Showing posts with label portnaguran. Show all posts
Showing posts with label portnaguran. Show all posts

Murdo Macleod, 17 Portnaguran

Rigger MURDO MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 17 Portnaguran
Son of Roderick and Ann MacDonald Macleod, of Shader, Borvas, Stornaway
Husband of Barbara Macleod, of 17, Portnaguran, Stornaway.
Service unit: Royal Navy Salvage Section, HMS Sunhill,
Date of death: 8 August 1918 at the age of 48
Died of asphyxiation
Interred: Terlincthun British Cemetery, Wimille
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)

Murdo was the eldest son of Roderick and Ann Macleod and shows on the 1881 census as aged 14. Also present are his siblings Alex (11), John (9), Donald (2) and Rodrick (4).

His son Donald served in the Black Watch and survived the war.

Stornoway Gazette, 23 August 1918
Murdo Macleod (Russia), RNR, 17 Portnaguran, was accidentally asphyxiated by noxious fumes while serving on one of the salvage ships. The deceased, who would be over 40 years of age, leaves a widow and eight children, for whom  the deepest sympathy is felt. His eldest son is serving with the Black Watch.

Murdo Macdonald, 12 Portnaguran

Lance Corporal MURDO MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 12 Portnaguran,
Son of Malcolm and Johanna McDonald, of 12, Portnaguran, Stornoway.
Service unit: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 7476
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 12 August 1916 at the age of 20
Killed in France
Interred: Bard Cottage cemetery, grave VI. C. 33
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
Decoration(s):Recommended for gallantry in the field
Had been in firing line since 1914

Murdo is seen in the 1901 census as a 4-year old, with his parents Malcolm (32) and Johanna (26) as well as his brother Donald (2). Donald served in the RNR and survived the war.

Donald Macdonald, 11 Portnaguran

Warrant Officer DONALD MACDONALD Senior
Last address in Lewis: 11 Portnaguran,
Service unit: Royal Navy, HMS Recruit
Date of death: 9 August 1917 at the age of 41
Died in mining of ship
Memorial: Portsmouth Naval Memorial, panel 24
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)

His brother Donald junior also served in the Royal Navy, his brother Roderick in the RNR and his brother Murdo in the Royal Buckinghamshire Hussars. These three brothers all survived the war.

Donald senior is shown in the census of 1881, aged 1, with his parents Donald (36) and Isabella (26).

Was in command of Torpedo Boat 027 at outbreak of war, afterwards served on the destroyer Milne. Shortly before his death was appointed to another destroyer, which was mined in the North Sea on the above date.

Stornoway Gazette, 31 August 1917
Donald Macdonald, Warrant Officer, RN, whose home was in Sheerness, lost his life in the destroyer recently reported as mined in the North Sea. He was born in Portnaguran about 40 years ago, and was the second of four sons who, in early childhood, lost both father and mother. Their father was one of the crew of a fishing boat which foundered with all on board during a gale. Their mother never recovered from the shock and passed away a few months thereafter. The boys, reared by near relatives, grew up to sturdy, handsome manhood.

Donald joined the Royal Navy as a boy and by steady perseverance and strict attention to duty hee rose to the rank of Warrant Officer. He had specialised in torpedo work and was chief gunnery officer in charge of torpedoes on his ship. His ship paid a flying visit to Stornoway in the early stages of the war. He was greatly esteemed and respected by the people of Point, who were proud of the young man who had risen to such a high position in the Royal Navy, and the sorrow for his untimely fate is deep and sincere. He continued to take a lively interest in the people and affairs of his native district. On the occasion of King George's Coronation he sent his old teacher £5 to provide a treat to the pupils of his old school. The occasion will never be forgotten by the four hundred pupils who, marching in procession with flags flying and headed by a piper, proceeded to a picturesque spot near the sea where they held their sports. The late officer was married to an English lady who and their infant son now mourn the husband and father who died at the post of duty in the service of King and country.

Murdo, the older brother, and ex-Life Guardsman, who had seen action in South Africa, volunteered at the outbreak of war and joined the Royal Bucks Hussars. He was so seriously wounded about two years ago that he has not yet recovered his wonted health and strength.

The third brother, Roderick, saw service as a Seaforth Highlander in Egypt and South Africa. He is now serving as a seaman on one of HM ships. The fourth brother, Donald (jnr) is a carpenter in one of the royal dockyards.

Stornoway Gazette, 6 September 1917

Donald Macdonald, Warrant Officer, RN, a native of Portnaguran, was killed on board a destroyer recently reported as mined in the North Sea. We cull the following particulars regarding his career from the columns of the "Guardian", Sheerness where he had his home.

