Aird School District

AIRD SCHOOL DISTRICT

THE rumours of war in the closing days of July, 1914, were suddenly changed to its grim actualities when, on 4th August, Great Britain formally made her entry into the greatest conflict in the world's history. Nearly all the young men of the district belonged to the Royal Naval Reserve or the Militia. Consequently the news that we were about to engage in mortal combat with the greatest military nation in the world was received with staggering amazement, quickly followed by calm resolution and determination to serve their King and Country with all their powers of brain and arm. From this district there was an immediate response to the Nation's cry—"To Arms!"—not only by those who were in duty bound to go, but also by those who had had no mili- tary training. Many of these were actually under military age, but being big and sturdy, they pretended to be older than they really were, and their services were accepted. There was no need for conscription here. The young men who had gone to the Colonies were just as eager to serve as those at home. Many came over at their own expense; others came with the Colonial contingents. During the progress of the war the people took a keen, intelligent interest in the swaying conflicts on the various fronts, and followed the changing battle lines with the aid of maps. Even in the darkest days they were confident of the final issue. When the war telegram announced a retreat of the Allies, they comforted themselves by believing it to be a strategic move that would ultimately lead to victory. The children were not a whit behind their seniors in their eagerness to help, and they collected close on £100 for various war charities.


The signing of the Armistice on 11th November, 1918, caused great joy, and many flags were hoisted. Now there would be no more casualties, but, alas! the tragic wreck of the Iolaire on New Year's morning sent a thrill of horror and sorrow, not only throughout the Island but also throughout the whole Empire. In that tragedy this district alone lost 21 precious lives. Amongst the band of heroes overwhelmed in that night of terror, four stood pre-eminent in physical mould and Christian courage — Alick Maciver, 12 Shader; Angus Mackay, Hillside, Shader; Alick Mackenzie, Lochside, Aird ; and Alick Mackenzie, No. 1, Aird. Relying on Him who rules the elements, they were cool and fearless midst the raging breakers and the crashing of the doomed ship. Thinking not of self, they eagerly helped others to a means of escape. Thus they died as they had lived—ever ready to lend a helping hand to a brother in need. The first from this district to fall in the war was Duncan Campbell, No. 6 Broker, who was mortally wounded at the Aisne in 1914. Donald Macleod, 10 Portnaguran, sustained the crushing loss of four sons.

The names on the Roll of Honour for the School District, which number 393, or whom 74 have fallen, includes the following:

—1 Warrant Officer, 1 Captain, 3 Lieutenants; Naval Officers
—1 Warrant Officer, 1 Commander (United States Navy).


The Honours List shows 1 D.C.M., 4 M.M., 3 Russian Decorations, 1 Italian Decoration, and quite a number of 1914 Stars. Details will be found on the next pages.


A. MACDONALD.
Schoolhouse, Aird.

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SCHOOL DISTRICT DETAILS.
(Portvoller, Aird, Sheshader, Shader, Flesherin, Portnaguran and Broker.)

Population last Census, 1965;
(Males, 895; Females, 1070).

On Roll of Honour
(number of dead in brackets)

AIRD 74 (12)
PORTVOLLER 61 (10)
BROKER 22 (4)
FLESHERIN 44 (7)
PORTNAGURAN 52 (12)
SHESHADER 80 (20)
SHADER 69 (9)
Total: 402