This is a literal transcript of Loyal Lewis, Roll of Honour 1914-1918.
The information it contains is exactly as it was printed by the Stornoway Gazette in 1921, without correction or verification of the facts presented therein.
Navigation of this website should be done using the sidepanels on either side of the main text, and not by clicking the Previous or Next links at the bottom of each entry.
The list of villages is presented in the right sidebar, grouped by approximate district.
A collection of features, including the original introduction, some photographs and a focus on the Iolaire Disaster can be found in the left sidebar.
The site can be searched using the searchbox in the right sidebar, but please be aware of the number of people carrying the same surname and / or first names in Lewis. Knowing the person's last place of residence in the island carries a much larger chance of success.
Last updated: June 2014
Lewis Canadians
Top row: J Nicholson, Lemreway; Corpl Donald Macdonald, Lower Sandwick;
Middle row: J Campbell, Marvig; Sergt A Mackinnon, MM, Aird; M. A. Macleod, Garyvard;
Bottom row: James Macleod, Stornoway and Murdo Macleod, Gravir
Tong and Back boys photographed in France
Sitting (left to right): M. Macmillan, Back; A. Thomson, Tong (DCM and MC); J. Macfarlane, Tong; M. Finlayson, Tong (died of wounds).
List of Lewis losses
PARISH OF STORNOWAY.
AIRD
Murdo Macleod, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 10 (left widow and four children).
Alex. Mackenzie, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 5 (left widow and four children).
Alex. Mackenzie, Seaman, R.N.R. No. 1 (left widow and five children).
BROKER
Alex. Macleod (Murdo), Deckhand, No. 3 (single). R N.R.
PORTNAGURAN
Alex. Macleod, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 1 (left widow and seven children).
Norman Macleod, Seaman, R.N.R. No. 10 (single).
SHADER
Donald Macaulay, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 1 (left widow and three children).
Angus Mackay, Deckhand, R.N.R., (left widow and four children).
Alex. Maciver, Deckhand, R.N.R., No. 19 (left widow and three children).
Donald Macaskill, A.B., R.N.R., No. 14 (single).
Kenneth Mackenzie, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 4 (single).
SHESHADER
Norman Montgomery, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 6 (left widow and five children).
Murdo Mackenzie, A.B., R.N.R., No. 15 (left widow and four children).
Donald Macdonald, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 5, (single).
Murdo Macaulay, Deckhand, R.N.R. No 7, (single;.
William Murray, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 11, (single).
Donald Macaulay, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 13, (single).
John Macdonald, Sen., Seaman, R.N.R. No 20, (single)
John Macdonald, Jun., Seaman, R.N.R No 20, (single; brother of above)
Donald Mackay, Deckhand, R.N.R., No 22, (single).
Norman Macleod, Seaman, R.N.R., No 23, (single).
UPPER BAYBLE
John Macleod, Seaman, R.N.R., No 43 (widow and five children).
Malcolm Macmillan, Seaman, R.N.R., No 51 (left widow and six children).
John Smith, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 17 (left widow and two children).
Donald Mackenzie, Deckhand, M.M.R, No 22, left widow and five children).
NEW PARK, BAYBLE
William Macdonald, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 44 (single).
LOWER BAYBLE
John Maciver, Seaman, M.M.R. , No. 19 (left widow and five children).
Murdo Maciver, Seaman, R.N.R.. No. 36 (left widow and seven children).
Alex. Macdonald, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 28 (left widow and four children)
GARRABOST
John Macleod, Seaman, M.M.R., 30 Lower Garrabost (left widow and two children).
Norman Mackenzie, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 1 Church Street, Garrabost (single).
SWORDALE
Alex. Campbell (James), Deckhand, R.N.R., No. 26 (single).
Murdo Mackay (Angus), A.B., R.N.R., No. 16 (single).
Roderick Mackenzie, Mate, R.N.R. (left widow and three children).
KNOCK
Angus Macleod (Torquil), Deckhand, R.N.R. No. 18 (single).
Donald Crichton (Alexander), Seaman, R.N.R., No. 15 (single).
Angus Crichton, A.B., R.N.R., No. 12 (left widow and four children)
AIGNISH
Malcolm Maciver, Deckhand, R.N.R., No. 28 (single).
Malcolm Macleod (Donald), Seaman, R.N.R. No. 5 (single).
HOLM
John Macdonald (Alexander), Deckhand, R.N.R., No. 10 (single).
SANDWICK
John Macaskill (Kenneth), Leading Deckhand,. 12 Lower Sandwick (single).
