Angus Matheson, 18 Uigen

Deckhand ANGUS MATHESON
Last address in Lewis: 18 Uigen,
Son of Malcolm Matheson, of 18, Uigen Miavaig, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMD Winner
Service number: 18694/DA
Date of birth: 11 September 1899
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 19
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire
Interred: Valtos Burial Ground, near northwest corner
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry

Angus was one of the children of Malcolm (1858) and Catherine (1866), the others being Annie (1904), Donald (1908), Margaret (1897), Murdo (1911), Norman (1906) and Peggy.

John Macleod, 17 Uigen

Deckhand JOHN MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 17 Uigen,
Son of Murdo MacLeod
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMML 502
Service number: 4435/SD
Date of birth: 7 May 1898
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 22
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire
Interred: Valtos Burial Ground, in northeast part
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry

John was one of the children of Murdo (1866) and Ann (1869), the others being Catherine, Donald (1900), Malcolm (1894), Mary (1898) and Murdo (1908).

His brother Malcolm served in the Seaforth Highlanders but survived the war.

 

Donald Macleod, 10 Mangersta

Deck Hand DONALD MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 10 Mangersta,
Son of Finlay McLeod and Christina McLeod, of 10, Mangersta, Miavaig, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, H.M.P.M.S. "Nepaulin."
Service number: 14736/DA
Year of birth: 1899
Date of death: 20 April 1917 at the age of 18
Ship sunk by mine, laid by U-12, near the Dyck LV
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 26,
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry

Donald Morrison, 8 Mangersta

Seaman DONALD MORRISON
Last address in Lewis: 8 Mangersta,
Son of John and Annie Morrison, of Breanish, Stornoway;
Husband of Annie Maciver (nee Morrison), of Crowlista, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Jason
Service number: 1448C
Date of birth: 1868
Date of death: 3 April 1917 at the age of 49
Drowned following scuttling of ship by U-10
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 26,
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry

Donald appears in the 1871 census at 31 Brenish, aged 2, the son of John (34) and Ann (38) Morrison.   A decade later, the family has grown to include Mary (7), Angus (5), Chirsty (3) and Catherine (2 months).

His brother Malcolm also served in the RNR but survived the war.

Stornoway Gazette
Lost in mining of ship
Another of our brave seamen has “crossed the bar”. He leaves a widow to mourn his loss and to his old widowed mother (who is still living) his death will be a very sore blow indeed. Donald, by his wit and humour, would keep any company he happened to be in in merry mood. In his dealings with his fellow-men, he was said to be as straight as a die. He will be greatly missed, not only in his own village, but in the neighbouring township where he was so well known and admired. 

Angus Morrison, 13B Kneep

Seaman ANGUS MORRISON
Last address in Lewis: 13B Kneep,
Son of Angus and Margaret Morrison, of Uig, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMT Lochiel
Service number: 2748A
Date of death: 24 July 1918 at the age of 47
Ship sunk by U-boat
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 30
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry

Angus is one of the children of Angus (1833) and Margaret (1839),  the others being Ann (1883), Catherine (1866), Donald (1869), John (1864), Malcolm (1880), Margaret (1874) and Norman (1877).

His brother Norman also served in the RNR but survived the war. 

Stornoway Gazette
Last week, Mrs Morrison (Banntrach Aonghais Thormaid) received official intimation that her son Angus had been killed when his ship was sunk on 24 July 1918. Sincerest sympathy is extended to the aged mother and other members of the family in their great sorrow.  

John Buchanan, 6 Kneep

Iain Dhomhnaill an Saighdear
Lance Corporal JOHN BUCHANAN
Last address in Lewis: 6 Kneep,
Son of Donald and Isabella nee Buchanan
Service unit: 1st Cameron Highlanders
Service number: 3/5300
Enlisted at Inverness
Date of birth: 26 July 1894
Date of death: 22 July 1916 at the age of 28
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Thiepval Memorial, Pier and Face 15B
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry

John was one of the children of Donald (1859) and Isabella (1860), the others being Ann (1893), Betsy (1895), Katie Ann (1900), Norman (1903) and Peggy (1897).

Stornoway Gazette, 1917
UIG SOLDIER KILLED. It is with deep regret that we announced the death of Pte John Buchanan, 5300 1st Cameron Highlanders, son of Mr and Mrs Donald Buchanan, 6 Kneep, Uig. He was killed in action in France on the 23rd day of July last, when he was within two days of being 22 years old. He went over to France in October 1914, and was there continuously, either in the trenches or at the Base, except one furlough of ten days, during which he was able to visit is uncle, the late Norman Buchanan Esq, of Yeovil, but he was not able to come North to see his parents. Along with his brave regiment he saw much fighting and passed under very heavy fire, and he was on som occasions wonderfully preserved when many of his comrades fell; but the fatal blow came at last to him also. He was a most excellent and promising young man, always serious and thoughtful, and made more serious and thoughtful by the solemn circumstances in which he spent the last portion of his life; kind-hearted and amiable to a degree, and upright and stainless in life. He was a brave and loyal soldier of his earthly King, who faced danger and endured hardship boldly and cheerfully, and he gave every promised that, if he had been spared, he would prove an equally true and faithful soldier and follower of the Prince of Peace. But He whose love and wisdom infinitely exceeds ours saw fit to remove him, along with hundreds more of our best and noblest young men, and all who knew him, sincerely mourn his loss and extend their deepest sympathy to the bereaved parents and all the members of the family in their great sorrow.

