Private JOHN MACDONALD
Iain Mhurchaidh (Bhig) Mhurchaidh Mhurchaidh Phortair
Last address in Lewis: 15 Aird,
Son of Murdo and Marion (Mòr Thormoid Choinnich à 14 Port Mholair) Macdonald
Service unit: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7071
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 22 April 1916 at the age of 22
Killed in action in Mesopotamia
Memorial: Basra Memorial, Iraq, Panel 37 and 64
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
Was killed during the great counter-attack of the Turkish army at Beit Aicesa, where the enemy were heavily repulsed, leaving 3,000 dead on the field and 400 prisoners.
The 1901 census shows John as a 7-year old at 15 Aird, living with his parents Murdo (40, fisherman) and Marion (37) and seven siblings, namely Kate (12), Effie (11), Chirsty (8), John (7), Mary (5), Murdo (3), Maggie (1) and Malcolm (6 months).
His brothers Murdo and Malcolm served in the RNR during the war.
Highland News, 24th June 1916
Aird’s Heavy Losses
Private John Macdonald, Seaforth Highlanders, son of Mr Murdo Macdonald, 15 Aird, and Private Angus Macdonald, Seaforths, son of Mr Angus Macdonald, Flesherin, were killed in Mespotamia in April during the great counter-attack of the Turkish Army at Beit Aicesa, when the enemy were heavily repulsed, leaving 3000 dead alone, wounded in proportion, and 400 prisoners. In this battle, the Turks lost more men than at Sheikh Saad, at Wadi, El Oran, and Falakiych combined.
Private John Macdonald was 22 years of age, and before the war had been employed as a sailor in the merchant service. On the outbreak of hostilities he, being a Militaiman, proceeded at his own expense to Fort George to join his regiment. He crossed to France in September 1914, and was slightly wounded this time last year. Both soldiers arrived in Mesopotamia in January last. Private Angus Macdonald was only 19 years of age. He crossed to France in June 1915. He was wounded in the foot shortly after arriving in Mesopotamia, and was sent to hospital in Bombay. On his recovery he returned to the Tigris, and was killed the day following arrival at the trenches. Neither of these young soldiers go an opportunity to visit his home since he left for the wars in that fateful August, 1914. Both were dutiful sons and the deep gloom of the district shows the respect in which they were held. Nineteen from this district have now fallen. Private Hector Mackenzie, of 6 Francis Street, Stornoway, writing from hospital in Mesopotamia to Private John Macdonald’s father, says: -“It is to my regret I have to inform you of the death of your son, 7071 Private J Macodnald, C Company, 1st Seaforth Highlanders. Being an intimate and favourite friend of your son since we both joined the Army in the trenches until the 22nd of this month (April), when at 7 am that morning we were told to get ready to attack the enemy. We had breakfast together, and when ready John said to me: “We will keep together whatever will happen”. That we did until we were about half-way between the Turkish trenches and our own, when all of a sudden the brave lad fell in a heap on the ground. I am sorry to say that I could not stop to bandage him up, as our officer kept shouting “Advance!”, and to my sorrow and regret, I had to carry on without John. When the battle was over, the white flag went up, and we went to carry in the wounded and bury the dead. The first thing I did was to run to John, and on my finding him he was breathing his last. I tried to speak to him, but I was too late; he passed away. So there I buried him and gave him a good grave. This is what he told to do just before the attack. He said: “If anything happens to me, write and tell my father”. Now I take the liberty of doing so, though I have no pleasure in breaking such sad news to you. But I feel sure that before you receive this letter, you will have the news from the War Office. I can assure you that all of us here felt very sorry for your really brave son, so please accept from us all our humble sympathy in your bereavement. The same day your son got killed we lost another brave lad in the person of Angus Macdonald (Angus), Flesherin. I have composed a song in which I mention both your son and your friend. If you wish to see it, call on my mother, Mrs John Mackinnon, 6 Francis Street, Stornoway. Closing with best wishes, and hoping God will be with you in your bereavement, and always remains with you.