STORNOWAY
John A. Macaskill, Signalman, 75 Keith St. (single).
Donald Macleod, Gunner, 10 Murray's Court (single).
Donald Macritchie, Cooper, 2nd Class, 46 Keith Street (left widow and one child).
W. K. Wilson, E.R.A., R.N., Beach House (left widow and two children).
LAXDALE
Angus Macleod, Seaman, R.N.R., 1 New Valley (single).
Alex. Macdonald, W. O., R.N.R., 7 New Valley (single).
BACK
Alex. Beaton, A.B., M.M.R. 37 Coll (single).
Murdo Macleod, A.B., R.N.R., 30 Coll (widower; left one child).
John Morrison, A.B., R.N.R., 10 Coll (left widow and eight children).
William Macleod, Deckhand, R.N.R. 8 Coll (single).
Alex. Campbell, Leading Seaman, R.N.R. , 8 Vatisker (left widow and three children).
Donald Campbell, A.B., R.N.R., 3 Vatisker (left widow).
Donald Macdonald, Deckhand, R.N.R., 11 Back (single).
Robert Murray, Deckhand, R.N.R., Lighthill (single).
John Macaskill, A.B., R.N.R. Lighthill (single).
NORTH TOLSTA
John Macdonald, A.B., R.N.R., No. 1 (widower, left three children).
Donald Macleod, A.B., R.N.R. No. 3 (single).
John Morrison, A.B., R.N.R., No. 8 (single).
Kenneth Campbell, A.B., R.N.R., No. 30 (left widow and two children).
Donald Maciver, A.B., R.N.R., No. 38 (single).
John Maciver, A.B., R.N.R., Hill Street (left young widow).
Donald Campbell, Leading Seaman, R.N.R., No. 44 (left widow).
Evander Murray, A.B., R.N.R., No. 45 (left widow and step-daughter).
Donald Macleod, A.B., R.N.R., No. 58 (single).
Malcolm Macleod, A.B., R.N.R., No. 58 (single; brother of above).
John Maciver, A.B., R.N.R. No. 69 (left widow and two children).
PARISH OF BARVAS.
NESS
John Macdonald, A.B., R.N.R., 18 Skigersta (left young widow).
John Maoleod, A.B., R.N.R., 13 Eorodale (single).
Murdo Campbell, Deckhand, R.N.R., 14 Eorodale (single).
Angus Campbell, A.B., R.N.R., New Street, Lionel (left widow and three children).
Norman Morrison, Deckhand, R.N.R. 17 Lionel (single).
John Murray, A.B., R.N.R., 36 Lionel (left widow and four children)
Angus Macdonald, Deckhand, R.N.R., 3 Port of Ness (single).
Angus Morrison, 1st Class P.O., R.N.R., 7 Knockard (single).
John Morrison, Deckhand, R.N.R., 12 Knockard (single).
William Mackay, Signalman, R.N.R., 7 Fivepenny (single).
Donald Morrison, Deckhand, R.N.R., 11 Fivepenny (single).
Donald Macleod, Deckhand, R.N.R., 5a Fivepenny (single).
Angus Morrison, Leading Deckhand, R.N.R., 15 Eoropie (single).
Donald Macritchie, Deckhand, R.N.R., 34 Habost (single).
Alex. D. Campbell, Deckhand, R.N.R., 41 Habost (single).
Donald Murray, Deckhand, R.N.R., 11 Habost (single).
Roderick Morrison, A.B., R.N.R., Back Street, Habost (left widow and family of eight).
Malcolm Thomson, A.B., M.M.R. , 14 Swanibost (single).
Donald Macdonald, A.B , R.N.R., 13 Swanibost (single).
Murdo Macdonald, Deckhand, R.N.R., 13 Swambost (single ; brother of above).
Malcolm Macleod, O.S., R.N.V.R., 28 Swanibost (single).
Angus Macritchie (Donald), Deckhand, R.N.R., 38 Swanibost (single).
Angus Gillies (Alex.), Deckhand, R.N.R., 35 South Dell (single).
BORVE
Murdo Macdonald, R.N.R., No. 15 (single).
SHADER (BARVAS)
Angus Macleay, A.B., R.N.R., 33 Lower (left widow and four children).
Norman Martin, A.B., R.N.R., 8 Lower (left widow and three children).
John Macdonald, Deckhand, R.N.R., 25 Lower (single).
Angus Morrison, Deckhand, R.N.R., 31 Upper (single).