Murdo Macdonald, 4B Kneep

Seaman MURDO MACDONALD
Murchadh Aonghais Domhnallach
Last address in Lewis: 4B Kneep,
Service unit: Merchant Marine
Date of birth: 22 April 1895
Date of death: 1915
Killed in an explosion at New Orleans
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry

Donald Macdonald, 4 Kneep

Sergeant DONALD MACDONALD
Domhnaill Mhorgain
Last address in Lewis: 4 Kneep,
Son of Murdo and Chirsty MacDonald, of 4, Kneep, Miavaig, Stornoway.
Service unit: 1st Gordon Highlanders
Service number: 3/5541
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of birth: 2 June 1893
Date of death: 1 April 1916 at the age of 23
Killed in action
Memorial: Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Panel 38
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry

Donald was one of the children of Murdo (1866) and Christina (1865), the others being Catherine (1903), John (1896), Mary and Norman (1894).

His brother Norman served in the RNR and survived the war. 

George Edward Calder, Kinlochroag

Private GEORGE EDWARD CALDER
Last address in Lewis: Kinlochroag
Son of the late John and Ellen Calder.
Service unit: Seaforth Highlanders, attached Machine Gun Corps
Service number: 141137
Enlisted at Stornoway
Born in New South Wales
Date of death: 22 May 1918 at the age of 31
Died in hospital at Sunderland of wounds sustained in Flanders in March 1918
Interred: Valtos Cemetery, Northeast part.
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry

Stornoway Gazette, 28 June 1918
Pte George Calder, son of John Calder, Kinlochroag, died in hospital at Sunderland on 22nd May 1918. Pte Calder, who was in the Machine Gun Corps, was wounded in action on 22nd March, and seemed to have been making very favourable progress after being removed to England. In a letter received from the doctor it is stated that he was admitted to hospital suffering from a severe wound with fracture of the left arm, but his case was not considered dangerous. After operation, his wound gradually improved, but on 18 May he showed signs of oncoming pneumonia, and from the morning of the 21st, when he had a bad attack, his condition was grave. He was quite cheerful, and being asked if he would like his people sent for, he thought he would rather not bother them unnecessarily. Next day, the gallant lad died, the cause of death being septic pneumonia, arising from the septic condition of his wound. Expressing his regret that he cannot give more personal particulars, the doctor assures the relatives that the lad had every care and attention, and that his death was a matter of great regret to his nurses and medical officers alike. The remains were brought home to Valtos Cemetery.

John Macaulay, 7 Islivig

Leading Deckhand JOHN MACAULAY
Last address in Lewis: 7 Islivig,
Son of Donald and Peggy MacAulay, of 7, Islivig Miavig, Stornoway, Lewis; husband of Catherine MacAulay, of Breanish, Islivig, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, SS Kenmare
Service number: 4315SD
Date of death: 2 March 1918 at the age of 37
Ship sunk by U-104, 25 miles NW of the Skerries, Anglesey
Interred: Balrothery (St Peter) Church of Ireland Churchyard (north of the church)
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry

Please visit this website for all information on this casualty.

Angus Macdonald, Islivig

Rifleman ANGUS MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: Islivig,
Youngest son of Donald and Annie MacDonald.
Service unit: 1st Bn 3rd New Zealand Rifle Brigade
Service number: 53380
Date of birth: 22 May 1889
Date of death: 4 December 1917 at the age of 30
Died of wounds
Interred: Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, grave XXIV. B. 20

Enlisted at Napier, New Zealand, on 31 January 1917, aged 28.
Height: 5 ft 8 ½"
Complexion: Ruddy
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Light brown
Religion: Presbyterian

Stornoway Gazette
Mrs Macdonald, UF Mission House, Gravir, received the sad intelligence on Thursday, 21st February 1918, that her brother Angus died of wounds in France on 4 December 1917. Angus left home in Islivig, Uig, at the age of 18½ years and went to the United States, where he served his apprentice-ship to the granite monumental trade in Montpiller, Vermont. Shortly afterwards het set up business for himself in South Dakota with good success. However, through a desire to join his senior brother who was in New Zealand, he sold out and went there in 1915. He came under the Ballot there in 1917 and landed in France about the middle of October; was wounded on 1st December, and after undergoing an operation died on the 4th. He was a cheerful and sincere Christian young man, ever  since his conversion, which happened after going to the United States, until he ended his short span of 28 years.

Angus Maciver, 4 Geshader

Seaman ANGUS MACIVER
Last address in Lewis: 4 Geshader,
Son of Murdo and Marion MacIver, of 4, Geshader, Uig, Stornoway.
Service unit: Merchant Marine, SS Tagona
Date of birth: 7 January 1887
Date of death: 16 May 1918 at the age of 32
Ship sunk by U-55, 5 miles WSW of Trevose Head
Interred: St Minver / St Minifrida Cemetery
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry
Had previously been torpedoed in the Mediterranean

Angus was one of the children of Murdo (1847) and Marion (1848), the others being Ann (1881), Finlay (1879), Isabella (1883), Kenneth (1888), Kirsty (1877), Margaret (1884) and Marion (1892)

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

Stornoway Gazette, 7 June 1918
Quite a gloom was cast over the whole district when the mail last Thursday morning brought intelligence to Murdo Maciver, 4 Geshader, that his son Angus had lost hid life on the 16th May through Hun barbarity, his ship being torpedoed somewhere between the Bay of Biscay and the English Channel. The steamer, which was sunk without warning, broke in two and floundered in forty seconds, it being impossible to lower any boats in such a short time. Unfortunately, eight members of the crew lost their lives, including the master, the second mate, chief and third engineer, Angus, another A.P., and two firemen. Angus was a general favourite with old and young. In his youth, he served as a monitor in Lochcroistean School with the utmost satisfaction to all concerned. He had been following a seafaring life for the past two or three years and had been torpedoed once before. The steamer he was serving on had been torpedoed in the Med off the Aegean Coast in August last year. Angus was on look-out at the time but saw the torpedo coming and escaped being thrown overboard. His crew at that time were picked up and landed by a French destroyer. The sympathy of the whole community goes out to the aged parents, brother and sisters in their bereavement

Murdo Macleod, 2 Geshader

Private MURDO MACLEOD
Pummal
Last address in Lewis: 2 Geshader,
Son of Malcolm and Kirsty Macleod,
Married in Glasgow to girl from Skye. Had 2 children.
Service unit: Seaforth Highlanders
Year of birth: 1886
Date of death: 13 October 1918 at the age of 35
Killed in action in France
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry
Had been resident in Glasgow for more than 12 years

Murdo was one of the children of Malcolm (1850) and Christina (1861), the others being Ann, Christina (1895), George (1887) and William (1898).

