Donald Macleod, Catherine Hill, Back

Private DONALD MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: Catherine Hill, Back,
Son of Murdo Macleod, Catherine Hill, Back
Service unit: Canadian Overseas Railway Construction Corps
Service number: 564
Date of death: 19 July 1917 at the age of 24
Interred: Grevillers British Cemetery, grave VI. G. 13
Local memorial: Back

Date of birth: 22 June 1893
Place of birth: Isle of Lewis
Height: 5 ft 8½ in
Complexion: Fair
Eyes: Gray
Hair: Brown
Religion: Presbyterian
Trade / occupation: Teamster
Volunteered at Winnipeg on 3 May 1915 

His brother Murdo served in the RNR, but survived the war.

Stornoway Gazette
The whole of this district was again plunged into grief when the news arrived that [...] Donald Macleod, Canadian Engineers, son of Murdo Macleod, Catherine Hill, Vatisker had offered up the supreme sacrifice. Donald was a very bright, intelligent boy and when in school was considered a "lad o'pairle". He intended going in for a [illegible] career, but circumstances ordained otherwise, so he emigrated to Canada and saw a good deal of life there. When war broke out, he joined up and had seen some active service.
He died in hospital of pneumonia. His parents, for whom the deepest sympathy is felt on the death of their eldest son, have received the following letter from the Mayor of the town: "I am very sorry to tell you your son died on Sunday night of pneumonia. He was buried today in Greycillers Cemetery near Bapaume, the number of his grave being C13, plot 6. His platoon commander and some of his comrades attended his funeral, and the "Last Post" was sounded over his grave after the burial service, which was held at the graveside by the chaplain of the hospital. He was conscious almost to the last, and was able to see some of the boys who called to see him the day he died. He was a favourite with us all and was a real good worker. He always did his duty well and we shall all miss him. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and his mother and sisters and brothers. We hope you will be helped to bear your sorrow in the knowledge that he did his duty and gave his life for his loved country and dear ones."