Malcolm Matheson, Leading Dackhand, 10 Upper (single).
BARVAS
Donald Macleod, Seaman, R.N R., 20 Lower Barvas (single).
BRAGAR
Murdo Maclean, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 6 South (left widow and five children).
John Maclean, Seaman, R.N.R., No 17 South (left widow and four children).
Malcolm Maclean, .Seaman, R.N.R., No 10 South (single).
John Murray, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 30 South (single).
Malcolm Mackay, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 36 South (left widow and five children).
Malcolm Macdonald, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 57 South (left widow and three children).
Murdo Macdonald, Deckhand, R.N.R., No. 3 Fevig (single).
Murdo Mackay, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 7 North Bragar (single).
ARNOL
Angus Maciver, R.N.R., No. 45 (left widow and five children).
Norman Macleod, Seaman, R.N.R., No 13 (left widow and two children)
Donald Macdonald, Leading Torpedo-man, No. 35 (single).
Kenneth Macphail, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 24 (single) .
SHAWBOST
John Smith, Deckhand, R.N.R., 11 South (left widow and four children).
Donald Murray, P.O., R.N.R., 43 South (left widow and four children).
Angus Macleod, Deckhand, R.N.R., 11 South (single).
Roderick Murray, Seaman, R.N.R., 25 South (single)
Donald Macleod, Deckhand, R.N.R., 5 South (single).
Donald W. Gillies, Seaman, R.N.R., 30 South (single).
Donald Macleod (Peter), Seaman, R.N.R., 38 North (single).
Malcolm Macleod (Murdo), Deckhand, R.N.R., 29 North (single).
Donald Nicolson, Seaman, R.N.R., 19 North (left widow and seven children).
PARISH OF UIG.
CARLOWAY
Donald Macarthur, Deckhand, R.N.R., 12 Kirivick (left widow).
Malcolm Macleod, Seaman, R.N.R., 6 Kirivick (single).
John Macaskill, Seaman, R.N.R., 3 Kirivick (single).
Norman Macphail, Seaman, R.N.R., Knock, (left widow and four children).
Donald Macphail, Seaman, R.N R., 11 Borroston (left widow and five children).
Murdo Mackenzie, Seaman, R.N.R., 15 Garenin (left widow).
TOLSTA-CHAOLAIS
Alexander A. Macleod, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 28 (single).
DUNCARLOWAY
Norman Maclean, No. 13 (left widow and four children).
BREASCLET
Malcolm Maciver, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 40 (single).
Donald Macdonald, Leading Seaman, No. 44, (single).
BERNERA
John Mackenzie, Seaman, R.N.R., 8 Breaclet (left widow and one child).
Donald Macdonald, Leading Seaman, R.N.R., 13 Tobson (left 2 children)
Donald Macaulay, Seaman, R.N.R., 4 Hacklet (single).
EARSHADER
Kenneth Smith, Seaman, R.N.R., 1 Earshader (left widow and two children).
UIGEN
John Macleod, Deckhand, R.N.R., No. 17 (single)
Angus Matheson, Deckhand, R.N.R., No 18 (single).
CROWLISTA
Murdo Nicolson, Deckhand, R.N.R , No. 1 (single).
Angus Madonald, Seaman, R.N.R. , No. 6 (single).
Ewen Macdonald, Deckhand, R.N.R., No. 13 (single)
Malcolm Mackay, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 14 (single).
John Macdonald, Leading Seaman, R.N.R., No. 16 (left widow and one child).
Peter Buchanan, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 23 (single).
BREANISH
Murdo Mackinnon, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 18 (single).
George Morrison, Deckhand, R.N.R., No. 28 (single).
PARISH OF LOCHS.
RAERINISH
John Macleod, Mate, R.N.R., No. 31 (left widow and four children)
Alex. Macleod, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 21 (left widow and three children).
Donald Macdonald, Leading Seaman, R.N.R., No. 23 (single).
Donald Macaulay, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 41 (single).
Malcolm Nicolson, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 20 (single).
CROSSBOST
Donald Macleod, Deckhand, R.N.R. , No 2 (single).
Malcolm Macleod, Deckhand, R.N.R. , No. 2 (left widow and two children)
John Macleod, Seaman, M.M.R., No. 13
GRIMSHADER
John Macaulay, Deckhand, R.N.R., (leaves widow and five children).
Malcolm Macleod, A.B., M.M.R., No. 3 (single)
LEURBOST
Angus Macleod, Deckhand, M.M.R., No. 46 (single).