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



Stornoway Gazette, 28 February 1919 
A wave of sorrow passed over Geshader some time ago when It became known that Pte. Murdo MacLeod, Seaforths, eldest son of Mr Malcolm MacLeod, 2 Geshader, was killed, in action on 13th October last. He was first reported missing and some slight hopes were entertained for his safety for a month or two until his commanding officer notified his wife that he had been killed in action on the above date. Murdo left his home in Geshader about twelve years ago and settled in Glasgow, where he was employed for some time as a railway porter and latterly on the sub-way, until he was called up about eighteen months ago. He crossed to France last April and was in many hot scrapes, out of which he escaped scatheless until the day he fell. Murdo was a general favourite and the sympathy of the whole community goes out to his two young children, his aged parents, and, his brothers and sisters in their sore bereavement. 

John Macleod, 1 Enaclete

Lance Corporal JOHN MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 1 Enaclete,
Son of Donald Macleod
Service unit: 1st Cameron Highlanders
Service number: 3/3669
Date of birth: 8 November 1889
Date of death: 28 September 1915 at the age of 26
Killed in action at Loos
Memorial: Loos Memorial, Panel 119 to 124
Mentioned on family gravestone in Ardroil Cemetery, Lewis
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry

John was a tailor in Glasgow. He was one of the children of Donald (1856) and Isabella (1860), the other siblings being Catherine (1896), Donald, Kenneth (1895), Marybell (1899), Murdo (1903), Norman (1892) and Williamina.

From Hebridean Connections
Sergeant John Macleod. Cameron Highlanders, killed in action at the Battle of Loos
In Loving memory of my dear brother John who was killed in France at the Battle of Loos on the 25th September, 1915, aged 26 years.

In the still and quiet hours of night
When sleep has forsaken my eyes,
My thoughts are far away in France
Where my dear brother lies.

His sorrowing sister, Mary Bell MacLeod, 1 Enaclete, Uig, Isle of Lewis.

Marybell's father and four of her brothers served in World War 1: her father Donald MacLeod M.S.M., Cameron Highlanders; and her brothers John, Cameron Highlanders; Donald, Royal Naval Reserve; Norman, Mercantile Marine and Kenneth, Royal Naval Reserve (Trawler Section). It seems John was actually a Private.

 

Roderick Macleod, 5 Lundale

"Ruairidh Dhomhnaill Anna"
Private RODERICK MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 5 Lundale,
Son of Donald Macleod, of 5, Lundale, Stornoway.
Service unit: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7124
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 10 March 1915 at the age of 19
Killed in action
Memorial: Le Touret Memorial, Panel 38 and 39
Local memorial: Great Bernera
Killed on the first day of the Battle of Neuve Chapelle

Roderick was one of the children of Donald (1855) and Annie (1856), the others being Angus (1880), Catherine Ann (1900), Donald (1886), Duncan John (1898), John (1882), Kenneth (1883), Malcolm (1893), Murdo (1889) and Norman (1891) .

His brother Angus was killed in action in 1916, serving with the Seaforth Highlanders.
His brothers Donald and Malcolm also served in the Seaforths; Kenneth was in the RNR as was Norman, and Duncan John was in the Merchant Navy.

Angus Macleod, 5 Lundale

Lance Corporal ANGUS MACLEOD
"Aonghas Dhomhnuill Anna"
Last address in Lewis: 5 Lundale,
Son of Donald and Annie Macleod
Married to Christina Macdonald, father of Angus Macleod
Service unit: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 7378
Enlisted at Glasgow
Date of birth: 17 November 1880
Date of death: 10 December 1916 at the age of 36
Killed in action
Interred: Sailly-Saillisel British Cemetery, grave IV. C. 2
Local memorial: Great Bernera

Angus was one of the children of Donald (1855) and Annie (1856), the others being Catherine Ann (1900), Donald (1886), Duncan John (1898), John (1882), Kenneth (1883), Malcolm (1893), Murdo (1889) and Norman (1891).


His brother Roderick was killed in action in 1915, serving with the Seaforth Highlanders.
His brothers Donald and Malcolm also served in the Seaforths; Kenneth was in the RNR as was Norman, and Duncan John was in the Merchant Navy.

Battalion war diary for 10 December 1916
The battalion is entrenched at Sailly-Saillisel

Very wet again. Trenches getting worse. At night, the battalion relieved the 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers in the front line. Comapnies after relief were distributed as follows: A coy left front, B coy right front, C and D companies were in support, C coy coming into trenches near Battn HQ and D coy remaining in its previous position. The front line trenches were in a really very bad state, and A and B companies spent their first night in digging men of the Risih Fusiliers out of the mud, where in some cases they had been stuck for ten hours. All the company work, was done by the two companies in support in the night. 

Donald Macaulay, 3 Lundale

Seaman DONALD MACAULAY
"Domhnall Thormoid Bhain"
Last address in Lewis: 3 Lundale,
Son of Norman and Catherine Macaulay
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMAB Duke of Albany
Service number: 3060C
Date of death: 24 August 1916 at the age of 30
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 18
Mentioned on family gravestone in Bosta Cemetery, Great Bernera
Local memorial: Great Bernera
Ship sunk by UB-27, 20 miles E of Wick

Donald was one of the 12 children of Norman (1843) and Catherine (1859), the others being Angus (1894), Annie (1897), Chirsty Ann (1902), Duncan (1890), Jane (1880, died aged 2 months), Jane (1882), John (1892), Malcolm (1900), Marion (1887), Murdo (1878) and Norman (1885).

His brother Donald served in the RNR and was drowned in 1916; his brother John was killed in action in 1914.

Joined Anson Bn, RND (D/94) on 19 September 1914.

John Macaulay, 3 Lundale

Private JOHN MACAULAY
"Iain Thormoid Bhain"
Son of Norman and Catherine Macaulay
Last address in Lewis: 3 Lundale,
Service unit: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/6893
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 26 October 1914 at the age of 22
Killed in action in Flanders
Memorial: Ploegsteert Memorial, panel 9
Mentioned on family gravestone in Bosta Cemetery, Great Bernera
Local memorial: Great Bernera

John was one of the 12 children of Norman (1843) and Catherine (1859), the others being Angus (1894), Annie (1897), Chirsty Ann (1902), Donald (1883), Duncan (1890), Jane (1880, died aged 2 months), Jane (1882), Malcolm (1900), Marion (1887), Murdo (1878) and Norman (1885).

His brother Donald served in the RNR and was drowned in 1916; his brother Angus was killed in action in 1916.

Angus Macaulay, 3 Lundale

Private ANGUS MACAULAY
"Aonghas Thormoid Bhain"
Last address in Lewis: 3 Lundale,
Son of Norman and Catherine Macaulay
Service unit: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/6990
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 22 April 1916
Killed in action in Mesopotamia
Memorial: Basra Memorial, Iraq, Panel 37 and 64
Mentioned on family gravestone in Bosta Cemetery, Great Bernera
Local memorial: Great Bernera

Angus was one of the 12 children of Norman (1843) and Catherine (1859), the others being Annie (1897), Chirsty Ann (1902), Donald (1883), Duncan (1890), Jane (1880, died aged 2 months), Jane (1882), John (1892), Malcolm (1900), Marion (1887), Murdo (1878) and Norman (1885).

His brother Donald served in the RNR and was drowned in 1916; his brother John was killed in action in 1914.

Kenneth Smith, 1 Earshader

Seaman KENNETH SMITH
Last address in Lewis: 1 Earshader,
Son to John and Marion Smith
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Cove
Service number: 1620C
Date of birth: 6 October 1875
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 45
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire
Interred: Bosta, Great Bernera, Lewis
Local memorial: Great Bernera

From Hebridean Connections: After the Iolaire Disaster, his suitcase was recovered and found to contain gifts for his family including a fringed shawl, a silk scarf and a silk handkerchief with "Gibraltar" written on it, and some brown silk material that was later used to make a dress for his daughter Marion. Marion recalled that it was so fine it had to be lined with a dark material.

Kenneth was one of the children of John (1839) and Marion (1837), the others being Christina (1880), Margaret (1897, died in infancy), Mary (1875) and Murdo (1877).

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

Kenneth Ferguson, 6 Crulivig

Private KENNETH FERGUSON
"Coinneach Dhomhnaill Gobha"
Last address in Lewis: 6 Crulivig
Son of Donald and Margaret Ferguson, of 6, Crulivig, Uig, Stornoway.
Service unitn: 2nd / 4th Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 4987
Date of death: 11 December 1916
Died of wounds
Interred: Contay British Cemetery, grave VIII. E. 15.
Mentioned on family gravestone in Bosta Cemetery, Great Bernera
Local memorial: Great Bernera, Breaclet

Kenneth was one of the children of Donald (1843) and Margaret (1857), the others being Angus (1881), Donald (1880), Duncan (1893), Finlay (1885), John (1888), Malcolm (1890), Margaret (1883) and Mary (1896). 

Angus was wounded and taken prisoner at St Julien, exchanged for German POW in 1915. Left leg amputated at thigh. Finlay and Malcolm were in the RNR; John was lost in 1918, serving in the US Army in France.

Stornoway Gazette, January 1917
Crulivig Lad Dies of Wounds
Deep sympathy is felt for Mrs Ferguson, 6 Crulivig, whose son, Kenneth, has died of wounds received in action. The late soldier was for eight years shop assistant in the employment of Mr Norman Mackenzie, Bayble Stores, and during that time so endeared himself to the people of Bayble and Garrabost that he is mourned there as if he had been born and bred in the district. Of a most kindly disposition, he was liked by everyone who knew him. He was never known to speak a cross word to young or old, and deported himself towards all with the utmost respect and self-respect - he was truly one of Nature's gentlemen. He was called up last March, and after four months' training was sent to the front, where he was wounded on 8th December, and died in hospital three days later, after having had his leg amputated.

John Ferguson, 6 Crulivig

Private 1st class JOHN FERGUSON
"Iain Dhomhnaill Gobha"
Son of Donald and Margaret Ferguson
Last address in Lewis: 6 Crulivig
Service unit: US Army, 16th Infantry Regiment, First Infantry Division
Date of birth: 25 February 1888
Date of death: 18 July 1918 at the age of 30
Killed in action in France
Mentioned on family gravestone in Bosta Cemetery, Great Bernera
Local memorial: Great Bernera, Breaclet

John was one of the children of Donald (1843) and Margaret (1857), the others being Angus (1881), Donald (1880), Duncan (1893), FInlay (1885), Malcolm (1890), Margaret (1883) and Mary (1896). 

