Murdo Macaulay, 16 Shader, Point

Private MURDO MACAULAY
Last address in Lewis: 16 Shader, Point,
Son of John Macaulay
Service unit: 43rd Canadian Infantry (Manitoba Regiment)
Service number: 859583
Date of death: 13 November 1917 at the age of 29
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, panel 24 - 26 - 28 - 30

Date of birth: 10 August 1889
Height: 5 ft 8 in
Complexion: Fresh
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Fair
Religion: Presbyterian
Trade / occupation: Elevatorman
Current address: 324 Mark St N, Fort William
Volunteered at Winnipeg on 10 January 1916 

Murdo is shown on the census of 1891, aged 2, with his parents John (45) and Annie (38) as well as his siblings Chirstina (13), Donald (11), Peggie (6) and Ann (4).

His brother Donald was lost in the Iolaire Disaster of 1919.

Stornoway Gazette
Mr John Macaulay, 16 Shader, Point, has received official notice that his son, Pte Murdo Macaulay, Canadians, was killed in action on 11th November 1917. The deceased soldier, who was 29 years of age, emigrated to Canada six years ago, arrived in Britain in August 1916, and two months later crossed in France. What adds to his parents' distress is the fact that a few days before his death, he had received a pass for home, but owing to an official mistake it had to be returned to headquarters for correction. In the interval the fatal engagement took place. His brother Donald is serving with the Naval forces. The deep sympathy of the whole community goes out to the bereaved parents, who have lost a most dutiful son. His cousin, Malcolm Macaulay, Canadians, writing the bereaved parents, says: "It grieves me beyond expression to have to write you concerning my dear cousin, your son Murdo. No doubt by this time you have been notified by the War Office that he was killed in action on the 11th November. As soon as I heard the sad news I made my way to the vicinity and found that he and three of his comrades had unfortunately been killed by shrapnel. I, along with some other comrades, buried them with full honours, thus rendering our last assistence on earth. He was dearly loved by all that knew him and his death is regretted by all in his company. He was always mentioned as cool and courageous to face the foe. I know, dear aunt, that this is a terrible blow, and anything I can say or do will seem as a drop in the bucket during this, your time of sorrow. I can only commend you to Him who healeth all wounded hearts and strengthens us to bear with our burdens. We believe that we are fighting for a just cause. Therefore we claim the blessed promise. "He that loseth his life for My sake shall find it".

Private communication
Donald Smith and Murdo Macaulay grew up in the same area in Lewis. Donald was from Portnaguran and Murdo was from Shader just about a mile away. They both travelled to Fort William Ontario where Donald - "Dairy" - was a teamster living at 301 Ogden Street and would have had a team of horses for milk delivery. Murdo lived at 324 North Marks Street. At the outbreak of WWI they travelled together to Winnipeg and on the 10th of January 1916 they stood together in line to sign up with the 179th Battalion of the Cameron Highlanders of Canada. Donald was ahead in the line as the Regiment Number given to him was 859582. John signed up next with Regiment Number 859583. They trained and served in the same unit for the duration of the war. Donald survived and returned to Canada following the war with Kate Martin of Back. They were married in Fort William on the 17th of August 1921 and raised their family. His freind Murdo did not survive. He was killed in action on the 26th of August 1918 and is remembered on the Lewis Roll of Honor: