Donald Macleod, Knock, Point

Private DONALD MACLEOD
Last known address in Lewis: 18 Knock, Point
Son of Hector and Annie Macleod
Service unit: Canadian Infantry
Service number: 79110
Date of death: 4 August 1916 at the age of 28
Interred: Nunton Cemetery, Benbecula
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial, Parish of Stornoway, Point division

Date of birth: 9 June 1888
Height: 5 ft 11 in
Complexion: Dark
Eyes: Grey
Hair: Brown
Religion: Presbyterian
Trade / occupation: Miner
Volunteered at Calgary on 16 November 1914

Donald (born 9 June 1888) and his siblings Alexander (1879), William (1880), George (1882), Isabella (1884), John (1886), Jessie (1890) and Mary (1893) were left orphaned following the death of their father through suicide in September 1894 (prompted by grinding poverty), and the death of their mothe on Christmas Day 1894. The children were taken in by the Quarrier Homes in Bridge of Weir, Renfrewshire, who emigrated them to Canada in 1896. The girls went on one ship, the boys on another. Each was adopted by a separate family in Ontario.

Donald joined up at Calgary and lost his life in the war. His remains were erroneously transferred to Benbecula, but when his coffin arrived for the attention of the relatives of a Donald Macleod in Gramsdale, that man's family had just that day had confirmation that he was still alive, so they refused to take charge of the coffin. It was finally interred a week later at Nunton as Commonwealth War Dead.

Donald Macleod from Gramsdale, Benbecula, survived the war and died in 1952.

Donald Mackay, 21B Upper Shader

Sapper DONALD MACKAY
Last address in Lewis: 21B Upper Shader
Son of Murdo and Mary Mackay
Service unit: 106th Field Coy Royal Engineers
Service number: 66118
Was living at Euston. Enlisted in London
Date of death: 11 May 1916 at the age 36
Killed in action
Interred: Ecoivres Military Cemetery, grave I. K. 9.
Local memorial: North Lewis (Borve)
Came from South Africa to enlist.

Donald appears in the 1881 census at Barvas (a few miles from Shader), aged 1, son of Murdo (32) and Mary (27) and eldest brother of Murdo (aged 1 week). The 1891 census shows the family at 14 Ballantrushal, with Donald (11), Murdoch (9), Isabella (7), Angus (5), John (3) and Louis (1) as children of Murdoch (40) and Mary (33).

The Roll of Honour lists Alexander (?) and Murdo in the RNR, Louis was a sergeant major with the Australians, and was wounded; John also served, but no service unit is quoted.

Donald Drummond, Garrabost

Private DONALD DRUMMOND
Last address in Lewis: Garrabost
Son of the late Alexander and Jemima Drummond, of Garrabost, Stornoway.
Service unit: 7th Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: S/12696
Enlisted at Dingwall
Date of death: 10 November 1916 at the age of 23
Died of wounds
Interred: Warrington Cemetery, grave C. NC. 717

Donald Macleod, 39B Ranish

Private DONALD MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 39B Ranish,
Son of Catherine MacLeod, of 39, Ranish, Lochs, Stornoway, Lewis.
Service unit: 1st Gordon Highlanders
Service number: 3/6210
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 2 March 1916 at the age of 18
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Ypres (Menin Gate) panel 38,
Local memorial: North Lochs, Crossbost

His brother Roderick served in the Merchant Navy, and Alexander was in the RNR. These two both survived the war.

Donald Stewart, Upper Shader

Private DONALD STEWART
Last address in Lewis: Upper Shader
Son of Hugh and Henrietta Stewart
Service unit: 1st Gordon Highlanders
Service number: 3/5398
Date of death: 2 March 1916 at the age of 30
Memorial: Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, panel 38

Donald is shown in the 1891 census at Keithhall, Aberdeenshire, aged 6, the son of Hugh (36, tinsmith) and Henrietta (37, hawker) and brother of Rachel (3).

