at the end of December 1917. He was ashore buying some clothing and on returning to the steamer he slipped off the wharf, the whole place being one sheet of ice at the time.
Donald was for some time mail driver between Ness and Stornoway, before the advent of the motorcar, and was a great favourite on the entire route. Much sympathy is extended to his parents, brothers and sisters in their bereavement.
Last address in Lewis: 31 Swainbost
Son of Angus Murray, 31 Swainbost
Service unit: Merchant Marine, SS Saint Jerome
Service number: 140539
Date of death: 31 December 1917 at the age of 26
Went missing, presumed drowned at Curtis Bay, Baltimore
Stornoway Gazette
Mr Angus Murray, 31 Swainbost, has received intimation that his son Donald, who was a sailor on a merchant steamer, was drowned in Baltimore harbour at the end of December 1917. He was ashore buying some clothing and on returning to the steamer he slipped off the wharf, the whole place being one sheet of ice at the time.
Donald was for some time mail driver between Ness and Stornoway, before the advent of the motorcar, and was a great favourite on the entire route. Much sympathy is extended to his parents, brothers and sisters in their bereavement.
Malcolm Macleod, 28 Swainbost
Seaman MALCOLM MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 28 Swainbost,
Son of Murdo and Chirsty MacLeod, of 28, Swainbost Ness, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Service unit: Royal Navy Voluntary Reserve, HMS Maidstone
Service number: J/65506
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 20
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire, was never found
Memorial: Plymouth Naval Memorial, panel 31
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
We find Malcolm in the 1901 census, aged 5, at 28 Swainbost with his parents Murdo (41) and Christy (40) as well as siblings Malcolm (11), Donald (9), John (7) and Annie (3).
Malcolm was one of five men from a family, a father and four sons, who served in the war. His brother John was lost serving in the Seaforths; Malcolm was lost in the Iolaire; Murdo was in the Cameron Highlanders; Malcolm in the RNR; Donald in the Seaforths.
John Macleod, 28 Swainbost
Sergeant JOHN MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 28 Swainbost,
Service unit: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 317110
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 28 March 1918
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Arras Memorial, Bay 8
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Wounded 25 April 1915
We find John in the 1901 census, aged 7, at 28 Swainbost with his parents Murdo (41) and Christy (40) as well as siblings Malcolm (11), Donald (9), Malcolm (5) and Annie (3).
John was one of five men from a family, a father and four sons, who served in the war. His brother Malcolm was lost in the Iolaire; Murdo was in the Cameron Highlanders; Malcolm in theh RNR; Donald in the Seaforths.
From the battalion's war diary
The battalion is in action around Roeux
A heavy bombardment of our front and extending both to North and South started about 3 am and continued till 7.30 am. During the bombardment all communications except by runner were cut. About 720 am the SOS went up from Bn on left and was immediately followed from our own front line. All posts in front line had been successfully withdrawn by 515 and troops had manned them back to the positions. The enemy attacked in very thick formations, attack was mainly directed against our left front Coy. The attack was unable to advance further than our original front line which he had evacuated at 515 am and very heavy casualties were inflicted on the enemy by rifle and machine gun fire. As soon as the attack started, the Triple Arch over river was blown up. By 8 o'clock, information was received that the front system of Bn on our left had been driven in and no troops could be seen in CORAL trench between CORFU and Railway. Message was then sent to Bn HQ saying: "Bn left was in the air was it to withdraw". On receiving message from my left front Coy that Bn on the left had withdrawn. I ordered coys in front to withdraw to occupy CORDITE and CYCLE with a defensive flank down CORFU. This was successfully carried out and by 10 am Bn dispositions were as follows:
1 coy in CRETE
1 coy CORDITE from CEYLON to CORFU
1 coy CYCLE & CORDITE to CEYLON
1 coy forming defensive flank down CORFU
By the time it was discovered that Bn on left was still holding continuation of support line north of railway. The disposition sent to Brigade. The enemy was now working round by right flank in force and ROEUX had been occupied by then. A German cavalry patrol of 5 were wiped out by a L gun and heavy casualties were inflicted on the enemy. The position N of river appeared now secure but the enemy had worked round S and were occupying high ground immediately in our rear, having taken LANCER LANE and at 1135 am it was thought necessary to withdraw. The withdrawal was successfully carried out thought hampered by Bn having to pass through heavy enemy barrage on railway and FAMPOUX and was formed up again in PUDDING trench where orders were received from 11th Brigade to proceed to ATHIES and occupy trench up to POINT du JOUP. [illegible] german officer and his orderly. About 7pm the Bn received orders to proceed to Railway TRIANGES south of the river and rejoin 10th Brigade. On arrival there it took up position in trenches S of Railway clean up to Coy Line. C Coy rejoined Bn at 3.30 am following morning and went to rifle camp. All maps, documents and messages were destroyed in withdrawal. One Lewis gun left to defend right flank had to be thrown in the river as enemy had nearly surrounded their post. Our casualties were 5 officers and approximately 100 other ranks. Very heavy casualties may have been inflicted on the enemy as Lewis guns had some excellent targets. ROEUX caves were blown up in evacuation of front line system.
