Private JOHN MACLENNAN
"Iain Scodaidh"
Last address in Lewis: 8 Kirkibost, Great Bernera
Son of John and Ann MacLennan, of 8, Kirkibost, Bernera, Stornoway, Scotland.
Service unit: 3rd Battallion, 1st Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment)
Service number: 9337
Date of death: 15 June 1915 at the age of 22
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Vimy Memorial,
Local memorial: Great Bernera
Date of birth: 6 July 1893
Place of birth: Isle of Lewis
Height: 5 ft 5½ in
Complexion:Dark
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Brown
Religion: Presbyterian
Trade / occupation: Meter inspector
Last address in Lewis: 8 Kirkibost
Volunteered at Valcartier on 22 September 1914
John was one of the nine children of John and Ann, the others being Donald (1886), Murdo (1888), Alexander (1890), Euphemia (1895), Angus (1898), Mary Ann (1900), Ellie (1903) and Catherine (1905).
His brother Murdo served in the RNR, but was discharged due to ill health in 1916.
His brother Alexander served in the Australian forces and was discharged wounded in 1915.
From a 1915 newspaper
One of the bravest and brightest lads who ever lived" That was how Captain McCormack, under whose command he fought, described Private John Maclennan, who was killed by a bomb.
Private Maclennan was the fourth son of Mr John Maclennan, Kirkibost, Bernera, Lewis, who has had four sons on active service in this war. John went to Canada about three years ago, and there he had been doing well, but on the outbreak of hostilities he joined the Toronto Regiment of the first Canadian Contingent, and came over to France last February. He had fought in some of the hottest engagements since.