Angus was wounded and taken prisoner at St Julien, exchanged for German POW in 1915. Left leg amputated at thigh. Finlay and Malcolm were in the RNR; Kenneth served with the Seaforth Highlanders but died of wounds in 1917.

Malcolm Macleod, 1 Crulivig

Private MALCOLM KENNETH MACLEOD
"Calum Allaidh"
Last address in Lewis: 1 Crulivig
Son of Christina and Donald Macleod
Service unit: 5th Cameron Highlanders
Service number: 3/5560
Enlisted at Inverness
Date of birth: 21 July 1895
Date of death: 25 September 1915
Killed in action
Memorial: Loos Memorial, panel 119 to 124
Local memorial: Great Bernera, Breaclet

Malcolm was one of the children of Donald (1859) and Christina nee Mackay (1857), the other  siblings were Annie (1896, died aged 3 months), Catherine Ann (1886), Donald (1884), Hectorina (1894, died aged 4 months), John (1901), Kenneth (1898), Malcolm (1890, died aged 3 months), Malcolm (1892, died aged 2), Margaret (1887) and an unnamed son (1889, died aged 10 days).

George Morrison, 20 Brenish

Seaman GEORGE MORRISON
Last address in Lewis: 20 Brenish,
Son of John and Marion Morrison
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMML 307
Service number: 3499/SD
Date of birth: 27 September 1895
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 20
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire
Interred: Ardroil Cemetery, grave XI. 1.
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry
Had joined voluntarily early in the war

George appears in the 1901 census at the home of his grandparents Norman (78) and Catherine (74) Morrison, where his parents John (40) and Marion (37) also reside. His baby brother Norman (3 months)

Peter Buchanan, 23 Crowlista

Seaman PETER BUCHANAN
Last address in Lewis: 23 Crowlista,
Son of Donald and Christy Buchanan
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Pembroke
Service number: 7700/A
Date of birth: 23 January 1886
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 33
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire, was never found
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 32
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry

Peter appears in the 1901 census, aged 15, the son of Donald (56) and Kate (57) and brother of John (24), Katie (19) and Angus (12). 

His brother Kenneth also served in the RNR but survived the war. 

Donald Macdonald, 20 Crowlista

Seaman DONALD MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 20 Crowlista,
Son of Donald and Margaret Macdonald, of 20, Crowlista
Service unit: Merchant Marine, SS Windsor Hall
Service number: 3911/A
Date of death: 17 January 1918 at the age of 28
Ship sunk by torpedo
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 30
Mentioned on family gravestone in Ardroil Cemetery, Lewis
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry

Donald appears in the 1891 census, aged 2, the son of Donald (40) and Margaret (29), and brother of Duncan (6 months).

His brothers Duncan and Murdo both served in the Seaforth Highlanders and were injured during the war. 

John Macdonald, 16 Crowlista

Petty Officer JOHN MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 16 Crowlista,
Son of the late Angus Macdonald, of 16, Crowlista
Husband of Rachel Nicolson Macdonald, of 16, Crowlista,
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Arrogant
Service number: 2554C
Date of birth: 3 December 1873
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 45
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire, was never found
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 32
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry

John appears in the 1891 census, aged 17, the son of Angus (53) and Flora (51), and brother of Murdo (22), Annie (19), Norina (12) and Malcolm D (9).

Malcolm Mackay, 14B Crowlista

Seaman MALCOLM MACKAY
Last address in Lewis: 14B Crowlista,
Son of Donald and Margaret MacKay, of 14, Crowlista, Uig, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Pembroke
Service number: 7699/A
Date of death: 4 November 1892
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 26
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire
Interred: Ardroil Cemetery, Lewis, grave XI. 28
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry

Malcolm appears in the 1901 census, aged 8, the son of Donald (54) and Margaret (45), and brother of Annie (19), Murdo (13), Katie (11), John (8), Neil (4), Mary Ann (2) and Willie (2).

Ewen Macdonald, 13 Crowlista

Deckhand EWEN MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 13 Crowlista,
Born at Callanish
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMT John Gray
Service number: 19896DA
Date of  birth: 8 March 1900
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 18
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire
Interred: Ardroil Cemetery, Lewis, V. 89
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry

Ewen appears in the 1901 census aged 1, the nephew of Malcolm Mcleod (40) at 13 Crowlista.

Peter Maclean, 12B Crowlista

Private PETER MACLEAN
Last address in Lewis: 12B Crowlista,
Son of Peter and Jane Maclean. Born at Crowlista, Lewis, Scotland.
Service unit: 16th Australian Infantry
Service number: 6304
Date of death: 11 April 1917 at the age of 40
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Villers-Bretonneux Memorial,
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry

Son of Peter Maclean
Height: 6 ft 0 in
Complexion: Dark
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Black
Religious denomination: Presbyterian

Joined up in Blackboy Hall
Date of attestation: 16 February 1916
Age at attestation: 39 years
Service unit: Australians

Peter appears in the 1881 census, aged 4, the son of Jane (45), and brother of Kenneth (19), Jane (17), John (13), Malcolm (11), Anne (8) and Hector (6).  

Stornoway Gazette
This week, information was conveyed to Mr John Maclean, Crowlista, that his brother, Pte Peter Maclean, Australians, was killed in action on 11 April 1917. Peter had served in Egypt during the South-African campaign, after which he came back to this country and served some time in the Glasgow police force. Six years ago, he went to Australia to try his fortune there. He was very successful, but 18 months ago he left a thriving business and in his country's hour of need volunteered to come to her assistance. His unit did good work in Egypt first, and is now distinguishing itself  so conspicuously in France.