Murdo Maclean, 24 Swainbost
Private MURDO MACLEAN
Last address in Lewis: 24 Swainbost,
Son of Donald and Annie MacRitchie Maclean, of 24, Swainbost
Service unit: Tank Corps
Service number: 305324
Date of death: 22 March 1919 at the age of 20
Died of wounds, sustained on 14 September 1918, in hospital in Aberdeen
Interred: Old Ness cemetery
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
His brothers Kenneth, John and Donald all served in the RNR and survived the war.
Last address in Lewis: 24 Swainbost,
Son of Donald and Annie MacRitchie Maclean, of 24, Swainbost
Service unit: Tank Corps
Service number: 305324
Date of death: 22 March 1919 at the age of 20
Died of wounds, sustained on 14 September 1918, in hospital in Aberdeen
Interred: Old Ness cemetery
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
His brothers Kenneth, John and Donald all served in the RNR and survived the war.
John Murray, 21 Swainbost
Seaman JOHN MURRAY
Last address in Lewis: 21 Swainbost,
Son of Donald and Flora Murray, of 21, Swanibost, Ness, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMD St Leonard
Service number: 22055/DA
Date of birth: 30 June 1900
Date of death: 7 January 1920 at the age of 19
Ship sunk in a gale
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial 1918-21, panel 32
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Last address in Lewis: 21 Swainbost,
Son of Donald and Flora Murray, of 21, Swanibost, Ness, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMD St Leonard
Service number: 22055/DA
Date of birth: 30 June 1900
Date of death: 7 January 1920 at the age of 19
Ship sunk in a gale
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial 1918-21, panel 32
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Malcolm Macleod, 19 Swainbost
Private MALCOLM MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 19 Swainbost,
Service unit: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 317468
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 12 July 1917
Killed in Palestine
Interred: Baghdad (North Gate) War Cemetery, grave IX. E. 3.
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
His brother John served in the Yacht Patrol, and his brother Angus was Second Hand in the Trawler section of the RNR. Both survived the war.
Allan Thomson, 15 Swainbost
Seaman ALLAN THOMSON
Last address in Lewis: 15 Swainbost,
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Pembroke
Service number: 3047/B
Born in March 1874
Date of death: 26 October 1914 at the age of 45
Died in hospital at Chatham
Interred: Gillingham (Woodlands) Cemetery, grave Naval. 14. 704
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Allan appears in the 1871 census, aged 9 months, at home with his parents John (39) and Levala (38), as well as his siblings Kate (15), John (10), Alexander (10), Mary (7) and Ann (4). In 1871, the census shows Allan (10) at 10 Swainbost with his parents John (50) and Sofia (51) as well as his siblings Cathrine (25), John (21), Mary (17), Anne (14) and Margaret (7).
By 1901, Allan (30) appears to be head of the household at 13 Swainbost, with his sister Ann (33), who is housekeeper. This situation remains unchanged in the 1911 census, although by then Allan seems to be resident at no 15. His brother appears to be resident next-door at 14 Swainbost.
Last address in Lewis: 15 Swainbost,
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Pembroke
Service number: 3047/B
Born in March 1874
Date of death: 26 October 1914 at the age of 45
Died in hospital at Chatham
Interred: Gillingham (Woodlands) Cemetery, grave Naval. 14. 704
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Allan appears in the 1871 census, aged 9 months, at home with his parents John (39) and Levala (38), as well as his siblings Kate (15), John (10), Alexander (10), Mary (7) and Ann (4). In 1871, the census shows Allan (10) at 10 Swainbost with his parents John (50) and Sofia (51) as well as his siblings Cathrine (25), John (21), Mary (17), Anne (14) and Margaret (7).
By 1901, Allan (30) appears to be head of the household at 13 Swainbost, with his sister Ann (33), who is housekeeper. This situation remains unchanged in the 1911 census, although by then Allan seems to be resident at no 15. His brother appears to be resident next-door at 14 Swainbost.
