Donald Macdonald, 19 Lionel

Private DONALD MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 19 Lionel,
Son of Angus and Annie Macdonald, of 19, Lionel, Ness, Lewis.
Service unit: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders, D Coy
Service number: 7048
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 10 April 1917 at the age of 23
Died of wounds
Interred: St Nicolas British Cemetery, grave I. D. 5
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross

Donald is shown in the 1901 census aged 7, at his grandparents' home at16 North Dell, a few miles southwest of Lionel. Also present are his parents Angus (42) and Mary (37) as well as his younger siblings Peggie (6) and Angus (4).

From the battalion war diary
The battalion is in action around Roeux / Fampoux.

During this period, nothing of interest occurred, beyond a platoon of D coy being sent on the night of 10th/11th to support the 1st Battalion East Lancashire Regt who were holding a line of posts on general line H. 9.B.97 to H.10 central. This platoon was released by order of the GOC 11th Infy Bde on a report being made to him of the circumstances under which it was asked for and of the disposition of the Battn when it was desired to maintain intact. An order was also received at 12.30 midday on the 10th to be prepared to occupy the green line in the event of an advance and thus was followed by a further order to advance to that secotr of the GREEN line occupied by the 1st Bn the Rifle Brigade but not to advance unless the 1st Bn the Rifle Brigade advanced from GREEN LINE in support of a Cavalry Brigade. This order was received at 1.50pm on the 10th and one officer was sent to reconnoitre the sector held by the Rifle Brigade and a line of observation posts was established to keep connection and receive immediate notice of any advance. No advance took place, and the officers and connecting posts were withdrawn about 8pm by instructions received from 10th Brigade.

Stornoway Gazette
Mr Angus Macdonald, 19 Lionel, has received news of the death of his son, Donald, who was serving with the Seaforths and was killed in action on the 10th April 1917. He was with the first draft that crossed to France in 1914, and went through the whole campaign, without wounds or illness, until he was killed. He was home on leave from France for a few days last Christmas, and was looking in the pink of condition. He was one of the young men who attended the Navigation Class in Lionel School, and he secured his mate’s certificate at the last examination held at Stornoway shortly before mobilisation. He was a powerful young man, of splendid physique, and a most dutiful son, and brother. Great sympathy is expressed for his parents, brothers and sisters in the loss of such a promising young life cut away at the early age of 23 years.