Seaman JOHN MACASKILL
Last address in Lewis: 4 Flesherin,
Son of John and Mary Macaskill, of 4, Flesherin, Portnaguran, Stornoway
Husband of Kate Macaskill, of Flesherin, Portnaguran, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMT George
Service number: 2960B
Date of birth: July 1880
Date of death: 7 September 1917 at the age of 37
Died in mining of ship in Adriatic
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 26
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
The 1891 census shows John as an 11-year old scholar at 38 Portnaguran (adjacent to Flesherin), with his parents John (44) and Mary (45). He was one of 8 children, namely Ann (21), Maggie (20), Jessie (18), Kenneth (14), Williamina (8),
Jessie (6) and Mary (3).
His nephew Kenneth also served in the RNR.
Showing posts with label flesherin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label flesherin. Show all posts
George Graham, 1 Flesherin
Seaman GEORGE GRAHAM
Last address in Lewis: 1 Flesherin,
Son of George Graham
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Bayano
Service number: 4495B
Date of birth: 7 October 1884
Date of death: 11 March 1915 at the age of 30
Ship sunk by U-boat off Stranraer
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 14
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
His brothers Angus and John also served in the RNR.
Angus Macleod, Flesherin
Private ANGUS MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: Flesherin,
Son of Angus and Kate MacLeod, of Flesherin, Portnaguran, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Army Medical Corps
Service number: 127635
Date of death: 12 August 1918 at the age of 24
Interred: Eye / Aignish Cemetery, grave A. 4. 23
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
On 22 November 1917, Angus was called up as a reservist into the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC). At the time, he was 23 years and 1 month of age and had been employed as a fisherman. On 5 April 1918, he was discharged from the Army on medical grounds.
Stornoway Gazette, 23 August 1918
Angus Macleod, RAMC, eldest son of Mr Angus Macleod, flesher, died on 12th August, aged 23 years, after a week's acute illness. He never recovered his usual health since undergoing a dental operation in Netly Hospital, from which he was discharged last May. He was a promising young man of sterling qualities much beloved by young and old, and the sympathy of the whole community goes out to his sorrowing parents, brothers and sisters. His brothers John and Alick John are serving in the Navy.
Last address in Lewis: Flesherin,
Son of Angus and Kate MacLeod, of Flesherin, Portnaguran, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Army Medical Corps
Service number: 127635
Date of death: 12 August 1918 at the age of 24
Interred: Eye / Aignish Cemetery, grave A. 4. 23
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
On 22 November 1917, Angus was called up as a reservist into the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC). At the time, he was 23 years and 1 month of age and had been employed as a fisherman. On 5 April 1918, he was discharged from the Army on medical grounds.
Stornoway Gazette, 23 August 1918
Angus Macleod, RAMC, eldest son of Mr Angus Macleod, flesher, died on 12th August, aged 23 years, after a week's acute illness. He never recovered his usual health since undergoing a dental operation in Netly Hospital, from which he was discharged last May. He was a promising young man of sterling qualities much beloved by young and old, and the sympathy of the whole community goes out to his sorrowing parents, brothers and sisters. His brothers John and Alick John are serving in the Navy.
Duncan Macdonald, Flesherin
Private DUNCAN MACDONALD
Date of birth: 24 May 1888
Place of birth: Isle of Lewis
Height: 5 ft 6 in
Complexion: Medium
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Brown
Religion: Presbyterian
Trade / occupation: Labourer
Last address in Lewis: Flesherin
Not married
Next of kin: Norman Macdonald, Father, of 1 Portnaguran
Military unit: 1st Canadian Infantry (Western Ontario Regiment)
Service number: 201639
Volunteered at Toronto on 19 October 1915
Date of death: 12 April 1917 at the age of 31
Cause of death: Killed in action at Vimy Ridge
Interred: Ecoivres Military Cemetery, Mont St-Eloi, grave VI E 9
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
The 1891 census shows the 5-year old Duncan at 12 Portnaguran, with his parents Norman (37) and Flora (36) and siblings Murdo (13), Neil (11), Mary C (9), Donald (7), Norman (9 months).
His brother Norman served in the Royal Naval Reserve during the Great War.