Angus Macdonald, 6 Crowlista

Seaman ANGUS MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 6 Crowlista,
Son of John Macdonald and of Annie Macleod Macdonald, of 6, Crowlista,
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Kent
Service number: 4554/A
Date of birth: 16 October 1887
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 31
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire
Interred: Ardroil Cemetery, Lewis, grave I. 24
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry
Took part in action against "Nurnberg" and "Dresden," off Falkland Islands


His brother Roderick served in the RNR, Donald was in the Royal Army Medical Corps,  and Hector was in the Seaforth Highlanders. These three survived the war.

John Macdonald, 2 Crowlista

Lance Sergeant JOHN MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 2 Crowlista,
Son of Donald Macdonald, of 2, Crowlista, Miavaig, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 9191
Enlisted at Glasgow
Date of death: 8 November 1914 at the age of 28
Killed in action
Memorial: Le Touret, panel 38 and 39
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry

John appears in the 1891 census, aged 4, the son of Donald (40) and Janet (36), and brother of Malcolm (13), Henrietta (7) and Malcolm (2). 

His older brother Malcolm served in the Seaforth Highlanders, was wounded in 1915 and discharged; his younger brother Malcolm served in the RNR. Both these survived the war.

Murdo Nicolson, 1 Crowlista

Deckhand MURDO NICOLSON
Last address in Lewis: 1 Crowlista,
Son of Catherine Nicolson, of 1, Crowlista, and the late Donald Nicolson.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMML 10
Service number: 4258/SD
Date of birth: 7 June 1897
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 21
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire, was never found
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, Panel 32
Mentioned on family gravestone in Ardroil Cemetery, Lewis
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry

Murdo appears in the 1901 census at 1 Crowlista, aged 3, the son of Donald (55) and Catherine (45), and brother of Catherine (22), Alexander (20), John (16), Rachel (14), Norman (12), Donald (9), Kenneth (7), Marion (5) and Murdo (3). The 1891 census also shows the oldest son Murdo (14).

Four of his brothers also served; the older Murdo in the RNR, Norman in the Royal Engineers and Kenneth in the Royal Naval Division - he was interned in Holland during the war. Donald served in the Seaforth Highlanders, but died in hospital in 1917.

Donald Nicolson, 1 Crowlista

Private DONALD NICOLSON
Last address in Lewis: 1 Crowlista,
Son of Donald and Catherine Nicolson, of Crowlista, Uig, Stornoway.
Service unit: 8th Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: S/17825
Date of death: 8 August 1917 at the age of 26
Died in hospital in France
Interred: Etaples Military Cemetery, grave XXII. O. 18
Mentioned on family gravestone in Ardroil Cemetery, Lewis
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry

Donald appears in the 1901 census at 1 Crowlista, aged 9, the son of Donald (55) and Catherine (45), and brother of Catherine (22), Alexander (20), John (16), Rachel (14), Norman (12), Kenneth (7), Marion (5) and Murdo (3). The 1891 census also shows the oldest son Murdo (14).

Four of his brothers also served; the two Murdo's in the RNR, Norman in the Royal Engineers and Kenneth in the Royal Naval Division - he was interned in Holland during the war. The younger Murdo was lost in the Iolaire Disaster.

Stornoway Gazette, August 1917
On Tuesday last (14th August 1917), his mother was informed by telegram that Pte Donald Nicolson, Seaforth Highlanders, 1 Crowlista, was seriously ill with dysentery. A few hours afterwards, another wire followed informing her of his death. It was a great shock to the poor mother who had been left a widow only last spring. Donald (Domhnall Beag) was expected home just at that time and all were anxiously and interestedly awaiting his homecoming, but alas! such was not to be

William Macneill, 1 Carishader

Lance Sergeant WILLIAM MACNEILL
Last address in Lewis: 1 Carishader,
Service unit: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 9393
Date of birth: 18 March 1888
Date of death: 9 May 1915 at the age of 27
Killed in action at Neuve Chapelle
Memorial: Le Touret Memorial, panel 38 and 39,
Mentioned on family gravestone in Ardroil Cemetery, Lewis
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry

Had served 9 years with Seaforths in India (Medal and Clasp); was awarded DCM for gallantry at Givenchy and awarded Russian Cross of the Order of St George (4th Class).

William appears in the 1901 census, aged 13, the son of William (56) and Isabella (50), and brother of Catherine A (23), Malcolm (18), John (17) and Mary (8).

Malcolm Macneill, 1 Carishader

Lance Corporal MALCOLM MACNEILL
Last address in Lewis: 1 Carishader,
Son of William and Isabella MacNeill, of Carishader
Service unit: 2nd Field Company New Zealand Engineers
Service number: 12061
Date of birth: 26 April 1882
Date of death: 29 August 1918 at the age of 34
Killed in action in France
Interred: Grevillers British Cemetery, grave XI. D. 15.
Mentioned on family gravestone in Ardroil Cemetery, Lewis
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry

Height: 5 ft 9½ in
Complexion: Dark
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Dark
Religion: Presbyterian

Malcolm appears in the 1901 census, aged 18, the son of William (56) and Isabella (50), and brother of Catherine A (23), John (17), William (13) and Mary (8).

His brother William was killed in action in 1915, serving with the Seaforth Highlanders.

Peter Macleod, 29 Brenish

Sergeant PETER MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 29 Brenish,
Son of Donald and Catherine MacLeod, of Breanish,
Service unit: 13 Battallion Royal Highlanders of Canada.
Service number: 24202
Date of death: 24 April 1915 at the age of 28
Memorial: Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Panel 24 - 26 - 28 - 30
Went into firing line in February 1915

Date of birth: Dec 1888
Height: 5 ft 8½ in
Complexion: Fair
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Brown
Religion: Presbyterian
Trade / occupation: Steamfitter
Volunteered at Valcartier on 22 September 1914

His brother Angus died of pneumonia in 1918, having served with the RNR. 