Showing posts with label aird point. Show all posts
Showing posts with label aird point. Show all posts
William Campbell, 13 Aird, Point
WILLIAM CAMPBELL
Last address in Lewis: 13 Aird
Son of Norman Campbell
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve
Date of death: 11 June 1918 at the age of 32
Took part in the battle for Antwerp in 1914. Was discharged due to ill health.
William is shown in the 1901 census as a 15-year old, living with his parents Norman (55, fisherman) and Marion (48, at 13 Aird. His siblings are named as John (19), Donald (18), Alick (10) and Mary (6).
John served in the RNR, but was lost in the sinking of HMS Bayano in March 1915.
Stornoway Gazette
William Campbell, son of Mr Norman Campbell, 13 Aird, died on 13 June 1918, aged 32. At the outbreak of war, he was in Canada but hastened to respond to the National Call. He took part with the Antwerp Relief Force. After the exhausting march to Ghent, they entrained for Ostend, where he arrived seriously ill suffering from pleurisy. After a long spell in Haslar Hospital he was discharged. His health was so seriously impaired that henceforth he was unfit for hard work, consequently he opened a small grocery business in his father's house. He was a young man of superior intelligence, gentle and unassuming. his brother John was drowned on HMS Bayano in the early stages of the war. Much sympathy is felt for his sorrowing parents and sister.
Last address in Lewis: 13 Aird
Son of Norman Campbell
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve
Date of death: 11 June 1918 at the age of 32
Took part in the battle for Antwerp in 1914. Was discharged due to ill health.
William is shown in the 1901 census as a 15-year old, living with his parents Norman (55, fisherman) and Marion (48, at 13 Aird. His siblings are named as John (19), Donald (18), Alick (10) and Mary (6).
John served in the RNR, but was lost in the sinking of HMS Bayano in March 1915.
Stornoway Gazette
William Campbell, son of Mr Norman Campbell, 13 Aird, died on 13 June 1918, aged 32. At the outbreak of war, he was in Canada but hastened to respond to the National Call. He took part with the Antwerp Relief Force. After the exhausting march to Ghent, they entrained for Ostend, where he arrived seriously ill suffering from pleurisy. After a long spell in Haslar Hospital he was discharged. His health was so seriously impaired that henceforth he was unfit for hard work, consequently he opened a small grocery business in his father's house. He was a young man of superior intelligence, gentle and unassuming. his brother John was drowned on HMS Bayano in the early stages of the war. Much sympathy is felt for his sorrowing parents and sister.
John Campbell, 13 Aird, Point
Seaman JOHN CAMPBELL
Last address in Lewis: 13 Aird,
Son of Mrs. Marion Campbell, of Upper Aird, Portnaguran, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Bayano
Service number: 3356/C
Date of birth: January 1881
Date of death: 11 March 1915 at the age of 33
Ship sunk by U-boat off Stranraer
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 14
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
John is shown in the 1901 census, living with his parents Norman (55, fisherman) and Marion (48, at 13 Aird. He is a 19-year old fisherman. His siblings are named as Donald (18), William (15), Alick (10) and Mary (6).
His brother William is reported as having died in 1918 of service-related illness.
Norman Campbell, 12 Aird, Point
Driver NORMAN CAMPBELL
Last address in Lewis: 12 Aird,
Son of Donald and Jessie Campbell, of 12, Aird Point, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Garrison Artillery, 4th Highland Battery
Service number: 4288
Date of death: 9 August 1915 at the age of 20
Died of wounds sustained at Suvla Bay
Memorial: Helles Memorial, Panel 23 or 325
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost); Nicolson Institute WW1, left panel
Norman enlisted at the age of 17 years and 9 months, when he was still a student at the Nicolson Institute in Stornoway. The date of enlistment is 28 March 1911. He stands 5 feet 5 ins tall, and is fit for service. He attends training in the years 1911, 1912 and 1913, and is embodied on 9 August 1914, just after the commencement of hostilities. Exactly a year later, he is in the fighting at Gallipoli when he suffers a gunshot wound in the left thigh. Norman is taken on board the hospital ship Soudan, where he dies the same day.