Stornoway Gazette
Mr Norman Macdonald, joiner, Flesherin, has been informed that his son, Pte Duncan Macdonald, Canadians, has died of wounds received in action. He was wounded on 12th April, but reported enquiries by his father failed to elicit from the Records Office any information as tot he nature of his wounds; nor has the date of his death yet transpired. The father then wrote the Commanding Officer who now gives the following information: "In reply to your letter of June 5th with reference to your son, 201539 Pte Duncan Macdonald, Canadian Batt, I deeply regret to inform you that he died of wounds in France and is buried in a cemetery a few miles from the spot where he received his wounds. He was badly wounded in the legs and arms by a shell adn was carried out, but his injuries were to severe to hope for recovery. The Graves Commission, who keep records of all graves, will be able to inform you of theh location of the grave, if you wish. I did not know your son peronsally, but he is well spoken of by both officers and men, and beaars a fine record as a soldier in this unit. I can imagine how deeply you feel this loss, but it may be some consolation to you to know that he shared in the glorious advance and in making the supreme sacrifice, met his fate bravely and unflinchingly and in so doing set an example to those of us who are still left to carry on. The Empire can ill afford to lose such men as he. Please accept my deepest sympathy in your sad loss".
The late soldier, who was 32 years of age, emigrated to Canada twelve years ago. He was a member of the Lewis Society, Toronto, amongst whom he was a great favourite. Two of his brothers are now serving in the Navy. His oldest brother, Murdo, a bombardier in the RGA, was accidentally killed in the Isle of Wight sixteen years ago by the bursting of a gun during field practice. Much sympathy is felt for this patriotic family in their time of sorrow.
Angus Macdonald, Flesherin
Private ANGUS MACDONALD
Mac Aonghais Ruaidh
Last address in Lewis: Flesherin,
Son of Angus and Annie MacDonald, of Fleshern, Portnaguran, Stornoway.
Service unit: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7412
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 22 April 1916 at the age of 20
Killed in action in Mesopotamia
Memorial: Basra Memorial, Iraq, Panel 37 and 64
Mentioned on family gravestone in Eye Cemetery, Lewis
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
Went to France in June 1915, Mesopotamia January 1916. Was wounded and sent to hospital in Bombay. Returned to Tigris and was killed the day following his rejoining the Colours in the field.
His brother Donald served in the Royal Naval Reserve.
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.
Mac Aonghais Ruaidh
Last address in Lewis: Flesherin,
Son of Angus and Annie MacDonald, of Fleshern, Portnaguran, Stornoway.
Service unit: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7412
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 22 April 1916 at the age of 20
Killed in action in Mesopotamia
Memorial: Basra Memorial, Iraq, Panel 37 and 64
Mentioned on family gravestone in Eye Cemetery, Lewis
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
Went to France in June 1915, Mesopotamia January 1916. Was wounded and sent to hospital in Bombay. Returned to Tigris and was killed the day following his rejoining the Colours in the field.
His brother Donald served in the Royal Naval Reserve.
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.
Norman Graham, Flesherin
Seaman NORMAN GRAHAM
Last address in Lewis: Flesherin,
Son of Sergt. Murdo Graham and Henrietta Graham, of Flesherin, Portnaguran, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMT Robert Smith
Service number: 7888A
Date of birth: 16 February 1897
Date of death: 20 July 1917 at the age of 19
Ship sunk by U-44
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 26
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
His brother, Murdo Campbell Graham, was lost at sea in 1918. His father, Murdo (senior) served in the Ross Mountain Battery.
Last address in Lewis: Flesherin,
Son of Sergt. Murdo Graham and Henrietta Graham, of Flesherin, Portnaguran, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMT Robert Smith
Service number: 7888A
Date of birth: 16 February 1897
Date of death: 20 July 1917 at the age of 19
Ship sunk by U-44
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 26
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
His brother, Murdo Campbell Graham, was lost at sea in 1918. His father, Murdo (senior) served in the Ross Mountain Battery.
Murdo Campbell Graham, Flesherin
Seaman MURDO CAMPBELL GRAHAM
Last address in Lewis: Flesherin,
Son of Murdo and Henrietta Graham, of Flesherin, Portnaguran, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Vivid
Service number: 21242DA
Date of birth: 1 August 1900
Date of death: 29 October 1918 at the age of 18
Died in hospital
Interred: Plymouth, Ford Park Cemetery, General K. 24. 46
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
His brother Norman was lost at sea in 1917. His father, Murdo senior, served in the Ross Mountain Battery.
Last address in Lewis: Flesherin,
Son of Murdo and Henrietta Graham, of Flesherin, Portnaguran, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Vivid
Service number: 21242DA
Date of birth: 1 August 1900
Date of death: 29 October 1918 at the age of 18
Died in hospital
Interred: Plymouth, Ford Park Cemetery, General K. 24. 46
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
His brother Norman was lost at sea in 1917. His father, Murdo senior, served in the Ross Mountain Battery.
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