Angus Gillies, 35 South Dell

Seaman ANGUS GILLIES
Last address in Lewis: 35 South Dell,
Son of Alexander and Isabella Gillies, of 35, South Dell, Ness, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Seahorse
Service number: 4502A
Date of birth: 11 April 1889
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 30
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire
Interred: Ness (St Peter) Old Churchyard, Lewis
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross

Angus first appears in the 1891 census, aged 2, at the house of his grandfather John in South Dell. Also present are his parents Alex (30) and Isabella (34). 

His brother Donald was wounded, serving with the Seaforth Highlanders; his brother Allan also served in the RNR; these two survived the war. 

Donald Murray, 33 South Dell

Seaman DONALD MURRAY
Last address in Lewis: 33 South Dell,
Son of Murdo and Catherine Murray, of South Dell, Ness; husband of Mary McDonald Murray, of 33, South Dell, Ness, Island of Lewis.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Clan MacNaughton
Service number: 3275C
Year of birth: 1878
Date of death: 3 February 1915 at the age of 37
Drowned in sinking of ship
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 14
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Left widow and 5 children

Donald is shown in the 1891 census aged 13, at 17 South Dell at home with his parents Murdo (48) and Catherine (46) as well as his siblings Norman (18), Malcolm (15) and Janet (9). 
In the 1901 census he is shown aged 23, a retired militia man, living at 26 South Dell at the house of his parents Murdo (26) and Catherina (56) as well as his older brother Norman (28).

Donald Gillies, 31 South Dell

Sergeant DONALD GILLIES
Last address in Lewis: 31 South Dell
Son of Angus and Mary Gillies, of 31, South Dell, Ness, Barvas, Stornoway.
Service unit: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/6683
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 4 October 1917 at the age of 23
Killed in action
Interred: Cement House Cemetery, grave XI. E. 26
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Previously wounded at Ypres in April 1915

Donald is shown in the 1901 census at 51 South Dell, the home of his grandparents John and Margaret (both aged 68), where his parents Angus (39, fisherman) and Mary (38) are also present. Donald's siblings Catherine (12), Margaret (5), Angus (3) and Norman also feature.

His brother Norman served in the Trawler section of the RNR, and survived the war.

From the battalion's war diary
The battalion is in action east of Ypres, conducting the battle of Broodseinde, the last battle of Passchendaele.

The Battalion formed up for attack by zero -1 hour on correct alignment in touch with 1st Hampshire on right and R Dublin Fusiliers on left. Coys were closed up to total depth of 120 yards to get clear of EAGLE trench which would have broken formations. Two leading platoons of each assaulting coy carried trench boards in cue of difficulty being found in crossing water and marsh between starting point and KANGAROO trench and LAUDETBEEK. Platoons were to advance in succession under cover of the creeping barrage at correct distances of 100yards between platoons and 150 yards between coys with moppers coy HQs 50 yards in rear of the platoon of each coy.

At zero hour (6 am) leading platoons advanced into barrage, but found great difficulty in keeping alignment owin to water forcing them to follow best ground or the marsh. This caused confusion and resulted in formation of assaulting coys being lost, especially on left where the leading wave walked into our own barrage. KANGAROO trench was reached without coys, platoons being able to disentangle themselves enemy who showed resistance being bayonetted and remainder being passed back. A total of about 25 men were taken prisoner on the front up to KANGAROO trench, including several men were killed by enemy barrage fire on their way back. The left assaulting coy came into some resistance and did not take many prisoners. Coy SM Bain killing 15 enemy to his own bayonet. As the advance proceeded coys endeavoured to regain formation but this was found to be impossible owing to confusion and the excited condition of the men. Up to BEEK STREET trench casualties were not heavy, but from that point onwards machine gun fire was encountered, from left flank generally and this fire caused considerable casualties, both coy commanders and 6 of their platoon commanders of the two left coys being put out of action. Continuing their advance towards their objective, the left coy captured the fortified houses and the right coy advance over 19 Metre Hill. The left coys were unable to advance further, where the remaining men established themselves in shell holes.  

Donald Mackay, 28 South Dell

Company Sergeant-Major DONALD MACKAY
Last address in Lewis: 28 South Dell,
Son of John and Marion Mackay, of 28, South Del, Barvas, Stornoway.
Service unit: 8th Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/6744
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 17 August 1916 at the age of 25
Killed in action
Interred: Pozieres British Cemetery, Ovillers-la-Boisselle, grave IV. P. 45
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross

Donald appears in the 1901 census at 49 South Dell, aged 9, at the home of his grandparents Angus (67) and Mary (70) Mckay. Also present are his parents John (41, fisherman) and Marion (33), as well as siblings Ann (11), Williamina (7) and William (2).