Donald Nicolson, 21 Ranish

Private DONALD NICOLSON
Last address in Lewis: 21 Ranish,
Son of Roderick and Annie Mackinnon Nicolson, of 21, Ranish
Service unit: C Coy. 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7157
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 7 January 1916 at the age of 20
Killed in action in Mesopotamia
Memorial: Basra Memorial, Panel 37 and 64
Local memorial: North Lochs, Crossbost

His brother William was killed in September 1916 whilst serving with the Australian forces in France. 

William Nicolson, 21 Ranish

Private WILLIAM NICOLSON
Last address in Lewis: 21 Ranish,
Son of Roderick and Annie Nicolson, of 21, Ranish
Service unit: 49th Australian Infantry
Service number: 2868
Date of death: 3 September 1916 at the age of 23
Killed in action
Interred: Contay British Cemetery, grave I. A. 26
Local memorial: North Lochs, Crossbost

Height: 5 ft 9½ in
Complexion: Dark
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Brown
Religious denomination: Presbyterian
Occupation / trade: Sailor

Joined up in Rockhampton, Queensland
Date of attestation: 6 August 1915
Age at attestation: 22 years 

His brother Donald was killed in January 1916, serving with the Seaforth Highlanders. 

Colin Mackinnon, 15 Ranish

Seaman COLIN MACKINNON
Last address in Lewis: 15 Ranish,
Son of Kenneth and Ann McKinnon, of 15 Ranish, Lochs, Stornoway, Lewis.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMT Carlton
Service number: 3949/A
Date of birth: 1893
Date of death: 21 February 1916 at the age of 23
Ship sunk by mine
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 18,
Local memorial: North Lochs, Crossbost

His brother Norman was killed serving in the Australians in 1917. 

John Macleod, 14 Ranish

Private JOHN MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 14 Ranish,
Son of Murdo and Mary Macleod, of 14, Ranish Lochs, Stornoway.
Service unit: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7044
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 13 January 1916 at the age of 20
Killed in action in Mesopotamia
Memorial: Basra Memorial, panel 37 and 64
Local memorial: North Lochs, Crossbost

John is shown in the 1901 census, aged 5, the son of Murdo (36) and Mary (27) and brother of Maryann (4). 

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

Donald Macleod, 11 Ranish

Private DONALD MACLEOD
Dòmhnall Iain Chailein Thormoid agus b’i Màiri Dhòmhnaill Eachainn, à 3 Cromor, a mhàthair
Last address in Lewis: 11 Ranish,
Son of John McLeod, of 11, Ranish
Service unit: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7257
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 25 April 1916 at the age of 19
Killed in action in Mesopotamia
Memorial: Basra Memorial, Iraq, Panel 37 and 64
Local memorial: North Lochs, Crossbost
Held Mons Star

His brother Neil was also in the Seaforths; his brother Norman served in the RNR. These two both survived the war.

Highland News, 17th June 1916

Raerinish War Casualties
To the severe losses sustained by this township in the war, two further casualties have to be added. The news has reached teh village that Donald Macleod, son of Mr John Macleod, 11 Raerinish, has been killed in Mesopotamia. Donald Macleod, who was 19 years of age, was a private in the Seaforths. His brother Neil is, for the second time, reported wounded, this time seriously. Their father received the news of the casualties to his sons by two successive mails. At the same time the death of Murdo Mackinnon, in France, is announced. He was serving in the Canadians. He was twenty-five years of age, and one of five brothers taking part in the war, all of them being sons of Mr Murdo Mackinnon, 8 Raerinish.

Murdo Mackinnon, 8 Ranish

Private MURDO MACKINNON
Last address in Lewis: 8 Ranish,
Son of Murdo McKinnon, of 8, Ranish Lochs, Stornoway, Scotland.
Service unit: 52nd Canadian Infantry (Manitoba Regiment)
Service number: 439185
Date of death: 19 May 1916 at the age of 25
Killed in action in France
Interred: Maple Copse Cemetery, grave II. C. 11
Local memorial: North Lochs, Crossbost

Murdo appears in the 1901 census, aged 10, the son of Murdo (43) and Mary (44), and brother of Sandy (16), Rodrick (12), Maryann (15), John (7), Malcolm (3) and John (3).

Four of his brothers, Roderick, John, Malcolm and John also served during the war, and survived. 