His siblings are named as Mary (21), Angus (19), John (16), Alexander (14), Malcolm (11), Norman (8). His father Donald is listed in the 1901 census as a fisherman. His brother Angus served in the RNR.
Murdo Macleod, 10 Aird
Seaman MURDO MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 10 Aird,
Son of Murdo and Margaret Macleod, husband to Annie
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMY Iolaire
Service number: 4219/B
Date of birth: January 1876
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 43
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire
Interred: Aignish / Eye Cemetery, grave A. 3. 71.
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
Took part in the Battle of Jutland
Murdo is shown in the 1881 census as the 7-year old son of Murdo (44, crofter) and Mary (40), with his siblings John (13), Isabella (11), Donald (9), Norman (5), Angus (1) and Flora (1).
His brothers John and Donald also served in the RNR.
Last address in Lewis: 10 Aird,
Son of Murdo and Margaret Macleod, husband to Annie
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMY Iolaire
Service number: 4219/B
Date of birth: January 1876
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 43
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire
Interred: Aignish / Eye Cemetery, grave A. 3. 71.
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
Took part in the Battle of Jutland
Murdo is shown in the 1881 census as the 7-year old son of Murdo (44, crofter) and Mary (40), with his siblings John (13), Isabella (11), Donald (9), Norman (5), Angus (1) and Flora (1).
His brothers John and Donald also served in the RNR.
Malcolm Smith, 7 Aird, Point
Private MALCOLM SMITH
Last address in Lewis: 7 Aird
Next of kin: Angus / Mary Smith, Parents, of 7 Aird, Point
Military unit: 72nd Canadian Infantry (British Columbia Regiment)
Service number: 129893
Date of death: 21 November 1916 at the age of 32
Cause of death: Died in France
Interred: Adanac Military Cemetery, Milaumont, grave II. F. II
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
Date of birth: 4 September 1884
Height: 5 ft 6 in
Complexion: Dark
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Black
Religion: Presbyterian
Trade / occupation: Fisherman
Volunteered at Prince Rupert on 30 September 1915
The 1891 census shows Malcolm as a 6-year old at 18 Aird (in 1901 he resides at 7 Aird) with his mother Mary and siblings Jessie (24), Norman (22), Alexander (17), Alexander (14), Murdo (9), Malcolm (6) and Mary J (4).
Donald Macdonald, 6 Aird, Point
Seaman DONALD MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 6 Aird,
Cousin of MacLeods of 5 Aird
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Brilliant
Service number: 6663/A
Date of death: 25 April 1917 at the age of 27
Interred: Aignish / Eye Cemetery, grave A. 4. 3.
Lewis Memorial: Point (Garrabost)
His brothers Murdo, Finlay and Murdo (the latter was a POW in Germany) all served in the RNR.
John Mackenzie, 5 Aird, Point
Leading Seaman JOHN MACKENZIE
Last address in Lewis: 5 Aird,
Son of Murdo and Effie MacKenzie, of 5, Aird Point, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, SS Madame Renee
Service number: 3027A
Date of birth: 19 September 1890
Date of death: 10 August 1918 at the age of 28
Ship sunk by UB-30 near Scarborough
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 30
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
We find John as a 6-month old baby in the 1891 census, with his parents Murdo (47, shoemaker) and Effie (30 ?). Effie's age is quoted as 30, but as her eldest child is 17 that would appear to be tenuous.Her children are Effie (17), Christy (13), Donald (8), Kate (6), Catherine (4), Jessie A (2) and John (6 months).
Donald also served in the RNR.