Roderick Murray, 27 South Dell

Private RODERICK MURRAY
Last address in Lewis: 27 South Dell,
Son of Angus and Catherine Murray, of South Dell, Ness, Lewis.
Service unit: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: S/7034
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 4 June 1915 at the age of 23
Died of wounds sustained at Ypres.
Interred: Vlamertinghe Military Cemetery, grave I. G. 11
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Previously wounded in 1914

His brother John died of wounds in March 1915. 

From the battalion's war diary
The battalion is entrenched to the northeast of Ypres near Wieltje

Quiet day, fine, wind wrong for gas.
East Lancs relieved Somersets after dark and took over trench line from C coy. D coy relieved B coy in front trench round CROSSROAD farm and B & C coys went into support at LA BRIQUE. Some shelling during day on either side of us. Our 6" guns shelled HAMPSHIRE farm.

Killed: 1
Wounded: 1

John Murray, 27 South Dell

Private JOHN MURRAY
Last address in Lewis: 27 South Dell,
Son of the late Angus and Catherine Murray, of 27, South Dell, Ness, Stornoway.
Service unit: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7233
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 6 March 1915 at the age of 21
Died in hospital of wounds sustained 2 days before.
Interred: Merville Communal Cemetery, grave I. D. 9
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross

His brother Roderick, serving with the 2nd Seaforth Highlanders, died of wounds three months after John.

Alexander Macdonald, 26 South Dell

Private ALEX MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 26 South Dell,
Service unit: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/6682
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 20 December 1914 at the age of 24
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Le Touret memorial, panel 38 and 39
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross

His brothers Donald and John served in the RNR; his brother Angus was a sergeant in the Seaforth Highlanders and was awarded the Military Medal. These three all survived the war.

Malcolm Murray, 24 South Dell

Private MALCOLM MURRAY
Last address in Lewis: 24 South Dell,
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Murray, of 2, South Dell, Ness, Stornoway, Scotland.
Service unit: 1st Reserve Bn Canadian Infantry (British Columbia Regiment)
Service number: 2024955
Date of death: 11 October 1918 at the age of 27
Died of pneumonia on board ship City of Cairo
Interred: Plymouth (Efford) Cemetery, grave General C. 4352
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross

Date of birth: 15 June 1892
Place of birth: Isle of Lewis
Height: 5 ft 7½ in
Complexion: Fair
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Brown
Religion: Presbyterian
Trade / occupation: Miner
Current address: Sandon BC
Volunteered at Vancouver on 9 August 1918

Malcolm appears in the 1901 census at home at 41 South Dell, aged 12, with his parents Donald (43) and Annabella (38 as well as siblings Ann (11), Donald (14), John (9), George (4) and Angus (1). 

George Munro, 22 South Dell

Lance Corporal GEORGE MUNRO
Last address in Lewis: 22 South Dell,
Service unit: Seaforth Highlanders
Date of death: 6 April 1916
Died in Cromarty Hospital after being invalided out of France
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross

George is found in the 1901 census aaged 4, in the house of his grandmother Christina Murray (68) at 41 South Dell.

Roderick Gillies, 20B South Dell

Seaman RODERICK GILLIES
Last address in Lewis: 20B South Dell,
Son of Murdo and Annie Gillies, of 20, South Dell
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMT St Leonard
Service number: 20647DA
Date of birth: 23 October 1899
Date of death: 7 January 1920 at the age of 20
Ship sank in a gale
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 32
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross

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

Finlay Morrison, 19 South Dell

Seaman FINLAY MORRISON
Last address in Lewis: 19 South Dell,
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMT Sophron
Service number: 9104/A
Date of birth: 5 February 1898
Date of death: 22 August 1917
Ship sunk by mine
Interred: Edinburgh (Seafield) Cemetery Screen Wall M. 377
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross

Finlay appears in the 1901 census at 30 South Dell aged 3 with his mother Ann (48) and siblings   Angus (18), Catherine (15), Alexander (12), Norman (9) and John (6).

His brothers Alexander  and Angus also served in the RNR, and did not survive the war (see separate entries). His brother John did survive the war, having served in the Ross Mountain Battery.

Angus Morrison, 19 South Dell

Seaman ANGUS MORRISON
Last address in Lewis: 19 South Dell,
Son of Norman and Annie Morrison, of Port of Ness, Stornoway
Husband of Cathrine Morrison, of 32, Habost, Port of Ness, Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Louvain
Service number: 2782/B
Date of birth: 25 October 1882
Date of death: 20 January 1918 at the age of 35
Ship sunk by UC-22 in the Aegean Sea
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 30
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross

Angus appears in the 1901 census at 30 South Dell aged 18 with his mother Ann (48) and siblings Catherine (15), Alex (12), Norman (9), John (6) and Finlay (3).

His brothers Finlay and Alexander also served in the RNR, and did not survive the war (see separate entries). His brother John did survive the war, having served in the Ross Mountain Battery.

Angus was in Anson Bn (RND, D/58) from 31 August 1914.

