John Gillies, 15 Lionel

Lance Corporal JOHN GILLIES
Last address in Lewis: 15 Lionel,
Son of Donald and Mary Gillies, of 15, Lionel, Port of Ness, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis.
Service unit: 8th Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7007
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 23 April 1917 at the age of 24
Killed in action
Interred: Guemappe British Cemetery, Wancourt, grave I. B. 26
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross

John is shown in the 1901 census aged 8 at 17 Lionel, the son of Mary (49) and youngest brother of Christina (23), Donald (19) and Angus (12).  The 1891 census shows the family at 16 Lionel, with father Donald (42 at the time) and also Alexander (9).

His brother Angus, who also served in the Seaforth Highlanders, was killed  the previous year in France; his brother Alexander served in the RNR but survived the war.

Stornoway Gazette
Widow Mary Gillies, 15 Lionel, has received the sad news of the death of her son, Lance-corporal John Gillies, Seaforth Highlanders. He was killed in action on 23 April 1917. His death has caused widespread regret as he was of a most cheery disposition and a great favourite in the community. Widow Gillies lost another son, Angus (also Seaforths) who was killed in France on 2 October 1916. Another son, Alexander, is serving on board HMS Edinburgh Castle. The sympathy of the community goes out to widow Gillies on her double bereavement.