Malcolm Thomson, 14 Swainbost
Seaman MALCOLM THOMSON
Last address in Lewis: 14 Swainbost,
Son of John and Christina McLean Thomson, of 14, Swainbost, Ness, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Redoubtable
Service number: 4557/A
Date of birth: 3 November 1890
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 27
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire
Interred: Old Ness Cemetery
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Malcolm appears in the 1891 census, aged 6 months, at the home of his parents John (31, fisherman) and Christina (38) as well as his older siblings Ann (5) and Angus (2).
Murdo Macdonald, 13 Swainbost
Seaman MURDO MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 13 Swainbost,
Son of John and Mary MacDonald, of 13, Swainbost, Ness, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMD Aspire
Service number: 11997/DA
Date of birth: 15 April 1898
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 21
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire
Interred: Old Ness cemetery
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Murdo is shown in the 1901 census, aged 4, at 12 Swainbost. He is living with his parents John (39) and Mary (35), as well as siblings Peggie (15), Murdo (12), Donald (10), Annie (7), and Peggie (7 months).
His brother Donald also served in the RNR, and was also lost in the Iolaire Disaster. His brother Murdo , also a naval reservist, was twice torpedoed during the war, but survived.
Last address in Lewis: 13 Swainbost,
Son of John and Mary MacDonald, of 13, Swainbost, Ness, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMD Aspire
Service number: 11997/DA
Date of birth: 15 April 1898
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 21
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire
Interred: Old Ness cemetery
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Murdo is shown in the 1901 census, aged 4, at 12 Swainbost. He is living with his parents John (39) and Mary (35), as well as siblings Peggie (15), Murdo (12), Donald (10), Annie (7), and Peggie (7 months).
His brother Donald also served in the RNR, and was also lost in the Iolaire Disaster. His brother Murdo , also a naval reservist, was twice torpedoed during the war, but survived.
Donald Macdonald, 13 Swainbost
Seaman DONALD MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 13 Swainbost,
Son of John and Mary MacDonald, of 13, Swainbost, Ness, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, SS Mandala
Service number: 5351/A
Date of birth: 1 April 1891
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 27
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire, was never found
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 32
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Donald is shown in the 1901 census, aged 10, at 12 Swainbost. He is living with his parents John (39) and Mary (35), as well as siblings Peggie (15), Murdo (12), Annie (7), Murdo (4) and Peggie (7 months).
His younger brother Murdo also served in the RNR, and was also lost in the Iolaire Disaster. His brother Murdo , also a naval reservist, was twice torpedoed during the war, but survived.
Last address in Lewis: 13 Swainbost,
Son of John and Mary MacDonald, of 13, Swainbost, Ness, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, SS Mandala
Service number: 5351/A
Date of birth: 1 April 1891
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 27
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire, was never found
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 32
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Donald is shown in the 1901 census, aged 10, at 12 Swainbost. He is living with his parents John (39) and Mary (35), as well as siblings Peggie (15), Murdo (12), Annie (7), Murdo (4) and Peggie (7 months).
His younger brother Murdo also served in the RNR, and was also lost in the Iolaire Disaster. His brother Murdo , also a naval reservist, was twice torpedoed during the war, but survived.
Angus Murray, 8 Swainbost
Lance Corporal ANGUS MURRAY
Last address in Lewis: 8 Swainbost,
Son of Donald and Catherine McIver Murray, of 8, Swainbost, Ness, Stornoway.
Service unit: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7282
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 21 May 1915 at the age of 18
Died of wounds in Boulogne. Wounds sustained on 25 April 1915.
Interred: Boulogne, Eastern Cemetery, VIII. D. 40
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
The 1901 census shows Angus, aged 4, at 2 Swainbost, at the home of his grandparents John (55) and Annie (54) Maciver, and his parents Donald (38) and Chirsty (33) Murray, as well as his siblings Murdo (5) and John (2).
His brother Murdo served in the RAF, and his brother John was in the RNR. Both survived the war.
From the battalion war diary
Angus died at Boulogne where he would have been transferred for treatment. On 21 May 1915, the battalion was relieved by the 7th Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, and transferred to the dugouts in the east bank of the Yser Canal, north of Ypres.
Last address in Lewis: 8 Swainbost,
Son of Donald and Catherine McIver Murray, of 8, Swainbost, Ness, Stornoway.
Service unit: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7282
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 21 May 1915 at the age of 18
Died of wounds in Boulogne. Wounds sustained on 25 April 1915.