Mr Macdonald, RN, who was killed a fortnight ago when serving his country at sea was well known in the Nore command. He was appointed ot the Actaeon, torpedo school ship, on 6 April 1912, for service in the special service vessel Biter, which was under his command. Mr Macdonald, who held a navigation certificate as well as being a torpedo gunner, was held in the highest esteem by all who were associated with him on the Actaeon and her tenders. He had previously don duty in the Nore command in the year 1911 when he had been stationed at Chatham in the light cruiser Hyacinth, then out of commission. After leaving the Biter, he was appointed to command Torpedo-boat 027, which at the time was serving at Portsmouth as tender to the Racer, the sloop employed on duties in connection with the Royal Naval College at Osborne. He joined No 027 on 20 May 1914, and was in command of her when war was declared. The last Navy List published with information concerning ships showed him to be serving on the destroyer Milne, to which he was appointed on 9 November 1914 before her delivery from the works of Messrs J. Brown and Co Ltd, Clydebank. He left that vessel to take up an appointment in another of HM vessels some time before his death. All through his career, Mr Macdonald had been recognised as a serious and hardworking officer, and the letters of sympathy which his widow has received from officers of the vessel on whose books he was borned when he met his death indicate their high appreciation of him personally and of his services. The Navy has lost another valuable warrant officer by his death.

Angus Macleod, 10 Portnaguran

Seaman ANGUS MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 10 Portnaguran,
Son of Donald and Christina Maclean Macleod, of 10, Portnaguran, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Victory
Service number: 3303/A
Date of death: 24 June 1916 at the age of 27
Died at home of TB.
Interred: Eye / Aignish Cemetery, grave D. 1. 53.
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
Was released from internment in Holland for medical reasons

We find Angus on the 1901 census at 10 Portnaguran, living with his parents Donald and Christy, both aged 40, as well as his brothers Donald (15), William (13), Alex (6) and Norman (2).

His brothers William and Angus were also lost during the war, serving in the RNR; his brother Alex was killed with the Gordon Highlanders. Only his brother Donald survived. 

Angus enrolled in RNR in February 1911; was internee at Antwerp 1914 whilst in Benbow Bn (RND); admitted to Chatham hospital on 19 October 1915 with pulmonary TB, discharged medically unfit on 18 November 1915.

William Macleod, 10 Portnaguran


Seaman WILLIAM MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 10 Portnaguran,
Son of Donald Macleod, of 10, Portnaguran, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMY Sanda
Service number: 3398A
Date of death: 25 September 1915 at the age of 28
Ship sunk by shore battery at Blankenberge, Belgium
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 14
Mentioned on family gravestone in Eye Cemetery, Lewis
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)

We find William on the 1901 census at 10 Portnaguran, living with his parents Donald and Christy, both aged 40, as well as his brothers Donald (15), Angus (10), Alex (6) and Norman (2).

His brothers Norman and Angus were also lost during the war, serving in the RNR; his brother Alex was killed with the Gordon Highlanders. Only his brother Donald survived.

William was in Benbow Bn (A/66) of the RND between 16 September and 27 October 1914, after which he was transferred to Victory I.

Norman Macleod, 10 Portnaguran

Trimmer / cook NORMAN MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 10 Portnaguran,
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Macleod, of 10, Portnaguran, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Venerable
Service number: 1186TC
Date of birth: 14 March 1899
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 20
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 32
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)

We find Norman on the 1901 census at 10 Portnaguran, living with his parents Donald and Christy, both aged 40, as well as his brothers Donald (15), William (13), Angus (10), Alex (6).

His brothers William and Angus were also lost during the war, serving in the RNR; his brother Alex was killed with the Gordon Highlanders. Only his brother Donald survived.

Alexander Macleod, 10 Portnaguran

Private ALEX MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 10 Portnaguran,
Service unit: 1st Gordon Highlanders
Service number: 3/5655
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 14 December 1914 at the age of 20
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Ypres (Menin Gate) panel 38
Mentioned on family gravestone in Eye Cemetery, Lewis
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)

We find Alexander on the 1901 census at 10 Portnaguran, living with his parents Donald and Christy, both aged 40, as well as his brothers Donald (15), William (13), Angus (10) and Norman (2).

His brothers William, Angus and Norman were also lost during the war, serving in the RNR. Only his brother Donald survived.