Stornoway Gazette
Confirmation of the death of Seaman Angus Morrison, HMS Louvain, which was torpedoed in the Mediterranean some months ago has reached his widow. There was a doubt regarding his death as his name did not appear on the casualty list at the same time and the Admiralty only now could give definite information. This is the third son of Mr Morrison, South Dell, to make the supreme sacrifice, the other two being serving the army. Very much sympathy is expressed for the bereaved family.  

Alexander Morrison, 19 South Dell

Leading Seaman ALEX MORRISON
Last address in Lewis: 19 South Dell,
Son of Norman and Annie Morrison, of Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, SS Bulgarian
Service number: 3763/A
Date of birth: 5 August 1888
Date of death: 20 January 1917 at the age of 29
Ship sunk by U-84, 50 miles W of Fastnet
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 26
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Survived sinking of HMS Fisgard

Alexander appears in the 1901 census at 30 South Dell with his mother Ann (48) and siblings   Angus (18), Catherine (15), Norman (9), John (6) and Finlay (3).

His brothers Finlay and Angus also served in the RNR, and did not survive the war (see separate entries). His brother John did survive the war, having served in the Ross Mountain Battery.

Donald Graham, 18 South Dell

Private DONALD GRAHAM
Last address in Lewis: 18 South Dell,
Son of Angus and Annie Graham, of 18, South Dell, Ness, Stornoway.
Service unit: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7090
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 9 May 1915 at the age of 20
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Le Touret Memorial, Panel 38 and 39

Donald appears in the 1901 census at 31 South Dell aged 6 with his parents Angus (37) and Ann (31), as well as his siblings John (7), Christina (3) and Angus (6 months).
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His brother Angus served in the Trawler section of the RNR and survived the war. 

Angus Murray, 17 South Dell

Private ANGUS MURRAY
Last address in Lewis: 17 South Dell,
Husband of Edith Murray
Service unit: 29th Canadian Infantry (British Columbia Regiment)
Service number: 2137501
Date of death: 9 August 1918 at the age of 34
Rosieres Communal Cemetery extension, grave I. C. 10
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross

Date of birth: 1 November 1884
Place of birth: Isle of Lewis
Height: 5 ft 6 in
Complexion: Dark
Eyes: Gray
Hair: Brown
Religion: Presbyterian
Trade / occupation: Grocer
Last address in Lewis: 17 South Dell
Current address: 1322 Villard Ave, Portland (USA)

Marital status: Married
Next of kin: Edith Murray, Wife, of 1322 Villard Ave, Portland (USA)
Volunteered at Victoria on 4 October 1917 

Roderick Murray, 16 South Dell

Seaman RODERICK MURRAY
Last address in Lewis: 16 South Dell,
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Pembroke
Service number: 23980
Date of birth: 16 October 1872
Date of death: 1 May 1918 at the age of 46
Died at Naval Hospital, Great Yarmouth
Interred: Great Yarmouth (Caister) Cemetery, grave B. 51
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Left a widow and 4 children

John Murray, 12 South Dell

Lance Corporal JOHN MURRAY
Last address in Lewis: 12 South Dell,
Service unit: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/6690
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 2 May 1915 at the age of 22
Died of wounds in France
Interred: Boulogne Eastern Cemetery, grave VIII. B. 13
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross

Norman Morrison, 10 South Dell

Private NORMAN MORRISON
Last address in Lewis: 10 South Dell
Son of Murdo and Flora Morrison of 10 South Dell
Service unit: 3rd Gordon Highlanders
Service number: 3/5645
Discharged at Aberdeen on 29 May 1916 due to gunshot wounds and TB
Date of death: 16 March 1917 at the age of 23
Died of wounds at home
Interred: Old Ness Cemetery, Swainbost, lair 95
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross

His brother Alexander served in the Seaforth Highlanders, and Murdo was in the RNR. These two survived the war. 

Norman was recognised as Commonwealth War Dead in 2010 and an appropriate gravestone is due to be erected over his last resting place soon.

John Smith, 8 South Dell

Private JOHN SMITH
Last address in Lewis: 8 South Dell,
Son of V Allan and Mary Smith, of 8, South Dell, Ness, Stornoway.
Service unit: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7199
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 5 November 1917 at the age of 20
Killed in action in Mesopotamia
Memorial: Basra Memorial, Iraq, Panel 37 and 64
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross

John is shown in the 1901 census, aged 3, with his parents Allan (30) and Mary (36) at home at 17 South Dell with grandparents Donald Graham (60) and Henrietta Graham (61). Also present are John's siblings Mary (4) and Margaret (1). 

Norman Morrison, 7 South Dell

Private NORMAN MORRISON
Last address in Lewis: 7B South Dell,
Son of Donald and Christina Morrison, of 7, South Dell, Ness, Stornoway.
Service unit: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7112
Enlisted at Stornoway
Date of death: 23 April 1916 at the age of 21
Killed in action in Mesopotamia
Memorial: Basra Memorial, Panel 37 and 64
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross

His brother Allan served in the RNR and survived the war.