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Bragar School District

T. S. Rennie
Bragar School
BRAGAR SCHOOL DISTRICT.
(Arnol, North Bragar and South Bragar.)
Population last Census, 1055: (Males, 490; Females, 565).

ON South Bragar fell heavily the sad "Iolaire" disaster. Seven of the finest men and smartest seamen on the West Side were lost that morning, leaving in every case helpless dependents to mourn their loss.

The township is proud of Lieut. Alex. Finlayson, R.N.R., 53 S. Bragar. Originally a teacher he turned to the mercantile marine. He qualified as mate and as captain as fast as the regulations would allow. When war broke out he offered his services and experience to the Government, and was soon in command of a squadron of trawlers and mine-sweepers patrolling the English Channel and North Sea. For his able work there he was awarded the D.S.C.

Sergt. Donald Macaulay, A.I.F., also distinguished himself and earned the M.M. and D.C.M. Unfortunately he lost his right arm, and is now at home in 43 South Bragar as cheery and bright as ever.

Another South Bragar man, Pte. Don. Finlayson, of the Canadians, brother of Lieut. Finlayson, carried to his Canadian home the Military Medal, earned by distinguished bravery in France.

From South Bragar 94 men were on service, and 21 made the supreme sacrifice:

—Officers—
1 Lieut., R.N.R. ;
1 Lieut., Army.

Decorations—
1 D.S.C. ,
1 D-C.M.,
2 M.M.'s,
and Stars in most cases.

North Bragar has also done its little bit and the township has honourable scars to show, and, alas, empty places to lament.

Among the veterans Murdo Mackay, 7 North Bragar, holds a commission as Captain in the Newfoundland Contingent. He was one of the Regular Army and retired years ago, but when the need came he was there as keen as a young 'un. In his army days Captain Mackay was a fine all-round athlete and held the belt for years as champion boxer in the Scottish Command. Both overseas and at home he rendered valuable services and was a deservedly popular officer.

Pte. Angus Macleod, 36 North Bragar, won the M.M., and was recommended for the Croix de Guerre for special bravery on the field on the Somme in July. 1916. Twice wounded and once gassed this gallant "Contemptible" was through the whole war and carries his hard-earned Mons Star and M.M. with characteristic modesty.

Colin Mackay, R.N.R. , of 4 North Bragar, has by his gallantry and devotion to duty won the D.S-M.

The "Iolaire" disaster also claimed its victims and one of the most popular and likeable lads of the
village, Murdo Mackay, R.N.R., 7 North Bragar, perished. From this village 66 joined the Colours and 5 lost their lives.

Officers—
1 Captain and 1 Lieutenant, R.A.F.

Decorations—
1 D.S.M.

The gallant little township of Arnol shows a very fine record.

Ninety men were on service and of these sixteen gave their lives for King and Country. Four commissioned officers gave honour to their township,

1 Lieut.-Colonel, 1 Captain (Chaplain), and 2 Army Lieutenants, one of whom, not content with fighting the enemy on terra firma joined the R.A.F. and qualified as an air pilot.

One D.S.O., two D.C.M.'s, one M.C. and one M.M., with a host of Stars, speak for the bravery and efficiency of the Arnol boys.

T. S. RENNIE
Schoolhouse, Bragar.

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