Interred: Boulogne, Eastern Cemetery, VIII. D. 40
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
The 1901 census shows Angus, aged 4, at 2 Swainbost, at the home of his grandparents John (55) and Annie (54) Maciver, and his parents Donald (38) and Chirsty (33) Murray, as well as his siblings Murdo (5) and John (2).
His brother Murdo served in the RAF, and his brother John was in the RNR. Both survived the war.
From the battalion war diary
Angus died at Boulogne where he would have been transferred for treatment. On 21 May 1915, the battalion was relieved by the 7th Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, and transferred to the dugouts in the east bank of the Yser Canal, north of Ypres.
James Macritchie, 5 Swainbost
Private JAMES MACRITCHIE
Last address in Lewis: 5 Swainbost,
Son of Murdo Macritchie, of 49, Swainbost, Ness, Stornoway.
Service unit: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7288
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 31 May 1915 at the age of 18
Killed in action at La Bassee
Interred: St Vaast Post Military Cemetery, Richebourg-L'Avoue, I. D. 9
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
James is shown in the 1901 census, aged 4, at the house of his grandparents Kenneth (61) and Mary (64) Maclean. Also present are his parents Murdo (35, fisherman) and Cathrine (34) as well as his sister Annie (2) and cousin Annie (7).
Last address in Lewis: 5 Swainbost,
Son of Murdo Macritchie, of 49, Swainbost, Ness, Stornoway.
Service unit: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7288
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 31 May 1915 at the age of 18
Killed in action at La Bassee
Interred: St Vaast Post Military Cemetery, Richebourg-L'Avoue, I. D. 9
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
James is shown in the 1901 census, aged 4, at the house of his grandparents Kenneth (61) and Mary (64) Maclean. Also present are his parents Murdo (35, fisherman) and Cathrine (34) as well as his sister Annie (2) and cousin Annie (7).
Angus Gillies, 35 South Dell
Seaman ANGUS GILLIES
Last address in Lewis: 35 South Dell,
Son of Alexander and Isabella Gillies, of 35, South Dell, Ness, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Seahorse
Service number: 4502A
Date of birth: 11 April 1889
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 30
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire
Interred: Ness (St Peter) Old Churchyard, Lewis
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Angus first appears in the 1891 census, aged 2, at the house of his grandfather John in South Dell. Also present are his parents Alex (30) and Isabella (34).
His brother Donald was wounded, serving with the Seaforth Highlanders; his brother Allan also served in the RNR; these two survived the war.
Last address in Lewis: 35 South Dell,
Son of Alexander and Isabella Gillies, of 35, South Dell, Ness, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Seahorse
Service number: 4502A
Date of birth: 11 April 1889
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 30
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire
Interred: Ness (St Peter) Old Churchyard, Lewis
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Angus first appears in the 1891 census, aged 2, at the house of his grandfather John in South Dell. Also present are his parents Alex (30) and Isabella (34).
His brother Donald was wounded, serving with the Seaforth Highlanders; his brother Allan also served in the RNR; these two survived the war.
Donald Murray, 33 South Dell
Seaman DONALD MURRAY
Last address in Lewis: 33 South Dell,
Son of Murdo and Catherine Murray, of South Dell, Ness; husband of Mary McDonald Murray, of 33, South Dell, Ness, Island of Lewis.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Clan MacNaughton
Service number: 3275C
Year of birth: 1878
Date of death: 3 February 1915 at the age of 37
Drowned in sinking of ship
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 14
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Left widow and 5 children
Donald is shown in the 1891 census aged 13, at 17 South Dell at home with his parents Murdo (48) and Catherine (46) as well as his siblings Norman (18), Malcolm (15) and Janet (9).
In the 1901 census he is shown aged 23, a retired militia man, living at 26 South Dell at the house of his parents Murdo (26) and Catherina (56) as well as his older brother Norman (28).
Donald Gillies, 31 South Dell
Sergeant DONALD GILLIES
Last address in Lewis: 31 South Dell
Son of Angus and Mary Gillies, of 31, South Dell, Ness, Barvas, Stornoway.
Service unit: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/6683
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 4 October 1917 at the age of 23
Killed in action
Interred: Cement House Cemetery, grave XI. E. 26
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Previously wounded at Ypres in April 1915
Donald is shown in the 1901 census at 51 South Dell, the home of his grandparents John and Margaret (both aged 68), where his parents Angus (39, fisherman) and Mary (38) are also present. Donald's siblings Catherine (12), Margaret (5), Angus (3) and Norman also feature.
