Private KENNETH MACKAY
Coinneach Dhomhnaill ic Aoidh
Last address in Lewis: 34 Valtos,
Son of Donald and Christy McKay
Service unit: 7th Canadian Infantry (British Columbia Regiment)
Service number: 77351
Date of death: 1 November 1915 at the age of 43
Killed in action in Flanders
Interred: Berks Cemetery Extension, grave III. C. 48
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry
Had served as a volunteer in the South African War
Date of birth: 24 July 1876
Place of birth: Isle of Lewis
Height: 5 ft 6½ in
Complexion: Sallow
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Brown
Religion: Presbyterian
Trade / occupation: Miner
Volunteered at Victoria on 10 November 1914
Kenneth is one of the children of Donald (1828) and Chirsty (1836), the others being Donald (1865), Flora (1878), Jessie (1868), Kenneth (1872), Malcolm (1870) and Margaret (1863).
Showing posts with label valtos. Show all posts
Showing posts with label valtos. Show all posts
Angus Mackay, 33 Valtos
Date of death in image is incorrect
Private ANGUS MACKAY
Aonghas Uilleam
Last address in Lewis: 33 Valtos,
Son of William and Isabella McKay, of 33 Valtos
Service unit: 9th Gordon Highlanders
Service number: 3/5459
Enlisted at Inverness
Date of birth: 22 February 1884
Date of death: 28 June 1917 at the age of 33
Killed in action in France
Interred: Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, grave XIV. C. 8
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry
Angus was one of the children of William (1850) and Isabella (1856), the others being Chirsty (1890), Henrietta (1887), Mary (1886) and Norman Donald (1896).
His brother [Norman] Donald served in the RNR and survived the war.
Stornoway Gazette, 15 July 1917
VALTOS HERO FALLS - Last week Mr. William MacKay, Valtos, received intimation of the death of his son, Pte. Angus MacKay, Gordon Highlanders, on the 28th June last, in the Casualty Clearing Station, France. He died from shell wound in the back. Pte. Mackay went to France very early in the war and had been wounded twice previously - the first time very seriously. Great sympathy is extended to his parents and relatives in their bereavement.
John Mackay, 31 Valtos
Master Mariner JOHN MACKAY
Iain Uisdean
Last address in Lewis: 31 Valtos,
Son of Hugh and Ann Mackay
Service unit: Merchant Marine
Date of death: 31 January 1919 at the age of 47
Died at home
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry
Invalided October 1916 with pulmonary trouble. Was sailing on the Australian Coast and received his Master's Certificate in 1911.
John was the one of the children of Hugh (1837) and Ann (1845), the others being Angus (1869), Chirsty (1873), Donald (1878), Hugh (1890), Janet (1875), John (1882), Kenneth (1888) and Norman (1880).
His brother Norman served in the Durham Light Infantry, Donald with the Canadians, Hugh with the RAMC and John in the Merchant Navy. John died at home early in 1919.
Iain Uisdean
Last address in Lewis: 31 Valtos,
Son of Hugh and Ann Mackay
Service unit: Merchant Marine
Date of death: 31 January 1919 at the age of 47
Died at home
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry
Invalided October 1916 with pulmonary trouble. Was sailing on the Australian Coast and received his Master's Certificate in 1911.
John was the one of the children of Hugh (1837) and Ann (1845), the others being Angus (1869), Chirsty (1873), Donald (1878), Hugh (1890), Janet (1875), John (1882), Kenneth (1888) and Norman (1880).
His brother Norman served in the Durham Light Infantry, Donald with the Canadians, Hugh with the RAMC and John in the Merchant Navy. John died at home early in 1919.
Angus Mackay, 31 Valtos
Quarter-master Serjeant ANGUS MACKAY
Aonghas Uisdean
Last address in Lewis: 31 Valtos,
Son of Hugh and Ann Mackay, married to Christina
Service unit: 1039th MT Coy Royal Army Service Corps
Service number: DM2/097042
Enlisted at Manchester
Date of birth: 1869
Date of death: 7 March 1918 at the age of 49
Died in an accident in Egypt
Interred: Gaza War Cemetery, grave XXXII. B. 3
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry
Angus was the one of the children of Hugh (1837) and Ann (1845), the others being Angus (1869), Chirsty (1873), Donald (1878), Hugh (1890), Janet (1875), John (1871), John (1882), Kenneth (1888) and Norman (1880).