Murdo Maclean, Deckhand, M.M.R., No. 39 (single).
Angus Macdonald, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 42 (widow and five children).
Roderick Macdonald, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 36 (single).
Donald Maclean, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 35 (left widow and six children).
Donald Smith, Seaman, R.N.R., No 34 (single)
Kenneth Smith, Seaman, R.N.R., No 28 (left widow and two children)
Alex Mackenzie (Donald), Seaman, R.N.R., No 16 (single)
John Mackenzie (Donald), Seaman, R.N.R., No 16 (single, brother of above)
Alex Mackenzie, Gunner, R.N.R., No 11 (single)
Allan Macleod, Seaman, R.N.R., No 11 (single)
LAXAY
John Macleod, Seaman, R.N.R., No 25 (single)
CAVERSTAY
Angus Mackinnon, Deckhand, R.N.R., No 4 (left widow and child residing at Dover)
GARYVARD
Alexander Macleod, Seaman, R.N.R., , No 1 (single)
Angus Montgomery, Deckhand, R.N.R., No 2 (left widow and eight children)
MARVIG
John Mackenzie (Alexander), Seaman, R.N.R., No 3, (single)
GRAVIR
Donald Macaskill, Seaman, R.N.R., No 9 (single)
LEMREWAY
David Macinnes (Peter), Deckhand, R.N.R., No 2 (single)
Malcolm Macinnes (Murdo), Seaman, R.N.R., No 2 (single)
Murdo Ferguson, Seaman, R.N.R., No 3 (left widow and five children)
BALALLAN
Malcolm Martin, Deckhand, R.N.R., No 21 (single)
Malcolm Macleod, Seaman, R.N.R., (single)
ACHMORE
Donald Smith (John), Gunner, R.N.R., No 5 (single)
AIRD
Murdo Macleod, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 10 (left widow and four children).
Alex. Mackenzie, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 5 (left widow and four children).
Alex. Mackenzie, Seaman, R.N.R. No. 1 (left widow and five children).
BROKER
Alex. Macleod (Murdo), Deckhand, No. 3 (single). R N.R.
PORTNAGURAN
Alex. Macleod, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 1 (left widow and seven children).
Norman Macleod, Seaman, R.N.R. No. 10 (single).
SHADER
Donald Macaulay, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 1 (left widow and three children).
Angus Mackay, Deckhand, R.N.R., (left widow and four children).
Alex. Maciver, Deckhand, R.N.R., No. 19 (left widow and three children).
Donald Macaskill, A.B., R.N.R., No. 14 (single).
Kenneth Mackenzie, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 4 (single).
SHESHADER
Norman Montgomery, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 6 (left widow and five children).
Murdo Mackenzie, A.B., R.N.R., No. 15 (left widow and four children).
Donald Macdonald, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 5, (single).
Murdo Macaulay, Deckhand, R.N.R. No 7, (single;.
William Murray, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 11, (single).
Donald Macaulay, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 13, (single).
John Macdonald, Sen., Seaman, R.N.R. No 20, (single)
John Macdonald, Jun., Seaman, R.N.R No 20, (single; brother of above)
Donald Mackay, Deckhand, R.N.R., No 22, (single).
Norman Macleod, Seaman, R.N.R., No 23, (single).
UPPER BAYBLE
John Macleod, Seaman, R.N.R., No 43 (widow and five children).
Malcolm Macmillan, Seaman, R.N.R., No 51 (left widow and six children).
John Smith, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 17 (left widow and two children).
Donald Mackenzie, Deckhand, M.M.R, No 22, left widow and five children).
NEW PARK, BAYBLE
William Macdonald, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 44 (single).
LOWER BAYBLE
John Maciver, Seaman, M.M.R. , No. 19 (left widow and five children).
Murdo Maciver, Seaman, R.N.R.. No. 36 (left widow and seven children).
Alex. Macdonald, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 28 (left widow and four children)
GARRABOST
John Macleod, Seaman, M.M.R., 30 Lower Garrabost (left widow and two children).
Norman Mackenzie, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 1 Church Street, Garrabost (single).
SWORDALE
Alex. Campbell (James), Deckhand, R.N.R., No. 26 (single).
Murdo Mackay (Angus), A.B., R.N.R., No. 16 (single).
Roderick Mackenzie, Mate, R.N.R. (left widow and three children).
KNOCK
Angus Macleod (Torquil), Deckhand, R.N.R. No. 18 (single).
Donald Crichton (Alexander), Seaman, R.N.R., No. 15 (single).