His brother Norman served in the Trawler section of the RNR, and survived the war.
From the battalion's war diary
The battalion is in action east of Ypres, conducting the battle of Broodseinde, the last battle of Passchendaele.
The Battalion formed up for attack by zero -1 hour on correct alignment in touch with 1st Hampshire on right and R Dublin Fusiliers on left. Coys were closed up to total depth of 120 yards to get clear of EAGLE trench which would have broken formations. Two leading platoons of each assaulting coy carried trench boards in cue of difficulty being found in crossing water and marsh between starting point and KANGAROO trench and LAUDETBEEK. Platoons were to advance in succession under cover of the creeping barrage at correct distances of 100yards between platoons and 150 yards between coys with moppers coy HQs 50 yards in rear of the platoon of each coy.
At zero hour (6 am) leading platoons advanced into barrage, but found great difficulty in keeping alignment owin to water forcing them to follow best ground or the marsh. This caused confusion and resulted in formation of assaulting coys being lost, especially on left where the leading wave walked into our own barrage. KANGAROO trench was reached without coys, platoons being able to disentangle themselves enemy who showed resistance being bayonetted and remainder being passed back. A total of about 25 men were taken prisoner on the front up to KANGAROO trench, including several men were killed by enemy barrage fire on their way back. The left assaulting coy came into some resistance and did not take many prisoners. Coy SM Bain killing 15 enemy to his own bayonet. As the advance proceeded coys endeavoured to regain formation but this was found to be impossible owing to confusion and the excited condition of the men. Up to BEEK STREET trench casualties were not heavy, but from that point onwards machine gun fire was encountered, from left flank generally and this fire caused considerable casualties, both coy commanders and 6 of their platoon commanders of the two left coys being put out of action. Continuing their advance towards their objective, the left coy captured the fortified houses and the right coy advance over 19 Metre Hill. The left coys were unable to advance further, where the remaining men established themselves in shell holes.
Last address in Lewis: 31 South Dell
Son of Angus and Mary Gillies, of 31, South Dell, Ness, Barvas, Stornoway.
Service unit: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/6683
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 4 October 1917 at the age of 23
Killed in action
Interred: Cement House Cemetery, grave XI. E. 26
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Previously wounded at Ypres in April 1915
Donald is shown in the 1901 census at 51 South Dell, the home of his grandparents John and Margaret (both aged 68), where his parents Angus (39, fisherman) and Mary (38) are also present. Donald's siblings Catherine (12), Margaret (5), Angus (3) and Norman also feature.
His brother Norman served in the Trawler section of the RNR, and survived the war.
From the battalion's war diary
The battalion is in action east of Ypres, conducting the battle of Broodseinde, the last battle of Passchendaele.
The Battalion formed up for attack by zero -1 hour on correct alignment in touch with 1st Hampshire on right and R Dublin Fusiliers on left. Coys were closed up to total depth of 120 yards to get clear of EAGLE trench which would have broken formations. Two leading platoons of each assaulting coy carried trench boards in cue of difficulty being found in crossing water and marsh between starting point and KANGAROO trench and LAUDETBEEK. Platoons were to advance in succession under cover of the creeping barrage at correct distances of 100yards between platoons and 150 yards between coys with moppers coy HQs 50 yards in rear of the platoon of each coy.
At zero hour (6 am) leading platoons advanced into barrage, but found great difficulty in keeping alignment owin to water forcing them to follow best ground or the marsh. This caused confusion and resulted in formation of assaulting coys being lost, especially on left where the leading wave walked into our own barrage. KANGAROO trench was reached without coys, platoons being able to disentangle themselves enemy who showed resistance being bayonetted and remainder being passed back. A total of about 25 men were taken prisoner on the front up to KANGAROO trench, including several men were killed by enemy barrage fire on their way back. The left assaulting coy came into some resistance and did not take many prisoners. Coy SM Bain killing 15 enemy to his own bayonet. As the advance proceeded coys endeavoured to regain formation but this was found to be impossible owing to confusion and the excited condition of the men. Up to BEEK STREET trench casualties were not heavy, but from that point onwards machine gun fire was encountered, from left flank generally and this fire caused considerable casualties, both coy commanders and 6 of their platoon commanders of the two left coys being put out of action. Continuing their advance towards their objective, the left coy captured the fortified houses and the right coy advance over 19 Metre Hill. The left coys were unable to advance further, where the remaining men established themselves in shell holes.
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