John Mackenzie, 8 Breaclet, Great Bernera

Seaman JOHN MACKENZIE
"An t-Olach"
Last address in Lewis: 8 Breaclet, Great Bernera
Son of Malcolm and Annie Mackenzie, of 8, Breaclete, Bernera;
Husband of Mary Macdonald Mackenzie
Father of Catherine.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Victory
Service number: 2038C
Date of birth: 15 March 1879
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 38
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire, was never found
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 26
Local memorial: Great Bernera

John is one of the seven children out of the second marriage of his father Malcolm, the others being Angus (1873), Ann (1876), Annie (1867), Donald (1880), John (1884), Mary (1884) and unknown (1887).
Malcolm's first wife, Annie Morrison died in childbirth, with the child itself dying 4 months later.

John married Mary in January 1913, with Catherine born 11 months later.

His younger brother John served in the Seaforth Highlanders and survived the war.

Norman Macdonald, 5 Breaclet, Great Bernera

Seaman NORMAN MACDONALD
"Tormod Thormoid Thormoid Oig"
Last address in Lewis: 5 Breaclet, Great Bernera
Son of Norman and Christy Macdonald, of 5, Breaclet, Bernera, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Laurentic
Service number: 3279/B
Date of birth: 13 February 1885
Date of death: 25 January 1917 at the age of 33
Ship sunk by U-80 off Malin Head
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 26
Mentioned on family gravestone in Bosta Cemetery, Great Bernera
Local memorial: Great Bernera

The 1901 census shows Norman, aged 16, at 5 Breaclet, with his parents Norman (51) and Christy (40) as well as 7 of his 8 siblings, namely: John (14), Catherine (12), Mary (10), Donald (8), Angus (6), George (4) and Donald John (8 months). Donald John only lived to the age of 5 years. Another boy was born in 1904, but only lived for 5 days and remained unnamed.

His brothers Donald and George served in the Seaforth Highlanders. Donald was wounded and later discharged, he died in military hospital in 1922. Geroge was gassed . His brother John was in the Canadians Engineers. These three all survived the war.

Norman served in Howe Bn (RND, D/186) from 19 September until 27 October 1914, when he was discharged to RN barracks Portsmouth.

Stornoway Gazette
Seaman Norman Macdonald [whose] loss in the sinking of the Laurentic is deeply deplored. Norman joined the RNR at the age of 19 and has served for 13 years, being at the time of his death 32 years of age. He was one of the most likeable young men one could wish to meet, and he was a general favourite wherever he went. During the summer he generally went to the East Coast herring fishing, but during the rest of the year he prosecuted lobster fishing from here. When bad weather prevented the boats going out, his company was much sought after, and his cheery presence will be much missed. His father is an old RNR man, having served in the first-class reserve for the long period of 27 years, while two brothers are in the Seaforths.

Norman Maciver, 4 Breaclet, Great Bernera

Wireless Operator NORMAN MACIVER
Tormod Thormoid Bhig"
Last address in Lewis: 4 Breaclet, Great Bernera
Son of Norman and Mary Maciver
Service unit: Merchant Marine, SS Ben Lomond (aka Turnbridge)
Date of birth: 25 December 1897
Date of death: 7 July 1918 at the age of 21
Ship sunk by U-92, 30 miles SE of Daunts Rock, en route from Seville to Ardrossan
Memorial: Tower Hill Memorial,
Mentioned on family gravestone in Bosta Cemetery, Great Bernera
Local memorial: Great Bernera

Had gone south to Glasgow at age 18 to study wireless telegraphy, and obtained a first-class certificate.
His brother John served in the Seaforth Highlanders, but was discharged wounded in 1917.

Norman appears in the 1901 census aged 3, at home with his parents Norman (35) and Mary (34) as well as siblings John (5) and Ann (1). He was the second of eight children, the others (born after April 1901) were Katie Mary (1901), Malcolm (1903), Donald Murdo (1905), Norman (1908) and Mary (1911).

Stornoway Gazette
It is presumed that Mr Norman Maciver, son of Mr and Mrs N Maciver, 4 Breaclet, lost his life on the 7th July, when the ship on which he was wireless operator, was unk off the Irish coast. It is sad beyond words to think that such a young life has been suddenly cut off at the outset of a career so full of happy prospects of usefulness and success, and with the sorrowing parents, brothers and sisters, his many friends mourn the loss of a young man, whose charming personality was a joy to all who knew him. In his boyhood Norman Maciver was most popular with his companions by whom, as well as by his teachers, he was held in affectionate esteem. He was a lad of parts and having made up his mind to continue his education, he was much disappointed when circumstances prevented his entering the Nicolson Institute. His disappointment made him all the more determined to get on through some other avenue, as later events proved. For a time after leaving school he was on the staff of the local post-office. Here his civility to the public, his genial courtesy and kindliness of disposition, won for him the respect and confidence of all classes in the community. In August 1916, he entered the Glasgow Institute of the North British Wireless Schools and in April of the following year he passed the Postmaster-General's examination and was awarded a first-class certificate. He then joined the Marconi Company's service.

To the parents, brothers and sisters the utmost sympathy is extended in the loss of a most dutiful and devoted son and brother of whom not only they but the whole district had reason to be proud.

Norman Macinnes, 1 Breaclet, Great Bernera

Seaman NORMAN MACINNES
"Tormod Aonghais Thormoid Rhuaidh"
Last address in Lewis: 1 Breaclet, Great Bernera
Son of Angus and Catherine Macinnes;
Husband to Ann Macdonald
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Hermes
Date of birth: 21 February 1876
Date of death: 31 October 1914 at the age of 41
Drowned in torpedoing of HMS Hermes
Local memorial: Great Bernera
First man from Bernera to lose his life in World War I


Norman was the youngest of the six children of Angus and Catherine Macinnes.
Norman appears in the 1881 census, aged 5, at a private house in Breaclet with his parents Angus (50) and Catherine (48), as well as siblings Peggie [Margaret] (15), Henry [Henrietta] (13) and Margaret (10). Also present is his aunt Catherine (56), his father's sister. Norman also had a brother Angus (aged 18 in 1881) and a brother Peter, aged 9.

Norman next appears in the 1891 census, aged 15, the only one of the six children of Angus and Catherine left at home at that time.

He married Ann in 1906, and was father of 5 children (Catherine, Donald, Mary, Peter and one other)