Angus Crichton, A.B., R.N.R., No. 12 (left widow and four children)
AIGNISH
Malcolm Maciver, Deckhand, R.N.R., No. 28 (single).
Malcolm Macleod (Donald), Seaman, R.N.R. No. 5 (single).
HOLM
John Macdonald (Alexander), Deckhand, R.N.R., No. 10 (single).
SANDWICK
John Macaskill (Kenneth), Leading Deckhand,. 12 Lower Sandwick (single).
STORNOWAY
John A. Macaskill, Signalman, 75 Keith St. (single).
Donald Macleod, Gunner, 10 Murray's Court (single).
Donald Macritchie, Cooper, 2nd Class, 46 Keith Street (left widow and one child).
W. K. Wilson, E.R.A., R.N., Beach House (left widow and two children).
LAXDALE
Angus Macleod, Seaman, R.N.R., 1 New Valley (single).
Alex. Macdonald, W. O., R.N.R., 7 New Valley (single).
BACK
Alex. Beaton, A.B., M.M.R. 37 Coll (single).
Murdo Macleod, A.B., R.N.R., 30 Coll (widower; left one child).
John Morrison, A.B., R.N.R., 10 Coll (left widow and eight children).
William Macleod, Deckhand, R.N.R. 8 Coll (single).
Alex. Campbell, Leading Seaman, R.N.R. , 8 Vatisker (left widow and three children).
Donald Campbell, A.B., R.N.R., 3 Vatisker (left widow).
Donald Macdonald, Deckhand, R.N.R., 11 Back (single).
Robert Murray, Deckhand, R.N.R., Lighthill (single).
John Macaskill, A.B., R.N.R. Lighthill (single).
NORTH TOLSTA
John Macdonald, A.B., R.N.R., No. 1 (widower, left three children).
Donald Macleod, A.B., R.N.R. No. 3 (single).
John Morrison, A.B., R.N.R., No. 8 (single).
Kenneth Campbell, A.B., R.N.R., No. 30 (left widow and two children).
Donald Maciver, A.B., R.N.R., No. 38 (single).
John Maciver, A.B., R.N.R., Hill Street (left young widow).
Donald Campbell, Leading Seaman, R.N.R., No. 44 (left widow).
Evander Murray, A.B., R.N.R., No. 45 (left widow and step-daughter).
Donald Macleod, A.B., R.N.R., No. 58 (single).
Malcolm Macleod, A.B., R.N.R., No. 58 (single; brother of above).
John Maciver, A.B., R.N.R. No. 69 (left widow and two children).
PARISH OF BARVAS.
NESS
John Macdonald, A.B., R.N.R., 18 Skigersta (left young widow).
John Maoleod, A.B., R.N.R., 13 Eorodale (single).
Murdo Campbell, Deckhand, R.N.R., 14 Eorodale (single).
Angus Campbell, A.B., R.N.R., New Street, Lionel (left widow and three children).
Norman Morrison, Deckhand, R.N.R. 17 Lionel (single).
John Murray, A.B., R.N.R., 36 Lionel (left widow and four children)
Angus Macdonald, Deckhand, R.N.R., 3 Port of Ness (single).
Angus Morrison, 1st Class P.O., R.N.R., 7 Knockard (single).
John Morrison, Deckhand, R.N.R., 12 Knockard (single).
William Mackay, Signalman, R.N.R., 7 Fivepenny (single).
Donald Morrison, Deckhand, R.N.R., 11 Fivepenny (single).
Donald Macleod, Deckhand, R.N.R., 5a Fivepenny (single).
Angus Morrison, Leading Deckhand, R.N.R., 15 Eoropie (single).
Donald Macritchie, Deckhand, R.N.R., 34 Habost (single).
Alex. D. Campbell, Deckhand, R.N.R., 41 Habost (single).
Donald Murray, Deckhand, R.N.R., 11 Habost (single).
Roderick Morrison, A.B., R.N.R., Back Street, Habost (left widow and family of eight).
Malcolm Thomson, A.B., M.M.R. , 14 Swanibost (single).
Donald Macdonald, A.B , R.N.R., 13 Swanibost (single).
Murdo Macdonald, Deckhand, R.N.R., 13 Swambost (single ; brother of above).
Malcolm Macleod, O.S., R.N.V.R., 28 Swanibost (single).
Angus Macritchie (Donald), Deckhand, R.N.R., 38 Swanibost (single).
Angus Gillies (Alex.), Deckhand, R.N.R., 35 South Dell (single).