Stornoway Gazette
Official notice has been received by Mr Murdo Mackenzie, shoemaker, Aird, that his son John, serving as a gunner on SS Madam Renee, was killed by enemy action on 10 August. Deceased, aged 28, had been on service since the outbreak of war, having taken part in the Antwerp Relief Expedition. John was a fine specimen of the Highlander, strong, handsome, courteous and brimful of humour and his general presence will be sadly missed by his many friends and admirers. Much sympathy is felt for the parents who have lost in him their mainstay. Mr Mackenzie has another son and several grandsons engaged in the national defence.
Last address in Lewis: 5 Aird,
Son of Murdo and Effie MacKenzie, of 5, Aird Point, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, SS Madame Renee
Service number: 3027A
Date of birth: 19 September 1890
Date of death: 10 August 1918 at the age of 28
Ship sunk by UB-30 near Scarborough
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 30
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
We find John as a 6-month old baby in the 1891 census, with his parents Murdo (47, shoemaker) and Effie (30 ?). Effie's age is quoted as 30, but as her eldest child is 17 that would appear to be tenuous.Her children are Effie (17), Christy (13), Donald (8), Kate (6), Catherine (4), Jessie A (2) and John (6 months).
Donald also served in the RNR.
Stornoway Gazette
Official notice has been received by Mr Murdo Mackenzie, shoemaker, Aird, that his son John, serving as a gunner on SS Madam Renee, was killed by enemy action on 10 August. Deceased, aged 28, had been on service since the outbreak of war, having taken part in the Antwerp Relief Expedition. John was a fine specimen of the Highlander, strong, handsome, courteous and brimful of humour and his general presence will be sadly missed by his many friends and admirers. Much sympathy is felt for the parents who have lost in him their mainstay. Mr Mackenzie has another son and several grandsons engaged in the national defence.
Alex Mackenzie, 5 Aird, Point
Seaman ALEXANDER MACKENZIE
Last address in Lewis: 5 Aird,
Son of Donald and Catherine Mackenzie, married to Margaret
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMY Iolaire
Service number: 3892B
Date of birth: 1 January 1877
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 41
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire
Interred: Aignish / Eye Cemetery, grave D. 2. 86.
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
We find Alex as a 4-year old in the 1881 census at 10 Aird, with his parents Donald (50, fisherman) and Catherine (50), as well as his siblings Catherine (15), Norman (13), Anne (10), Margaret (6) and Donald (4 months). This family does not appear to feature in the Roll of Honour.
Kenneth Macleod, 4 Aird, Point
Gunner KENNETH MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 4 Aird,
Son of Finlay and Effie MacLeod, of Aird Point, Stornoway; husband of Jessie MacLeod, of 5, Aird Point, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, SS Arca
Service number: 4522B
Date of death: 2 October 1918 at the age of 33
Drowned in fire on board his ship
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 30
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
His brother Finlay died at home in 1919; his other brother Donald served in the Gordon Highlanders.
Stornoway Gazette, 25 October 1918
Mrs Macleod, Aird, has been officially informed that her husband, Kenneth Macleod (Finlay), RNR, one of the gunners on SS Aros, was lost in early October. The ship caught fire and owing to the high seas and the fury of the flames, the patrol ships were unable to render assistance. There were no survivors. The deceased seaman, who was 33 years of age, was an exceptionally fine young man,m of high character and superior intelligence, consequently his services, whether on the great ocean-going craft or on the homely fishing boat, were highly appreciated by his employers. He mobilised at the outbreak of war, and had been for three years on foreign service. Much sympathy is felt for his widow and infant son. This poor widow has been sorely stricken, having lost a brother by enemy action, a sister-in-law and now her husband, all within the past two months.
Last address in Lewis: 4 Aird,
Son of Finlay and Effie MacLeod, of Aird Point, Stornoway; husband of Jessie MacLeod, of 5, Aird Point, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, SS Arca
Service number: 4522B
Date of death: 2 October 1918 at the age of 33
Drowned in fire on board his ship
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 30
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
His brother Finlay died at home in 1919; his other brother Donald served in the Gordon Highlanders.