Murdo Campbell, 9 Portnaguran

MURDO CAMPBELL
Last address in Lewis: 9 Portnaguran,
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve
Date of death: not known
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)

Murdo  is shown on the 1901 census with his parents William (40) and Effie (38) at 9 Portnaguran, also with his siblings Malcolm (17), John (16), Norman (13), Maggie (10), Willie J (8), Kenneth (6), Murdo (4), Effie (2) and Annie (5 months).

His brother Kenneth died of pneumonia while serving in the RNR; Norman was in the Mercantile Marine Reserve. William also served in the RNR, but survived the war.

Kenneth Campbell, 9 Portnaguran


Seaman KENNETH CAMPBELL
Last address in Lewis: 9 Portnaguran,
Son of William and Effie Campbell, of 9, Portnaguran, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Victory
Service number: 5551/A
Date of death: 14 September 1918 at the age of 23
Died of pneumonia in Haslar Hospital
Interred: Haslar Royal Naval Cemetery, grave E. 28. 27
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)

Kenneth is shown on the 1901 census with his parents William (40) and Effie (38) at 9 Portnaguran, also with his siblings Malcolm (17), John (16), Norman (13), Maggie (10), Willie J (8), Murdo (4), Effie (2) and Annie (5 months).

His brother Willie J served in the RNR; Murdo is recorded as having died whilst serving in the RNR; Norman was in the Mercantile Marine Reserve. 

Donald Mackay, 8 Portnaguran

Seaman DONALD MACKAY
Last address in Lewis: 8 Portnaguran,
Son of Malcolm and Annie MacKay, of 8, Portnaguran, Stornoway
Husband of Annie MacKay, of 8, Portnaguran, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Genista
Service number: 2115/C
Date of birth: 5 January 1875
Date of death: 23 October 1916 at the age of 38
Died in mining of ship, sunk by U-57 off the west coast of Ireland
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 18
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)

Murdo Maciver, 8 Portnaguran

Private MURDO MACIVER
Last address in Lewis: 8 Portnaguran,
Son of John and Chirsty Maciver of 8 Portnaguran
Service unit: New Zealand Training Unit
Service number: 28285
Date of death: 15 November 1916 at the age of 30
Died of asphyxiation
Interred: Wellington (Karori) Cemetery, grave I. 24. (S).
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)

Murdo is found in the 1901 census as the 14-year old son of John and Chirsty (both aged 47) with his siblings Angus (19), John (16), John (9), Kate (7) and Norman (2).

His brothers Angus, John and Norman all served in the RNR and survived the war.

Stornoway Gazette, 1917

Soldier's tragic death
Mr John Maciver, 8 Portnaguran, has been informed by the Director of Base Records, New Zealand, that his son, Pte Murdo Maciver, died from asphyxiation at Thorndon Quay, Wellington NZ, on 15th Nov. 1916. The circumstances surrounding his death are as follows.
Pte Maciver had been stopping at a house in Thorndon Quay. On the day of his death, the house was fumigated and closed up for some hours, everyone being out of the house. Your son, evidently not knowing that the process of fumigation was going on, entered the house and became asphyxiated. He was buried in the Karori Cemetery, Wellington, with military honours. The Presbyterian Chaplain from camp officiated at the graveside. I desire to express my sincere sympathy with you in the loss of your son under such tragic circumstances
The deceased, who was over 30 years of age, left home over nine years ago and served in the Glasgow Police Force for one year. Leaving the force, he joined the mercantile marine and for three years traded between Britain and New Zealand. Thereafter he served as engine-driver in the Fire Brigade at Auckland. His next venture was to acquire several motorcars, doing business in touring the country with visitors. He continued in this business until June last year, when he enlisted in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. Three of his brothers are in the Navy.

Donald Macleod, 6 Portnaguran

Private DONALD MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 6 Portnaguran,
Son of Norman and Mary Macleod of 6 Portnaguran
Service unit: 1st Gordon Highlanders
Service number: 3/5667
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 14 December 1914 at the age of 20
Killed in action at La Bassee
Interred: Kemmel Churchyard, sp mem 11
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)

Donald appears in the 1901 census as the 6-year old son of Norman (45) and Mary (49), with his siblings John (9), Mary K (8), Marion (4), Angus (3) and Effie (1).

Alexander Macleod, 1 Portnaguran

Seaman ALEX MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 1 Portnaguran,
Son of Matthew Macleod.
Husband of Margaret MacLeod, of 1, Portnaguran, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve
Service number: 2808C
Date of birth: 2 April 1877
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 42
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire
Interred: Eye / Aignish Cemetery, grave A. 1. 1.
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)

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