Tong School District

John Maciver, Tong School

TONG SCHOOL DISTRICT.
(Tong and Aird of Tong).
Population last Census, 482 (Males, 213: Females, 269).

NOW that the Great War is over, the records of this district give cause for feelings of sadness and pride-sadness for the death on service of twenty-one young men, and pride that they gave their lives for the cause of freedom and that so many as eight war honours were gained by village lads.

When it is mentioned that the total population in the district in 1914 was 500, and the total male population 230, the above numbers, to give their lives and to gain honours, are very striking.

The heaviest casualties took place early in the war among the Militia boys and members of the R.N.R., and, strange to relate, the wreck of H.M.S. "Iolaire," which brought so much suffering to the Island of Lewis, was not responsible for any loss of life in this district, although four young men came on leave that same night, crossing by the s.s. "Sheila."

The following made the supreme sacrifice: —
Malcolm Macdonald (Donald), 3 Tong
Evander Maciver, 3 Tong
Norman Macinnes, Q.M.S., 6 Tong (died in Stobhill Hospital)
Malcolm Macleod (Angus), 8 Tong
Donald Macleod (Angus), 8 Tong
Malcolm Murray, 10 Tong
Murdo Macleod (Kenneth sen.), 12 Tong
Angus Macleod (Peter), 12 Tong
Malcolm Finlayson, 14 Tong (died at Bombay)
John Thomson, 32 Tong

John Macdonald, 6 Aird of Tong
Samuel Macdonald, 8 Aird of Tong
Donald Macdonald, 8 Aird of Tong
Norman Macfarlane, 9 Aird of Tong (Died at Quebec)
Donald Finlayson, 19 Aird of Tong
John Smith, 20 Aird of Tong
Duncan Smith, 20 Aird of Tong
Donald Macmillan, 21 Aird of Tong
John Macmillan, 21 Aird of Tong
Angus Macleod (George), 21 Aird of Tong
John Macleod, 25 Aird of Tong.

Honours were awarded to—

Sergeant John Thomson (John)—Recommended Distinguished Conduct Medal for gallantry at Hill 60.

Pte. and Lieutenant. Alex. Thomson (James) —Awarded Distinguished Conduct Medal for gallantry at Neuve Chapelle, gained Military Cross for work at Buzancy.

Lieutenant George Thomson (Alexander)—Gained Military Cross for gallantry at Salonika.

Sergeant Donald Smith (Peter)—Gained Distinguished Conduct Medal and Bar to D.C.M. for gallantry.

Quarter-Master-Sergeant Alex. Matheson (Alex.)—Gained Distinguished Conduct Medal for gallantry in Gallipoli.

Sergeant Alex. Mackinnon — Gained Military Medal.

Lieutenant Donald M. Macfarlane (John)—Awarded Military Cross on the field, for gallantry at Paschendale Ridge, November, 1917

Tong Schoolhouse.
JOHN MACIVER.