His brother Norman served in the Durham Light Infantry, Donald with the Canadians, Hugh with the RAMC and John in the Merchant Navy. John died at home early in 1919.
Stornoway Gazette, 5 April 1918
YET ANOTHER: Last week, Mr. Hugh Mackay, Valtos, received the sad information that his son, Angus Mackay A.S.C was accidentally killed in Egypt on the 7th ult. Only last December Angus left this country for France, where he served for some short time, and must have arrived in Egypt quite recently. He leaves a widow and four children in Manchester, and to them and his aged parents and other relatives the sympathy of the community is extended in their sad and sore bereavement.
Aonghas Uisdean
Last address in Lewis: 31 Valtos,
Son of Hugh and Ann Mackay, married to Christina
Service unit: 1039th MT Coy Royal Army Service Corps
Service number: DM2/097042
Enlisted at Manchester
Date of birth: 1869
Date of death: 7 March 1918 at the age of 49
Died in an accident in Egypt
Interred: Gaza War Cemetery, grave XXXII. B. 3
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry
Angus was the one of the children of Hugh (1837) and Ann (1845), the others being Angus (1869), Chirsty (1873), Donald (1878), Hugh (1890), Janet (1875), John (1871), John (1882), Kenneth (1888) and Norman (1880).
His brother Norman served in the Durham Light Infantry, Donald with the Canadians, Hugh with the RAMC and John in the Merchant Navy. John died at home early in 1919.
Stornoway Gazette, 5 April 1918
YET ANOTHER: Last week, Mr. Hugh Mackay, Valtos, received the sad information that his son, Angus Mackay A.S.C was accidentally killed in Egypt on the 7th ult. Only last December Angus left this country for France, where he served for some short time, and must have arrived in Egypt quite recently. He leaves a widow and four children in Manchester, and to them and his aged parents and other relatives the sympathy of the community is extended in their sad and sore bereavement.
Norman Maciver, 25 Valtos
Seaman NORMAN MACIVER
Tormod Thormoid Mhoir
Tormod Thormoid Mhurchaidh
Last address in Lewis: 25 Valtos,
Son of Norman and Mary Maciver, of 25, Valtos Uig, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Inconstant
Service number: 3817A
Date of birth: 27 December 1886
Date of death: 6 February 1915 at the age of 28
Drowned after he was washed overboard
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 14
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry
Norman was one of the children of Norman (1853) and Mary (1857), the others being Alexander (1893), Barbara, Christina (1883), Donald (1885), Duncan, Mary Barbara (1897), Murdanie (1895) and Murdo (1888).
His brother Murdo was killed in 1916, serving with the Canadians; his brother Alexander was in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary service and Murdanie in the RNR. The latter two survived the war.
Tormod Thormoid Mhoir
Tormod Thormoid Mhurchaidh
Last address in Lewis: 25 Valtos,
Son of Norman and Mary Maciver, of 25, Valtos Uig, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Inconstant
Service number: 3817A
Date of birth: 27 December 1886
Date of death: 6 February 1915 at the age of 28
Drowned after he was washed overboard
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 14
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry
Norman was one of the children of Norman (1853) and Mary (1857), the others being Alexander (1893), Barbara, Christina (1883), Donald (1885), Duncan, Mary Barbara (1897), Murdanie (1895) and Murdo (1888).
His brother Murdo was killed in 1916, serving with the Canadians; his brother Alexander was in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary service and Murdanie in the RNR. The latter two survived the war.
Murdo Maciver, 25 Valtos
Private MURDO MACIVER
Murchadh Thormoid Mhoir
Murchadh Thormoid Mhurchaidh
Last address in Lewis: 25 Valtos,
Son of Norman and Mary Maciver, of 25, Valtos
Service unit: 13th Canadian Infantry (Quebec Regiment)
Service number: 132654
Date of birth: 7 August 1888
Date of death: 8 October 1916 at the age of 28
Killed in action in France
Interred: Adanac Military Cemetery, Miraumont, grave V. D. 30.
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry
Place of birth: Isle of Lewis
Height: 5 ft 7 in
Complexion: Light
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Light brown
Religion: Presbyterian
Trade / occupation: Helper
Volunteered at Montreal on 21 September 1915
Murdo was one of the children of Norman (1853) and Mary (1857), the others being Alexander (1893), Barbara, Christina (1883), Donald (1885), Duncan, Mary Barbara (1897), Murdanie (1895) and Norman (1886).
