Back School District

W. G. Morrison, JP
Schoolhouse, Back

BACK SCHOOL DISTRICT
(Back, Vatisker, Lighthill and Coll.)
Population last Census, 1443: (Males, 668; Females, 775).

WHEN the great call came in August, 1914, with startling suddenness, most of the men in the district were on the East Coast pursuing their usual vocation. Promptly the call was answered, the men in the R.N.R. and the lads in the Militia making their way to their respective depots, without getting the chance to cross the Minch to bid farewell to their loved ones at home—homes which, alas ! many were never destined again to see.

At last census the population of the district was returned as 1443— 668 males and 775 females. The total number who joined up was 331—23 per cent, of the total population and almost 50 per cent,
of the males. The number who were killed in battle, drowned at sea, or who died as the result of wounds received or disease contracted abroad was 50— 15 per cent, of the total serving.

Three families sustained double losses, viz., John Macrae, 25 Coll, who had three sons serving and lost two ; Murdo Macaskill, Lighthill, who lost his only sons ; and the Beaton family in Coll, who
lost two brothers.

Looking back on the past four years, what impressed one most was the crowds which daily wended their way to the Post Office to read the daily bulletins of the war posted up there. A look at the faces of those reading soon told whether the news therein was good or bad. While most at the beginning of the war were optimistic, a feeling of pessimism began to pervade all as the years passed and there was no sign of the foe being beaten. Everyone heaved a sigh of relief when the Armistice was declared and there was general rejoicing, which, however, a few weeks later was turned into universal mourning when the news of the "Iolaire" disaster became known. It is impossible to picture what followed this awful disaster or to enter into the feelings of those whose cup of joy was so ruthlessly dashed from their lips.

While we still mourn with those who mourn we must also rejoice with those who do rejoice over the meritorious service rendered by all serving, and especially with those whose deeds brought them the
rewards of valour. Lieutenant A. Macrae, Vatisker, did yeoman service in hunting down submarines, and for sinking two received the D.S.C. and bar. He was Lieutenant in command of the '"Osprey"
at the time, his first T.B.D., the "Coquette," having the misfortune to strike a mine. Three received the Military Medal, viz., Lance-Corporal Alex. Graham, 8 Back; John Graham, 31 Back; and Murdo Murray, 52 Back. Two received the D.C.M., viz., Neil Maciver and Alex. Maciver, both of the Canadians and both natives of Coll who emigrated to Canada several years ago.

W. GRANT MORRISON, J.P.
Schoolhouse, Back.