Kenneth Murray, 7 Shader, Point

Leading Seaman KENNETH MURRAY
Last address in Lewis: 7 Shader, Point,
Son of Malcolm and Catherine Murray, of 7, Shader Point, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMD City of Liverpool
Service number: 3304/A
Date of birth: 10 July 1891
Date of death: 1 August 1918 at the age of 27
Ship sunk by mine laid by UC-71 at the Downs, off South Foreland
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 30
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)

The 1901 census shows Kenneth as a 9-year old with his parents Malcolm (57) and Catherine (50) as well as siblings Mary (26), Henretta (21), Alexander (16), Isabella (12). Also present were Mary's husband John Mackay (29) and their 1-month old daughter Isabella.

Kenneth's brother Alexander served with the Canadian Army, but survived the war.
Kenneth's brother-in-law John Mackay served with the RNR and was saved from the sinking of HMY Iolaire.

Stornoway Gazette, 23 August 1918
Official notice has been received that Kenneth Murray, RNR, son of the late Mr Malcolm Murray, 7 Shader, Point, has been killed, the trawler on which he served having been blown up by a mine, when all on board perishing. The news came with startling suddenness, as only a fortnight previously he was home on leave. The deceased, who was 27 years of age, was in Canada when war broke out and at his own expense he crossed the Atlantic to help in the defence of his native land. He was a dutiful son, and his amiable disposition and upright character made him a general favourite. His brother Alick is serving with the Canadians. Much sympathy is felt for his bereaved mother, brother and sisters.