His brother Norman drowned in 1916, serving in the RNR; his brother Alexander was in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary service and Murdanie in the RNR. The latter two survived the war.
Murchadh Thormoid Mhoir
Murchadh Thormoid Mhurchaidh
Last address in Lewis: 25 Valtos,
Son of Norman and Mary Maciver, of 25, Valtos
Service unit: 13th Canadian Infantry (Quebec Regiment)
Service number: 132654
Date of birth: 7 August 1888
Date of death: 8 October 1916 at the age of 28
Killed in action in France
Interred: Adanac Military Cemetery, Miraumont, grave V. D. 30.
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry
Place of birth: Isle of Lewis
Height: 5 ft 7 in
Complexion: Light
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Light brown
Religion: Presbyterian
Trade / occupation: Helper
Volunteered at Montreal on 21 September 1915
Murdo was one of the children of Norman (1853) and Mary (1857), the others being Alexander (1893), Barbara, Christina (1883), Donald (1885), Duncan, Mary Barbara (1897), Murdanie (1895) and Norman (1886).
His brother Norman drowned in 1916, serving in the RNR; his brother Alexander was in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary service and Murdanie in the RNR. The latter two survived the war.
Hector Matheson, 22 Valtos
Sergeant HECTOR MATHESON
Eachain Dhomhnaill Mhadson
Last address in Lewis: 22 Valtos
Also quoted at 10 Reef
Son of Donald and Annie Matheson, of 22, Valtos, Miavaig, Stornoway.
Service unit: 1st Gordon Highlanders
Service number: 238040
Date of birth: 10 August 1894
Date of death: 16 June 1917 at the age of 23
Killed in action
Interred: Monchy British Cemetery, Monchy-le-Preux, grave I. E. 27
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry
Hector was one of the children of Donald (1860) and Ann (1862), the others being John (1900), Malcolm (1898), Mary Ann (1902), Mary (1896) and Peggy (1905).
His brother Malcolm served in the RNR but survived the war.
Stornoway Gazette, 24 August 1917
FINE CAREER CUT SHORT - For some time past grave anxiety was felt for the safety of Sergt.-Instructor Hector Matheson, Cameron Highlanders, Valtos, and now information has been received that on 18th June last, whilst leading his men into action, a shell burst near him, mortally wounding him. He was being carried off the field to a dressing station, but died on the way. Hector would have been a success at any work he undertook to do, as he always brought diligence and common sense to bear upon all his actions. We all feel so sorry that his parents have lost so fine a son and that the Army have lost so line and brave an officer.
Hebridean newspaper
Eachain Dhomhnaill Mhadson
Last address in Lewis: 22 Valtos
Also quoted at 10 Reef
Son of Donald and Annie Matheson, of 22, Valtos, Miavaig, Stornoway.
Service unit: 1st Gordon Highlanders
Service number: 238040
Date of birth: 10 August 1894
Date of death: 16 June 1917 at the age of 23
Killed in action
Interred: Monchy British Cemetery, Monchy-le-Preux, grave I. E. 27
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry
Hector was one of the children of Donald (1860) and Ann (1862), the others being John (1900), Malcolm (1898), Mary Ann (1902), Mary (1896) and Peggy (1905).
His brother Malcolm served in the RNR but survived the war.
Stornoway Gazette, 24 August 1917
FINE CAREER CUT SHORT - For some time past grave anxiety was felt for the safety of Sergt.-Instructor Hector Matheson, Cameron Highlanders, Valtos, and now information has been received that on 18th June last, whilst leading his men into action, a shell burst near him, mortally wounding him. He was being carried off the field to a dressing station, but died on the way. Hector would have been a success at any work he undertook to do, as he always brought diligence and common sense to bear upon all his actions. We all feel so sorry that his parents have lost so fine a son and that the Army have lost so line and brave an officer.
Hebridean newspaper
Hector Matheson was one of several young men from the village of Valtos, Uig, Isle of Lewis who went to serve in the First World War. Hector reached the rank of sergeant in the 1st Gordon Highlanders and at twenty-three years of age, died in action in France on 16th June 1917.
At least sixty-two men from the village of Valtos served in the war and ten of those made the ultimate sacrifice. The devastating news of Hector's death was relayed to his parents Donald and Annie Matheson and his brothers and sisters at 23 Valtos.
