John Murray, 36 Lionel

Seaman JOHN MURRAY
Last address in Lewis: 36 Lionel,
Husband of Annie Murray, of 36, Lionel, Ness, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Pembroke
Service number: 2061/C
Date of birth: 29 November 1876
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 46
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire
Left widow and four children
Interred: Old Ness Cemetery
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross

John Maciver, 32 Lionel

Lance Corporal JOHN MACIVER
Son of John and Catherine Campbell MacIver, of 32, New St., Lionel, Port of Ness, Stornoway.
Last address in Lewis: 32 Lionel
Service unit: 8th Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: S/7207
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 7 October 1916 at the age of 21
Killed in action
Interred: Adanac Military Cemetery, Miraumont, grave VIII. A. 15
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross

John is shown in the 1901 census, the youngest of the four sons of John (42) and Catherine (36); those four being Allan (14), Murdo (12), Donald (8) and John (6).

His brother Murdo served in the RNR, but was prisoner-of-war from Antwerp (October 1914) until the Armistice. His brother Donald served in the Seaforth Highlanders and survived the war, as did his brother Allan, who served in the Merchant Navy.

Angus Campbell, 31 Lionel

Seaman ANGUS CAMPBELL
Last address in Lewis: 31 Lionel,
Son of Donald and Catherina Campbell, of 31, Lionel, Ness, Stornoway
Husband of Susy Ann Campbell, of 31, Lionel, Ness, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Excellent
Service number: 3590C
Date of birth: 1 March 1880
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 44
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire, was never found
Left a widow and three children
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 32

John Macritchie, 28 Lionel

Corporal JOHN MACRITCHIE
Last address in Lewis: 28 Lionel,
Son of James and Catherine McRitchie, of 28, Lionel Ness, Stornoway.
Service unit: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/8462
Date of death: 2 September 1918 at the age of 24
Killed in action in France
Interred: Dury Crucifix Cemetery, grave II. K. 43
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross

John appears in the 1901 census, aged 6, at 28 New Street, Lionel, at the home of his parents James (40) and Catherine (34) as well as his siblings Isabella (7), Angus (2) and Norman (2 months). 

Stornoway Gazette
Information has been received that Pte John Macritchie, Seaforth Highlanders, son ofo widow James Macritchie, New Street, Lionel, has been killed in action. John crossed to France in 1914 and served in his battalion with much distinction. He was wounded five times prior to receiving the wounds that caused his death. He was a fine lad with a cheery disposition and his early death has caused widespread regret. Very much sympathy is expressed to his widowed mother, sister and brothers.

John Campbell, 27 Lionel

Sailor JOHN CAMPBELL
Last address in Lewis: 27 Lionel,
Son of John and Ann Campbell (nee MacRitchie), of 27, New St., Lionel, Ness, Stornoway.
Service unit: Merchant Marine, SS Farnham
Date of death: 4 May 1917 at the age of 23
Ship sunk by U-boat, 90 miles NW of Fastnet Rock, Ireland
Memorial: Tower Hill Memorial,
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross

John appears in the 1901 census, aged 6, at the house of his grandparents at 27 New Street, Lionel. Also present are his parents John (41) and Annie (38) as well as his siblings Donald (12), Donald (10), Henrietta, (8), Mary (4) and Annie (4 months).

His brother Donald was killed in November 1917 whilst serving in the Seaforth Highlanders.

Stornoway Gazette

Hun victim
John Campbell, 27 New Street, Lionel, has received information that his son John, who was a seaman in the Mercantile Marine, was drowned off the Irish coast, the steamer in which he was serving being torpedoed and sunk on the homeward voyage. Much sympathy is expressed for the bereaved family. 

Donald Campbell, 27 Lionel

Corporal DONALD CAMPBELL
Last address in Lewis: 27 Lionel,
Son of John Campbell
Service unit: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 311
Enlisted at Fort George
Date of death: 5 November 1917 at the age of 29
Killed in Mesopotamia
Memorial: Basra Memorial, Iraq, Panel 37 and 64
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross

Donald appears in the 1901 census, aged 12, at the house of his grandparents at 27 New Street, Lionel. Also present are his parents John (41) and Annie (38) as well as his siblings Donald (10), Henrietta, (8), John (6), Mary (4) and Annie (4 months).

His brother John was lost in May 1917 whilst serving in the Merchant Navy. 

