John Macfarlane, 27 Melbost

Private JOHN MACFARLANE
Last address in Lewis: 27 Melbost,
Son of William Macfarlane, Free Church Missionary
Service unit: 16th Canadian Infantry (Manitoba Regiment)
Service number: 859948
Date of death: 16 August 1918 at the age of 29
Killed in action in France
Interred: Bouchoir New British Cemetery, IV. C. 81
Local memorial: Branahuie / Melbost

Date of birth: 28 January 1889
Place of birth: Isle of Lewis
Height: 5 ft 8 in
Complexion: Fresh
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Dark
Religion: Presbyterian
Trade / occupation: Boilermaker
Current address: Notre Dame Ave, Winnipeg

Volunteered at Winnipeg on 10 April 1916 

Stornoway Gazette
Mr William Macfarlane, Free Church missionary, 27 Melbost, has received official intimation that his son, Pte John Macfarlane, Canadian Scottish, was killed in action in France on 16 August 1918. The sad news cast a gloom over the whole distrcit and sincerest sympathy of all goes out to the bereaved parents and family in their loss. John had been a special favourite with young and old, his loving and cheerful disposition endeared him to all who came into contact with him and his death has caused a great blank in the district. When comparatively young he was employed as a apprentice with Mr Flett, fishcurer at Stornoway, and afterwards with Mr Duncan Maciver. After serving his apprenticeship, he went to Canada and for six years prior to the war held a good situation with a firm of railway engineering. Like our other gallant Lewismen abroad, he threw up his situation and answered his country's call in her time of need and laid down his promising  life in defence of righteousness and the freedom of mankind. On the 16th August 1917, he was seerely wounded and was killed in action exactly a year afterwards on 16 August 1918. His letters from France to his parents bore the stamp of theh true Christian character, and it may be truly said of him: "For me to live is Christ and to die is gain".

The following letter was received by Mr Macfarlane from Lance-Corpl D. Campbell:
"As I was one of your osn's closest friends, it is very hard for me to write you about him. John was killed on the 16th August. I may say that he was most popular, not only with the men in his section, but also with every man with whom he came into contact. His death was keenly felt by all who knew him. He was both generous and brave, and died while doing his duty. Accept of my sincerest sympathy in your sore bereavement."