In later years the family were allocated a croft at 10 Reef. To Joan Maclennan (daughter of Calum Matheson) Hector was her father's elder brother lost in action, the "forever young" face in faded family pictures.
Almost ninety years after his death, in September 2005 a package arrived from Edinburgh, which told Joan more about his life. The collection of pictures showed Sergeant Hector Matheson in uniform and included the letter from the War Office, which states that 'Sergeant H. Matheson is reported as buried at Monchy le Preux, East-South-East of Arras'. Also included was a memorial card and picture issued by the military.
The army pictures had been sent by Hector Matheson in 1916-17 to his fiancée Jane Hannan in Dumfermline. The mementoes of the soldier who never retuned from the war were treasured by Jane and on her death in 1963. Her sister stored them away. In 2005 Jane's niece Marguerite Reid from Edinburgh felt the pictures should be returned to Hector's relatives so, with the help of the War Graves Commission Website, Marguerite traced the Matheson's Valtos address and she says 'I feel that I am now sending Hector home'.
In an accompanying letter Marguerite Reid was puzzled as to how Hector and Jane had met and enquired as to whether he had a trade that may have taken him to Dumfermline.
Joan Maclennan has drawn a blank but has discovered Hector was a monitor in Valtos School and was one of the few pupils who gained the high marks that were necessary to enter the Nicolson Institute School in Stornoway. It is also said that Hector worked in the post office owned by John Macdonald (An Downie) in Miavaig, Uig. Marguerite and Joan have been unable to find out whether Hector served in the army before the war.
In a group picture on a French postcard, six sergeants in C Company 1st Gordons are listed. On the reverse side Hector has pencilled-in names and refers to his own picture in the line up as 'your humble servant ' Marguerite reflects on how very rarely that phrase is used today.
During the years of the First World war, Jane Hannan lost not only the man who had asked for her hand in marriage, she also grieved for two brothers lost in action. Will aged twenty-three and a younger brother Hugh aged just nineteen. Jane never married and she emigrated to New Zealand shortly after the war, returning to this country in 1946.
The black edged memorial card for the soldier from Valtos reads:
For His Country's Sake:
No loved ones stood around him
To bid a last farewell
No word of comfort could he leave
To those he loved so well. Had we but seen his last fond lookOr watched his dying bed
Our hearts would not have felt so sore
The bitter tears we've shedSleep on, dear son, in a far off graveIn a grave we shall never see,
But as long as life and memory last
We will remember thee
Malcolm Mackay, 16 Valtos
Private MALCOLM MACKAY
Calum Chaluim Aonghais
Last address in Lewis: 16 Valtos,
Son of Malcolm and Christina Mackay
Service unit: 2nd Cameron Highlanders
Service number: 8917
Enlisted at Glasgow
Date of death: 5 May 1915 at the age of 31
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Panel 38 and 40
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry
Malcolm was one of the children of Malcolm (1834) and Christina (1844), the others being Angus (1870), Christina (1887), Janet (1881), John (1889), John (1877), Margaret (1875), Marion (1867), Mary (1886) and Norman (1872).
His brother John was gassed serving with the Seaforth Highlanders; the other brother John was wounded serving with the Cameron Highlanders. Both these survived the war; the records do not make clear which one suffered which fate.
Alexander Mackay, 15 Valtos
Seaman ALEX MACKAY
Ailig Ruadh
Alastair Dhomhnaill Aonghais
Last address in Lewis: 15 Valtos,
Son of Donald and Annie Mackay, husband to Christina, father of 3 children
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, SS Vedamore
Service number: 2335D
Date of birth: 17 November 1867
Date of death: 7 February 1917 at the age of 48
Ship sunk just off southwestern Ireland by U-85 whilst inbound from Baltimore to Liverpool
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry
Survivor from sinking of HMS Hermes
Alex was the son of Donald (1830) and Annie (1837), and brother to Alexander Andrew (1877), Catherine Ann (1873), Christina (1862), Dorothy (1865), Isabella Ann (1878), John (1871) and Mary (1880) as well as an unnamed infant who lived but for one hour in 1864. .