Alexander Macdonald, 21 Lionel

Private ALEX MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 21 Lionel,
Service unit: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 7047
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 7 January 1916 at the age of 21
Killed in action in Persian Gulf
Memorial: Basra Memorial, Iraq, Panel 37 and 64
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross

Donald Macdonald, 19 Lionel

Private DONALD MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 19 Lionel,
Son of Angus and Annie Macdonald, of 19, Lionel, Ness, Lewis.
Service unit: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders, D Coy
Service number: 7048
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 10 April 1917 at the age of 23
Died of wounds
Interred: St Nicolas British Cemetery, grave I. D. 5
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross

Donald is shown in the 1901 census aged 7, at his grandparents' home at16 North Dell, a few miles southwest of Lionel. Also present are his parents Angus (42) and Mary (37) as well as his younger siblings Peggie (6) and Angus (4).

From the battalion war diary
The battalion is in action around Roeux / Fampoux.

During this period, nothing of interest occurred, beyond a platoon of D coy being sent on the night of 10th/11th to support the 1st Battalion East Lancashire Regt who were holding a line of posts on general line H. 9.B.97 to H.10 central. This platoon was released by order of the GOC 11th Infy Bde on a report being made to him of the circumstances under which it was asked for and of the disposition of the Battn when it was desired to maintain intact. An order was also received at 12.30 midday on the 10th to be prepared to occupy the green line in the event of an advance and thus was followed by a further order to advance to that secotr of the GREEN line occupied by the 1st Bn the Rifle Brigade but not to advance unless the 1st Bn the Rifle Brigade advanced from GREEN LINE in support of a Cavalry Brigade. This order was received at 1.50pm on the 10th and one officer was sent to reconnoitre the sector held by the Rifle Brigade and a line of observation posts was established to keep connection and receive immediate notice of any advance. No advance took place, and the officers and connecting posts were withdrawn about 8pm by instructions received from 10th Brigade.

Stornoway Gazette
Mr Angus Macdonald, 19 Lionel, has received news of the death of his son, Donald, who was serving with the Seaforths and was killed in action on the 10th April 1917. He was with the first draft that crossed to France in 1914, and went through the whole campaign, without wounds or illness, until he was killed. He was home on leave from France for a few days last Christmas, and was looking in the pink of condition. He was one of the young men who attended the Navigation Class in Lionel School, and he secured his mate’s certificate at the last examination held at Stornoway shortly before mobilisation. He was a powerful young man, of splendid physique, and a most dutiful son, and brother. Great sympathy is expressed for his parents, brothers and sisters in the loss of such a promising young life cut away at the early age of 23 years.  

Norman Morrison, 17 Lionel

Seaman NORMAN MORRISON
Last address in Lewis: 17 Lionel,
Son of Donald and Jessie Morrison, of 17, Lionel, Ness, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMT Urka
Service number: 12088/DA
Date of birth: 1 June 1898
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 20
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire
Interred: Old Ness Cemetery
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross

Norman is shown in the 1901 census aged 2, with his brother Donald (9 months) and parents Donald (35) and Jessie (32).

His brother Angus was wounded serving with the Seaforth Highlanders; his brother Donald served in the trawler section of the RNR; these two survived the war. 

John Macritchie, 16 Lionel

Lance Corporal JOHN MACRITCHIE
Last address in Lewis: 16 Lionel,
Son of Angus and Annie McLean McRitchie, of 16, Lionel, Ness, Stornoway.
Service unit: 3rd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 317161
Enlisted at Kirkwall
Date of death: 5 June 1915 at the age of 19
Died in hospital at Cromarty
Interred: Old Ness Cemetery
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross

John Macleod, 16 Lionel

Private JOHN MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 16 Lionel,
Son of Annie Macleod
Service unit: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7017
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 7 January 1916 at the age of 20
Killed in action at the Persian Gulf
Memorial: Basra Memorial, Iraq, Panel 37 and 64
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross

Angus Gillies, 15 Lionel

Private ANGUS GILLIES
Last address in Lewis: 15 Lionel,
Service unit: 7th Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: S/6517
Enlisted at Inverkeithing
Date of death: 10 October 1916 at the age of 28
Killed in action in France
Interred: Warlencourt British Cemetery, grave VII. L. II.
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross

Angus is shown in the 1901 census aged 12 at 17 Lionel, the son of Mary (49) and youngest brother of Christina (23), Donald (19) and John (8).  The 1891 census shows the family at 16 Lionel, with father Donald (42 at the time) and also Alexander (9).

His brother John, who also served in the Seaforth Highlanders, was killed  in France in 1917; his brother Alexander served in the RNR but survived the war.

Stornoway Gazette
Widow Mary Gillies, 15 Lionel, has received the sad news of the death of her son, Lance-corporal John Gillies, Seaforth Highlanders. He was killed in action on 23 April 1917. His death has caused widespread regret as he was of a most cheery disposition and a great favourite in the community. Widow Gillies lost another son, Angus (also Seaforths) who was killed in France on 2 October 1916. Another son, Alexander, is serving on board HMS Edinburgh Castle. The sympathy of the community goes out to widow Gillies on her double bereavement. 