Angus Macleod, 29 Brenish

Seaman ANGUS MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 29 Brenish,
Youngest son of Donald and Catherine MacLeod, of Bridge St., Breanish, Uig, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Ganges / SS Navasoat
Service number: 3968/A
Date of birth: 3 December 1892
Date of death: 7 October 1918 at the age of 26
Died of pneumonia in Bootle
Interred: Ardroil Cemetery, grave I. 2. 31.
Also quoted as dying in London. 

His brother Peter was killed in action 1915, serving with the Canadian forces.

Murdo Mackinnon, 18 Brenish

Deckhand MURDO MACKINNON
Last address in Lewis: 18 Brenish,
Son of Cain and Christina Buchanan MacKinnon. of 18, Breanish, Uig, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMD Eddy
Service number: 21209/DA
Date of birth: 26 July 1900
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 18
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire
Interred: Ardroil Cemetery, Uig, grave X.I.C. 9.
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry
Had only been on service for 6 months

Donald John Morrison, 17 Brenish

Private DONALD JOHN MORRISON
Last address in Lewis: 17 Brenish,
Son of Ewen and Christina Morrison, of Brenish, Uig, Lewis, Scotland.
Service unit: 1st Canadian Infantry (Western Ontario Regiment)
Service number: 2355341
Date of death: 1 October 1918 at the age of 30
Killed in action in France, while attending wounded soldiers
Interred: Sancourt British Cemetery, grave I. B. 6.
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry

Date of birth: 10 November 1888
Height: 5 ft 5 in
Complexion: Dark
Eyes: Grey
Hair: Dark brown
Religion: Presbyterian
Trade / occupation: Shepherd
Volunteered at London, ON on 17 July 1917

Donald appears in the 1901 census at the public school house, the son of Ewen (58), and brother of Angus (28), Malcolm (16) and Annie (10). 

Neil Donald Buchanan, 11 Brenish

Seaman NEIL DONALD BUCHANAN
Last address in Lewis: 11 Brenish,
Son of the late Neil Buchanan, of Braenish, Uig, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Ganges
Service number: 4442/A
Date of death: 22 March 1917 at the age of 27
Died at home
Interred: Ardroil Cemetery, Uig, grave XV. 23.
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry

His brother Malcolm John was killed in France in 1914, serving in the Cameron Highlanders.

Malcolm John Buchanan, 11 Brenish

Private MALCOLM JOHN BUCHANAN
Last address in Lewis: 11 Brenish,
Service unit: 1st Cameron Highlanders
Service number: 3802
Enlisted at Inverness
Date of death: 24 October 1914 at the age of 26
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Ypres (Menin Gate), panel 38 and 40
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry

His brother Malcolm was interned in Holland from October 1914.
His other brother Neil died at home in 1917.

Kenneth Maclean, 1 Brenish

Private KENNETH MACLEAN
Last address in Lewis: 1 Brenish,
Brother of Mrs D. Bethune, 18 Balfour Street, Leith, Scotland.
Son of Murdo and Margaret Maclean.
Service unit: 2nd Battallion Auckland Regiment, New Zealand Expeditionary Force
Service number: 12/3714
Date of death: 3 October 1916 at the age of 33
Killed in action
Interred: Caterpillar Valley (New Zealand) Memorial
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry

Stornoway Gazette, January 1917
The family of the late Mr Murdo Maclean, Breanish, Uig, has been officially informed that their brother, Pte Kenneth Maclean, Auckland Infantry Regiment, New Zealand Expeditionary Force, was killed at the front on 3rd October [1916]. Pte Maclean left home some ten years ago. After serving four years in the drapery business at Cardiff, he emigrated to New Zealand where he prospered well. Being most anxious to do his bit for the upkeep of the Empire, he threw up his position and enlisted in October 1915. He went into the firing line in April 1916, and served faithfully until his death on 3 October 1916. Pte Maclean was an exceptionally nice going man, always having a kind word for everyone. His obliging disposition early won him the esteem ofo all whom he came into contact with. His death is deplored not alone by his near and dear relatives, but also by a wide circle of friends who now extend their heartfelt sympathy to the late soldier's relatives in their own bereavement. Pte Maclean was 33 years of age and unmarried.

Alexander James Macleod, Ardroil Farm

Private ALEXANDER JAMES MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: Ardroil Farm
Son of the late Donald Alexander Macleod and of Julia F. Macleod, of 22, Forest Rd. Edinburgh. Born at Glasgow.
Service unit: Yorkshire & Lancashire Regiment
Service number: 33545
Date of death: 24 May 1918 at the age of 23
Died suddenly at Sunderland
Interred: Glasgow (Eastwood) Cemetery Spec. Memorial
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry; Nicolson Institute WW1, middle panel

Shellshocked in France in March 1918. Alternative Commemoration - buried in Glasgow (Sighthill) Cemetery.

His brother Malcolm B was a surgeon-lieutenant  in the Royal Navy.

Donald Matheson Fraser, Uig Manse

Image (c) Comann Eachdraidh Uig

Private DONALD MATHESON FRASER
Last address in Lewis: Uig Manse, Baile na Cille
Son of Duncan Fraser, of Achnairn, Lairg, Sutherlandshire, and of the late Mary Matheson Fraser.
Service unit: 2nd Royal Scots
Service number: 18744
Date of death: 26 September 1917 at the age of 25
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Tyne Cot Memorial, panel 11 to 14 and 162
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry

Donald appears in the 1891 census at the Gamekeepers House in Durness, the 1-year old son of Duncan (33) and Catherine (31), and brother of John (5), Annie (3) and Isabella (2). A decade later, we also find Ellen (8), John (4) and Alexander (1). The elder John, aged 5 in 1891, does not feature in this census.