Highland News, 17th June, 1916

Raerinish War Casualties
To the severe losses sustained by this township in the war, two further casualties have to be added. The news has reached the village that Donald Macleod, son of Mr John Macleod, 11 Raerinish, has been killed in Mesopotamia. Donald Macleod, who was 19 years of age, was a private in the Seaforths. His brother Neil is, for the second time, reported wounded, this time seriously. Their father received the news of the casualties to his sons by two successive mails. At the same time the death of Murdo Mackinnon, in France, is announced. He was serving in the Canadians. He was twenty-five years of age, and one of five brothers taking part in the war, all of them being sons of Mr Murdo Mackinnon, 8 Raerinish.

Murdo Macleod, 7 Ranish

Private MURDO MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 7 Ranish,
Son of Duncan J. and Betsy MacLeod, of 7, Ranish.
Service unit: B Coy. 43rd Canadian Infantry (Manitoba Regiment)
Service number: 153873
Date of death: 7 June 1916 at the age of 30
Killed in action at the Somme
Memorial: Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Panel 24, 26, 28, 30
Local memorial: North Lochs, Crossbost

Date of birth: 14 October 1886
Place of birth: Isle of Lewis
Height: 5 ft 11 in
Complexion: Fair
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Fair
Religion: Presbyterian
Trade / occupation: Dredgeman
Volunteered at Winnipeg on 29 September 1915
 
Murdo appears in the 1901 census, aged 13, the son of Duncan (45) and Betsy (40), and brother of John (17), Malcolm (11), Duncan (8), Catie (4) and Alexander John (2). 

His brothers John and Malcolm also served in the Canadians, but survived the war, as did Duncan ( RNR) and Alexander (Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders).

Alexander Morrison, 20 Marvig

Private ALEX MORRISON
Last address in Lewis: 20 Marvig,
Son of Alexander Morrison, of 20, Marvig.
Service unit: 29th Canadian Infantry (British Columbia Regiment)
Service number: 75281
Date of death: 16 September 1916 at the age of 39
Killed in action in France whilst bringing in the wounded
Memorial: Vimy Memorial,
Local memorial: Park, Kershader

Date of birth: 18 March 1872
Place of birth: Isle of Lewis
Height: 5 ft 4 in
Complexion: Dark
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Brown
Religion: Presbyterian
Trade / occupation: Seaman
Volunteered at Vancouver on 9 November 1914
 
An ex-soldier, he served 14 years in the Seaforths. Saw service in India, Egypt and South Africa. Held several medals, one for life-saving.

Alexander was one of the children of Alexander (1836) and Christina (1855), the others being Donald (1882), Margaret (1863) and Norman (1866).

Peter Macdonald, 41 Leurbost

Private PETER MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 41 Leurbost,
Son of Donald and Christina Macdonald, of 41, Leurbost Lochs, Stornoway.
Service unit: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7449
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 12 April 1916 at the age of 19
Killed in action in Mesopotamia
Interred: Amara War Cemetery, Iraq, II. D. 3
Local memorial: North Lochs, Crossbost

Peter appears in the 1901 census, aged 3, the son of Donald (57) and Christy (45), and brother of Isabella (19), Murdo (16), Margaret (13), Mary Ann (11). The 1891 census also shows Murdo aged 7, and his older siblings Roderick (13), Chirstina (11)..

His brother Murdo was killed in action at the Battle of Jutland, only a month later; his brother Roderick served in the RNR but survived the war. 

Murdo Macdonald, 41 Leurbost

Seaman MURDO MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 41 Leurbost,
Son of Donald and Christina McLeod McDonald, of Leurbost;
Husband of Mary McRae McDonald, of Leurbost,
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Defense
Service number: 2964/B
Date of birth: 1884
Date of death: 31 May 1916 at the age of 31
Lost at the Battle of Jutland.
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 18,
Local memorial: North Lochs, Crossbost
Had been married for only 3 weeks

Murdo appears in the 1901 census, aged 16, the son of Donald (57) and Christy (45), and brother of Isabella (19), Margaret (13) and Mary Ann (11). The 1891 census also shows Murdo aged 7, and his older siblings Roderick (13) and Chirstina (11).