John Gillies, 15 Lionel

Lance Corporal JOHN GILLIES
Last address in Lewis: 15 Lionel,
Son of Donald and Mary Gillies, of 15, Lionel, Port of Ness, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis.
Service unit: 8th Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7007
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 23 April 1917 at the age of 24
Killed in action
Interred: Guemappe British Cemetery, Wancourt, grave I. B. 26
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross

John is shown in the 1901 census aged 8 at 17 Lionel, the son of Mary (49) and youngest brother of Christina (23), Donald (19) and Angus (12).  The 1891 census shows the family at 16 Lionel, with father Donald (42 at the time) and also Alexander (9).

His brother Angus, who also served in the Seaforth Highlanders, was killed  the previous year in France; his brother Alexander served in the RNR but survived the war.

Stornoway Gazette
Widow Mary Gillies, 15 Lionel, has received the sad news of the death of her son, Lance-corporal John Gillies, Seaforth Highlanders. He was killed in action on 23 April 1917. His death has caused widespread regret as he was of a most cheery disposition and a great favourite in the community. Widow Gillies lost another son, Angus (also Seaforths) who was killed in France on 2 October 1916. Another son, Alexander, is serving on board HMS Edinburgh Castle. The sympathy of the community goes out to widow Gillies on her double bereavement.  

Alexander Gillies, 14 Lionel

Private ALEX GILLIES
Last address in Lewis: 14 Lionel,
Son of John and Annie Gillies, of 14, Lionel Ness, Lewis, Scotland
Husband of Isabella Gillies, of 39, 28th Avenue West, Vancouver, British Columbia.
Service unit: 15th Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment)
Service number: 77624
Date of death: 25 May 1915 at the age of 34
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Vimy Memorial,
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Had previously served with 3rd Seaforths

Date of birth: 20 July 1880
Place of birth: Isle of Lewis
Height: 5 ft 9½ in
Complexion: Dark
Eyes: Gray
Hair: Brown
Religion: Presbyterian
Trade / occupation: Labourer
Marital status: Married
Volunteered at Victoria on 5 November 1914
 
Alex is shown in the 1891 census, aged 10, the son of John (40) and Annie (38), brother of Norman (9), Angus (6), Donald (4) and Annie (9 months).

John Morrison, 8 Lionel

Private JOHN MORRISON
Last address in Lewis: 8 Lionel,
Son of Donald and Jane Morrison, of 8, Lionel, Ness, Stornoway, Scotland.
Service unit: 29th Vancouver Battalion, Canadians
Service number: 75247
Date of death: 26 September 1916 at the age of 34
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Vimy Memorial,
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross

Date of birth: 27 October 1882
Place of birth: Isle of Lewis
Height: 5 ft 8¾ in in
Complexion: Dark
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Black
Religion: Presbyterian
Trade / occupation: Blacksmith
Next of kin: Jane Morrison, of 5273 Prince Albert St, Vancouver
Volunteered at Vancouver on 10 November 1914 

John is shown in the 1891 census, aged 8, at 11 Lionel, the son of Donald (41) and Jane (37), brother of Henrietta (11), Murdo (10), Angus (4), Donald (6) and Donaldina (1 month).

Donald Macleod, 7 Lionel

Seaman DONALD MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 7 Lionel,
Son of Kenneth and Annie Macleod, of 7, Lionel, Ness, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Fisgard II
Service number: 4503A
Date of death: 19 September 1914 at the age of 23
Lost with HMS Fisguard
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 8
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross

 Donald is shown in the 1901 census, aged 9, at 7 Lionel, the son of Kenneth and Annie (both aged 48) and brother to Mary (20), Margaret (15) and William (7).

John Campbell, 5 Lionel

Private JOHN CAMPBELL

Last address in Lewis: 5 Lionel,
Son of the late Murdo Campbell and of Annie Campbell, of 5, Lionel, Ness, Stornoway.
Service unit: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 317056
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 4 May 1917 at the age of 26
Killed in action in France
Interred: Crump Trench British Cemetery, Fampoux, grave II. C. 16
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross

John is shown in the 1901 census at a Squatters House, with his parents Murdo and Annie (both aged 46) and his siblings Annie (16), Catherine (14),  Donald (12), Henrietta (7), Dolina (5) and Murdina (2).

From the battalion's war diary
The battalion is entrenched near Roeux.

Comparatively quiet day with desultory shelling on both sides. The posts in front dug by RIF were lost, held by day being insufficiently dug. Two other officers joined from reinforcement depot at SAVY.