Stornoway Gazette, 25 October 1918
Mrs Macleod, Aird, has been officially informed that her husband, Kenneth Macleod (Finlay), RNR, one of the gunners on SS Aros, was lost in early October. The ship caught fire and owing to the high seas and the fury of the flames, the patrol ships were unable to render assistance. There were no survivors. The deceased seaman, who was 33 years of age, was an exceptionally fine young man,m of high character and superior intelligence, consequently his services, whether on the great ocean-going craft or on the homely fishing boat, were highly appreciated by his employers. He mobilised at the outbreak of war, and had been for three years on foreign service. Much sympathy is felt for his widow and infant son. This poor widow has been sorely stricken, having lost a brother by enemy action, a sister-in-law and now her husband, all within the past two months.
Finlay Macleod, 4 Aird, Point
Seaman FINLAY MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 4 Aird,
Son of Finlay and Effie MacLeod, of Aird Point, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Pembroke
Service number: 1449SD
Date of death: 25 September 1919 at the age of 22
Died of illness contracted on service
Interred: Aignish / Eye Cemetery, grave A. 2. 66.
His brother Kenneth was lost at sea in 1918; his other brother Donald served in the Gordon Highlanders.
Last address in Lewis: 4 Aird,
Son of Finlay and Effie MacLeod, of Aird Point, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Pembroke
Service number: 1449SD
Date of death: 25 September 1919 at the age of 22
Died of illness contracted on service
Interred: Aignish / Eye Cemetery, grave A. 2. 66.
His brother Kenneth was lost at sea in 1918; his other brother Donald served in the Gordon Highlanders.
Angus Maciver, 3 Aird, Point
Gunner ANGUS MACIVER
Last address in Lewis: 3 Aird,
Son of Angus and Annie MacIver, of Stornoway;
Husband of Margaret MacIver, of 3, Aird Point, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, SS Governor
Service number: 2311C
Date of birth: June 1877
Date of death: 14 March 1917 at the age of 41
Killed in action
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 26
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
Was killed in clash with German destroyer Moewe
Angus is shown on the 1881 census as a 4-year old, living with his parents Angus (48, fisherman) and Annie (46) at 5 Aird, Point. Other children include Chirsty (19, agricultural labourer), Catheren (17, agricultural labourer), Norman (14), Annie (12) and Alexander (9).
Last address in Lewis: 3 Aird,
Son of Angus and Annie MacIver, of Stornoway;
Husband of Margaret MacIver, of 3, Aird Point, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, SS Governor
Service number: 2311C
Date of birth: June 1877
Date of death: 14 March 1917 at the age of 41
Killed in action
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 26
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
Was killed in clash with German destroyer Moewe
Angus is shown on the 1881 census as a 4-year old, living with his parents Angus (48, fisherman) and Annie (46) at 5 Aird, Point. Other children include Chirsty (19, agricultural labourer), Catheren (17, agricultural labourer), Norman (14), Annie (12) and Alexander (9).
Alex Mackenzie, 1 Aird, Point
Seaman ALEX MACKENZIE
Last address in Lewis: 1 Aird, Point
Son of William and Mary Mackenzie, married to Marion. Brother of John, 8 Portvoller
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMY Iolaire
Service number: 3360/C
Date of birth: March 1876
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 42
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire
Interred: Aignish / Eye Cemetery, grave A. 4. 35.
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
Alex shows up as a 5-year old in the 1881 census at 32 Portvoller, with his parents William (37, fisherman) and Mary (36) as well as siblings Isabella (10), John (2) and John (3 months). Three of his cousins, Donald, Thomas and John (also at 1 Aird, Point) also served; Thomas with the Canadians, and Donald and John in the RNR.
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