BORVE
Murdo Macdonald, R.N.R., No. 15 (single).
SHADER (BARVAS)
Angus Macleay, A.B., R.N.R., 33 Lower (left widow and four children).
Norman Martin, A.B., R.N.R., 8 Lower (left widow and three children).
John Macdonald, Deckhand, R.N.R., 25 Lower (single).
Angus Morrison, Deckhand, R.N.R., 31 Upper (single).
Malcolm Matheson, Leading Dackhand, 10 Upper (single).
BARVAS
Donald Macleod, Seaman, R.N R., 20 Lower Barvas (single).
BRAGAR
Murdo Maclean, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 6 South (left widow and five children).
John Maclean, Seaman, R.N.R., No 17 South (left widow and four children).
Malcolm Maclean, .Seaman, R.N.R., No 10 South (single).
John Murray, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 30 South (single).
Malcolm Mackay, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 36 South (left widow and five children).
Malcolm Macdonald, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 57 South (left widow and three children).
Murdo Macdonald, Deckhand, R.N.R., No. 3 Fevig (single).
Murdo Mackay, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 7 North Bragar (single).
ARNOL
Angus Maciver, R.N.R., No. 45 (left widow and five children).
Norman Macleod, Seaman, R.N.R., No 13 (left widow and two children)
Donald Macdonald, Leading Torpedo-man, No. 35 (single).
Kenneth Macphail, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 24 (single) .
SHAWBOST
John Smith, Deckhand, R.N.R., 11 South (left widow and four children).
Donald Murray, P.O., R.N.R., 43 South (left widow and four children).
Angus Macleod, Deckhand, R.N.R., 11 South (single).
Roderick Murray, Seaman, R.N.R., 25 South (single)
Donald Macleod, Deckhand, R.N.R., 5 South (single).
Donald W. Gillies, Seaman, R.N.R., 30 South (single).
Donald Macleod (Peter), Seaman, R.N.R., 38 North (single).
Malcolm Macleod (Murdo), Deckhand, R.N.R., 29 North (single).
Donald Nicolson, Seaman, R.N.R., 19 North (left widow and seven children).
PARISH OF UIG.
CARLOWAY
Donald Macarthur, Deckhand, R.N.R., 12 Kirivick (left widow).
Malcolm Macleod, Seaman, R.N.R., 6 Kirivick (single).
John Macaskill, Seaman, R.N.R., 3 Kirivick (single).
Norman Macphail, Seaman, R.N.R., Knock, (left widow and four children).
Donald Macphail, Seaman, R.N R., 11 Borroston (left widow and five children).
Murdo Mackenzie, Seaman, R.N.R., 15 Garenin (left widow).
TOLSTA-CHAOLAIS
Alexander A. Macleod, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 28 (single).
DUNCARLOWAY
Norman Maclean, No. 13 (left widow and four children).
BREASCLET
Malcolm Maciver, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 40 (single).
Donald Macdonald, Leading Seaman, No. 44, (single).
BERNERA
John Mackenzie, Seaman, R.N.R., 8 Breaclet (left widow and one child).
Donald Macdonald, Leading Seaman, R.N.R., 13 Tobson (left 2 children)
Donald Macaulay, Seaman, R.N.R., 4 Hacklet (single).
EARSHADER
Kenneth Smith, Seaman, R.N.R., 1 Earshader (left widow and two children).
UIGEN
John Macleod, Deckhand, R.N.R., No. 17 (single)
Angus Matheson, Deckhand, R.N.R., No 18 (single).
CROWLISTA
Murdo Nicolson, Deckhand, R.N.R , No. 1 (single).
Angus Madonald, Seaman, R.N.R. , No. 6 (single).
Ewen Macdonald, Deckhand, R.N.R., No. 13 (single)
Malcolm Mackay, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 14 (single).
John Macdonald, Leading Seaman, R.N.R., No. 16 (left widow and one child).
Peter Buchanan, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 23 (single).
BREANISH
Murdo Mackinnon, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 18 (single).
George Morrison, Deckhand, R.N.R., No. 28 (single).
PARISH OF LOCHS.
RAERINISH
John Macleod, Mate, R.N.R., No. 31 (left widow and four children)
Alex. Macleod, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 21 (left widow and three children).
Donald Macdonald, Leading Seaman, R.N.R., No. 23 (single).
Donald Macaulay, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 41 (single).
Malcolm Nicolson, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 20 (single).
CROSSBOST
Donald Macleod, Deckhand, R.N.R. , No 2 (single).