Donald Matheson Fraser was born in 1891 in South Gairloch in Wester Ross, a son for Duncan Fraser (a gamekeeper) and Mary Matheson. By 1914, Mary is no longer alive. Donald is a student at the Heriot School in Edinburgh. On 9 December of that year, he joins the Royal Scots and is sent to the Western Front. With the exception of a gunshot wound, sustained in 1916, and a few episodes of illness, Donald comes through the campaign unscathed. But on 26 September 1917, he is reported missing, which is quickly changed to killed in action.

His father has by then moved to Invershin, a small village in Sutherland near Lairg, and receives the news of the death of his son. Donald's personal effects are sent to Duncan, which includes religious books, a wallet, a photo, letters and a bible.

Donald is remembered on the Tyne Cot memorial in Flanders, but his exact last resting place is unknown. He is also commemorated on the memorial at Timsgarry in Uig, Lewis.

Donald Maciver, 9 Aird Uig

Seaman DONALD MACIVER
Last address in Lewis: 9 Aird Uig,
Son of Norman and Annie McIver, of 9, Aird Uig, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Sarnia
Service number: 3821/A
Year of birth: 1890
Date of death: 12 September 1918 at the age of 28
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 30,
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry

Donald was one of the children of Norman and Anne, the others being Catherine (1882), Duncan (1893), John (1887), Margaret and Mary (1886).

His brothers Duncan and John were both gassed and wounded whilst serving; Duncan was in the Seaforth Highlanders, and John in the Australian forces.

Stornoway Gazette, 11 October 1918
Mr Norman Maciver, 9 Aird Uig, received the sad news that his son Donald was lost at sea on 12 September 1918. His ship was torpedoed in the Mediterranean on that day, and 57 other lives were lost, and 150 saved. Donald was an exceptionally fine character and his death was a very severe blow to his parents, to whom and to his brothers and sisters and other relatives the heartfelt sympathy of the community is extended. It is a great comfort to them that one of his brothers, Sergt Duncan Maciver, Seaforths, is at home with them now.

Additional note by DJ Macleod
Donald's father received notification of his son's death on HMS Sarnia on 12 September 1918. Some time later his mother received a letter written by Donald and also dated 12 September 1918. This raised hopes that he had survived the sinking of the vessel, but this was not the case. The letters from the Sarnia had obviously been collected shortly before the ship sank.

Malcolm Macleod, 8 Aird Uig

Private MALCOLM MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 8 Aird Uig,
Son of Donald and Mary Macleod.
Service unit: 1st Gordon Highlanders
Service number: S/9531
Enlisted at Glasgow
Date of birth: 1884
Date of death: 11 April 1917 at the age of 33
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Arras Memorial, Bay 8 and 9
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry

Malcolm is one of the children of Malcolm and Margaret (according to Hebridean Connections), the others being Ann (1892), Catherine Ann (1886), John Murdo (1879), Margaret (1882) and Murdo (1890). 

His brothers John and Murdo served in the RNR and survived the war.

Malcolm married Mary Fraser from Pitsligo in 1910, and they had Christina Ann, Donald and Mary

Stornoway Gazette
Another soldier falls
Last Tuesday [14 April 1917] Mr Donald Macleod, Aird Uig, received the sad news of the death of his son, Pte Malcolm Macleod, in France. He joined early in the war, and had been in many a hot engagement with the Boches. He left behind a young widow and three children, to whom as well as to his brothers and sisters and to his aged parents, deep sympathy is extended. This is the second of Aird’s sons to fall in battle. 

Malcolm Mackenzie, 1 Aird Uig

Private MALCOLM MACKENZIE
Calum Alick Bhig
Last address in Lewis: 1 Aird Uig,
Son of Alexander and Mary MacKenzie, of 1, Aird Uig, Miavaig, Stornoway, Lewis
Husband of Sarah Anderson-McKenzie of Glasgow, father of George and Alick.
Malcolm was a mason

Service unit: 23rd company Machine Gun Corps
Service number: 60804
Formerly 14958 Seaforth Highlanders
Enlisted at Glasgow
Date of birth: 1883
Date of death: 14 March 1917 at the age of 36
Killed in action
Memorial: Thiepval Memorial, Pier and Face 5C and 12C,
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry

Malcolm was one of the 11 children of Alexander and Mary, the others being Alexander (1872), Anne (1876), Catherine (1880), Christina, Donald Angus (1894, died aged 5 months), James (1886), John (1878), Margaret, Murdo (1891) and Murdo (1873).

Malcolm's family emigrated to Newcarnie, Western Australia, after the war.

Stornoway Gazette
Seaforth killed
Official intimation has been received that Pte Malcolm Mackenzie, formerly of Aird Uig and latterly residing in Glasgow, was killed in France on 14th March. He leaves a widow and two children, for whom, as well as for the other relatives, much sympathy is felt. The Corporal of Pte Mackenzie’s platoon, writing the widow, says: “Malcolm, another man and I went to the headquarters to draw rations, and while there, a shell came over, killing Malcolm and wounding four others. He fell at my feet with a piece of shell in the neck. He put out his hand to me and I took it and said good-bye. Your husband was a brave, good, honest and willing and good-hearted man, and through his death I have lost a good friend and the best and bravest man in my team. Poor old ‘Mac’, as we used to call him, had only one wish, and that was to get at the Germans in the open with rifle and bayonet. He died five minutes after he was hit”.