Stornoway Gazette, 2 March 1917
March 2, 1917
VALTOS OBITUARY - Deep sorrow was felt by the Valtos inhabitants when the sad news of the death of Mr. Alexander MacKay, 18 Valtos, was received on Friday, the 16th ult. Mr. MacKay was a gunner on board H.M.S. ______ and lost his life when that ship was sunk. He was serving on H.M.S. Hermes when that ship went down early in the war, but he got off safely on that occasion. Mr. MacKay was a man of integrity, to whom the poet's line may well be applied:-
"An honest man's the noblest work of God".He leaves behind a widow and four children, also an aged mother, who lived with him. The deepest sympathy of all who knew him goes out towards his relatives in their great sorrow.
Ailig Ruadh
Alastair Dhomhnaill Aonghais
Last address in Lewis: 15 Valtos,
Son of Donald and Annie Mackay, husband to Christina, father of 3 children
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, SS Vedamore
Service number: 2335D
Date of birth: 17 November 1867
Date of death: 7 February 1917 at the age of 48
Ship sunk just off southwestern Ireland by U-85 whilst inbound from Baltimore to Liverpool
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry
Survivor from sinking of HMS Hermes
Alex was the son of Donald (1830) and Annie (1837), and brother to Alexander Andrew (1877), Catherine Ann (1873), Christina (1862), Dorothy (1865), Isabella Ann (1878), John (1871) and Mary (1880) as well as an unnamed infant who lived but for one hour in 1864. .
Stornoway Gazette, 2 March 1917
March 2, 1917
VALTOS OBITUARY - Deep sorrow was felt by the Valtos inhabitants when the sad news of the death of Mr. Alexander MacKay, 18 Valtos, was received on Friday, the 16th ult. Mr. MacKay was a gunner on board H.M.S. ______ and lost his life when that ship was sunk. He was serving on H.M.S. Hermes when that ship went down early in the war, but he got off safely on that occasion. Mr. MacKay was a man of integrity, to whom the poet's line may well be applied:-
"An honest man's the noblest work of God".He leaves behind a widow and four children, also an aged mother, who lived with him. The deepest sympathy of all who knew him goes out towards his relatives in their great sorrow.
Norman Nicolson, 5 Valtos
Deckhand NORMAN NICOLSON
Last address in Lewis: 5 Valtos
Son of Donald and Catherine Nicolson of Crowlista
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, SS Souma
Service number: 4362/SD
Date of death: 30 July 1917 at the age of 28
Ship sunk by U-94 northnortheast of Shetland whilst en-route from Lerwick to Archangelsk
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 26
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry
Norman appears in the 1891 census, aged 2, the youngest child of Donald (45) and Catherine (35). His siblings were Christina (15), Murdo (14), Catherine (12), Alexander (11), Kenneth (9), John (6) and Rachel (4). In 1901, the family have relocated to 1 Crowlista, and another 4 children have been born meanwhile: Donald (9), Kenneth (7), Marion (5) and Murdo (3).
Stornoway Gazette
Official information was received on Friday (10th August 1917) that Seaman Norman Nicolson, cousin of Donald Nicolson (1 Crowlista) was missing since the end of July, when his ship was torpedoed by a German U-boat. His poor mother is heartbroken at the loss of her son, who was her sole support. He was to her a most helpful and dutiful son, and in his actions a gentleman to all he met. The sympathy of all is extended to his mother and other near relatives.
Last address in Lewis: 5 Valtos
Son of Donald and Catherine Nicolson of Crowlista
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, SS Souma
Service number: 4362/SD
Date of death: 30 July 1917 at the age of 28
Ship sunk by U-94 northnortheast of Shetland whilst en-route from Lerwick to Archangelsk
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 26
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry
Norman appears in the 1891 census, aged 2, the youngest child of Donald (45) and Catherine (35). His siblings were Christina (15), Murdo (14), Catherine (12), Alexander (11), Kenneth (9), John (6) and Rachel (4). In 1901, the family have relocated to 1 Crowlista, and another 4 children have been born meanwhile: Donald (9), Kenneth (7), Marion (5) and Murdo (3).
Stornoway Gazette
Official information was received on Friday (10th August 1917) that Seaman Norman Nicolson, cousin of Donald Nicolson (1 Crowlista) was missing since the end of July, when his ship was torpedoed by a German U-boat. His poor mother is heartbroken at the loss of her son, who was her sole support. He was to her a most helpful and dutiful son, and in his actions a gentleman to all he met. The sympathy of all is extended to his mother and other near relatives.
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