Malcolm Macleod, Deckhand, R.N.R. , No. 2 (left widow and two children)
John Macleod, Seaman, M.M.R., No. 13
GRIMSHADER
John Macaulay, Deckhand, R.N.R., (leaves widow and five children).
Malcolm Macleod, A.B., M.M.R., No. 3 (single)
LEURBOST
Angus Macleod, Deckhand, M.M.R., No. 46 (single).
Murdo Maclean, Deckhand, M.M.R., No. 39 (single).
Angus Macdonald, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 42 (widow and five children).
Roderick Macdonald, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 36 (single).
Donald Maclean, Seaman, R.N.R., No. 35 (left widow and six children).
Donald Smith, Seaman, R.N.R., No 34 (single)
Kenneth Smith, Seaman, R.N.R., No 28 (left widow and two children)
Alex Mackenzie (Donald), Seaman, R.N.R., No 16 (single)
John Mackenzie (Donald), Seaman, R.N.R., No 16 (single, brother of above)
Alex Mackenzie, Gunner, R.N.R., No 11 (single)
Allan Macleod, Seaman, R.N.R., No 11 (single)
LAXAY
John Macleod, Seaman, R.N.R., No 25 (single)
CAVERSTAY
Angus Mackinnon, Deckhand, R.N.R., No 4 (left widow and child residing at Dover)
GARYVARD
Alexander Macleod, Seaman, R.N.R., , No 1 (single)
Angus Montgomery, Deckhand, R.N.R., No 2 (left widow and eight children)
MARVIG
John Mackenzie (Alexander), Seaman, R.N.R., No 3, (single)
GRAVIR
Donald Macaskill, Seaman, R.N.R., No 9 (single)
LEMREWAY
David Macinnes (Peter), Deckhand, R.N.R., No 2 (single)
Malcolm Macinnes (Murdo), Seaman, R.N.R., No 2 (single)
Murdo Ferguson, Seaman, R.N.R., No 3 (left widow and five children)
BALALLAN
Malcolm Martin, Deckhand, R.N.R., No 21 (single)
Malcolm Macleod, Seaman, R.N.R., (single)
ACHMORE
Donald Smith (John), Gunner, R.N.R., No 5 (single)
Some Knock soldiers
Front row (left to right): Lieut. Donald Mackay, Aignish, died of wounds, 17th November 1918; Lieut John Munro, MC, Aignish, killed 16th April 1918.
Stornoway Naval Base
STORNOWAY NAVAL CORPS.
Dr Mackenzie, Admiralty Surgeon and Agent (Medical Officer).
Rev. H. Anderson Meaden, Chaplain of the Naval Base (Director).
Mr John Macleod, (Instructor).
LADS SERVING AT H.M. NAVAL BASE WHEN ARMISTICE WAS SIGNED.
Angus Macleod,
Kenneth John Macleod,
Kenneth Macleod,
Angus Maclean,
A. G Nisbet,
Donald Mackay,
Murdo Macaulay,
John Murray,
Murdo Maciver,
Norman Maciver,
John Macleod,
John Macdonald,
Donald Maclean,
Allan Macdonald
Dr Mackenzie, Admiralty Surgeon and Agent (Medical Officer).
Rev. H. Anderson Meaden, Chaplain of the Naval Base (Director).
Mr John Macleod, (Instructor).
LADS SERVING AT H.M. NAVAL BASE WHEN ARMISTICE WAS SIGNED.
Angus Macleod,
Kenneth John Macleod,
Kenneth Macleod,
Angus Maclean,
A. G Nisbet,
Donald Mackay,
Murdo Macaulay,
John Murray,
Murdo Maciver,
Norman Maciver,
John Macleod,
John Macdonald,
Donald Maclean,
Allan Macdonald
3 Swainbost
Rev P. J Maciver
Manse of Cross and Burness. Kirkwall,
Chaplain, Houton Bay Aerodrome, Scapa Flow.
Son of Roderick Maciver
Manse of Cross and Burness. Kirkwall,
Chaplain, Houton Bay Aerodrome, Scapa Flow.
Son of Roderick Maciver
Lost after a miraculous escape
Notwithstanding his exceptionally strong physique, and the fact that he had a lifebelt on, he was practically exhausted, but was able to gather sufficient strength for the final effort to swim ashore. He was treated with great kindness by the French authorities and English lady missionaries, and made a speedy recovery. The photograph shows him with the little Arab messenger of the Mission Station. Pathetic in the extreme it is to think that this powerful seaman, after so miraculous an escape in the Mediterranean, perished within a few feet of his native island.