His brother Peter was killed in action serving with the Seaforth Highlanders only a month before; his brother Roderick served in the RNR but survived the war.

Kenneth Smith, 25 Leurbost

Private KENNETH SMITH
Last address in Lewis: 25 Leurbost,
Service unit: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 9079
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 1 July 1916
Killed in action at the Somme
Memorial: Thiepval Memorial, Pier and Face 15C
Local memorial: North Lochs, Crossbost
Was wounded twice previously

War diary entry 

Angus Maciver, 9A Laxay

Corporal ANGUS MACIVER
Last address in Lewis: 9A Laxay,
Son of Angus and Mary MacIver, of Laxay
Husband of Jessie MacIver, of 2145, 10th Avenue West, Vancouver, British Columbia.
Service unit: 12th Field Coy Canadian Engineers
Service number: 504660
Date of death: 25 August 1916 at the age of 35
Killed in action
Interred: Spoilbank Cemetery, grave I. K. I.
Local memorial: Kinloch, Laxay

Shot through the heart and killed instantly while giving an order in the trenches in France

Date of birth: 17 September 1881
Height: 5 ft 8 in
Complexion: Fair
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Fair
Religion: Presbyterian
Trade / occupation: Stonemason & bricklayer
Last address in Lewis: 9A Laxay
Marital status: Married
Next of kin: Mrs J Maciver, Wife, of 54, 5th Ave E, Vancouver
Volunteered at Vancouver on 21 January 1916
 
He had been a Director of the Gaelic Society in Vancouver and Financial Secretary and later Chief of the Clan Maclean Society.


Angus was one of the children of Angus (1843) and Mary (1847), the others being Alexander (1884), Donald (1879), Effie (1871), George (1885), John (1875), Kenneth (1877), Kenneth (1891) and Margaret (1873). 

Duncan Mackay, 11 Kershader

Corporal DUNCAN MACKAY
Last address in Lewis: 11 Kershader,
Son of Finlay and Annie Mackay, of 11, Kershader,
Service unit: 7th Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: S/9309
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of birth: 1897
Date of death: 11 May 1916 at the age of 19
Killed in action in Bailleul, France
Interred: Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, II. D. 47
Local memorial: Park, Kershader

Duncan was one of the children of Finlay (1865) and Ann (1868), the others being Catherine (1899), Donald Duncan (1900), Isabella Ann (1893) and John (1905).

His brother Donald Duncan served in the RNR and survived the war. 

John Duncan Mackay, 8 Kershader

Private JOHN DUNCAN MACKAY
Donnachadh an Mhoir
Last address in Lewis: 8 Kershader,
Son of Duncan and Mary Mackay; family later moved to 3 Caversta.
Service unit: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: S/9777
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of birth: 1899
Date of death: 1 July 1916 at the age of 19
Killed in action
Memorial: Thiepval Memorial, Pier and Face 15C
Local memorial: Park, Kershader; Nicolson Institute WW1, left panel
Was a junior student at the Nicolson Institute in Stornoway before joining up

War diary entry for 1 July 1916.

John Duncan was one of the children of Duncan (1867) and Mary (1861), the others being Chrissie Mary (1901), Jessie (1897) and Donald John (1902).

John Mackay, 12 Keose

Private JOHN MACKAY
Served as Tom Martin
Last address in Lewis: 12 Keose,
Son of Donald and Margaret MacKay, of Keose
Service unit: 1st Canadian Mounted Rifles
Service number: 622326
Date of birth: 13 April 1887
Date of death: 5 June 1916 at the age of 30
Killed in action in France
Interred: Sanctuary Wood Cemetery, grave II. L. 9
Local memorial: Kinloch, Laxay
Decorations: Military Medal
Emigrated to Canada in 1903

Height: 5 ft 4 in
Complexion: Medium
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Medium brown
Religion: Presbyterian
Trade / occupation: Bridgeman
Volunteered at Winnipeg on 3 May 1915 

John was one of the children of Donald (1859) and Margaret (1863), the others being Angus (1894), Catherine (1898), Donald Robert (1885) and Robert (1889).

His brother Angus served in the RNR, but was interned in Holland from October 1914.