Decision of Inquiry
THE great disaster [Iolaire Disaster] formed the subject of a special Public Inquiry held in the Stornoway Sheriff Court House on 10th and 11th February [1919]. Sheriff-Principal Mackintosh presided, and the following jury were empannelled : —Messrs Malcolm Maclean, Point Street; A. R. Murray, Cromwell St. ; George Morrison, Cromwell Street ; Malcolm Ross, Francis St. : John Ross, Bayhead ; Kenneth Mackenzie, Keith St.; and Angus Macleod, Keith St.
Mr J. C. Fenton, advocate, and Mr C. G. Mackenzie, Procurator-Fiscal, Stornoway, conducted the case for the Crown. Mr J. C. Pitman, advocate, Edinburgh, and Mr W. A. Rosa, solicitor, Stornoway, appeared for the Admiralty; and Mr J. N. Anderson, solicitor, Stornoway, for some of the survivors and bereaved families.
The hearing of the evidence occupied the Court for two whole days, and at the close the jury, after an absence of over an hour, returned a unanimous verdict finding that the Iolaire went ashore and was wrecked on the rocks inside the "Beasts of Holm" about 1.55 on the morning of 1st January, resulting in the death of 205 men ; that the officer in charge did not exercise sufficient prudence in approaching the harbour, that the boat did not slow down, and that a look-out was not on duty at the time of the accident ; that the number of lifebelts, boats, or rafts was insufficient for the number of people carried, and that no orders were given by the officers with a view to saving life; and, further, that there was a loss of valuable time between the signals of distress and the arrival of life-saving apparatus in the vicinity of the wreck. They recommended
(1) that drastic improvements should be made immediately for conveying the life-saving apparatus in the case of ships in distress ;
(2) that the Lighthouse Commissioners take into consideration the question of putting up a light on the Holm side of the harbour; and
(3) that the Government will in future provide adequate and safe travelling facilities for naval ratings and soldiers. The jury desired to add that they were satisfied no one on board was under the influence of intoxicating liquor, and also that there was no panic on board after the vessel struck.
As a rider to their verdict they recommended to the Carnegie Trust and the Royal Humane Society, Seaman J. F. Macleod for some token of appreciation of his conduct in swimming ashore with a line, by means of which the hawser was brought ashore and many lives were saved.
The Jury also extended their sincerest sympathy to those who had lost relatives in this regrettable disaster, and also expressed their appreciation of the hospitality shown to the survivors by Mr and Mrs Anderson Young, Stoneyfield Farm.
Mr J. C. Fenton, advocate, and Mr C. G. Mackenzie, Procurator-Fiscal, Stornoway, conducted the case for the Crown. Mr J. C. Pitman, advocate, Edinburgh, and Mr W. A. Rosa, solicitor, Stornoway, appeared for the Admiralty; and Mr J. N. Anderson, solicitor, Stornoway, for some of the survivors and bereaved families.
The hearing of the evidence occupied the Court for two whole days, and at the close the jury, after an absence of over an hour, returned a unanimous verdict finding that the Iolaire went ashore and was wrecked on the rocks inside the "Beasts of Holm" about 1.55 on the morning of 1st January, resulting in the death of 205 men ; that the officer in charge did not exercise sufficient prudence in approaching the harbour, that the boat did not slow down, and that a look-out was not on duty at the time of the accident ; that the number of lifebelts, boats, or rafts was insufficient for the number of people carried, and that no orders were given by the officers with a view to saving life; and, further, that there was a loss of valuable time between the signals of distress and the arrival of life-saving apparatus in the vicinity of the wreck. They recommended
(1) that drastic improvements should be made immediately for conveying the life-saving apparatus in the case of ships in distress ;
(2) that the Lighthouse Commissioners take into consideration the question of putting up a light on the Holm side of the harbour; and
(3) that the Government will in future provide adequate and safe travelling facilities for naval ratings and soldiers. The jury desired to add that they were satisfied no one on board was under the influence of intoxicating liquor, and also that there was no panic on board after the vessel struck.
As a rider to their verdict they recommended to the Carnegie Trust and the Royal Humane Society, Seaman J. F. Macleod for some token of appreciation of his conduct in swimming ashore with a line, by means of which the hawser was brought ashore and many lives were saved.
The Jury also extended their sincerest sympathy to those who had lost relatives in this regrettable disaster, and also expressed their appreciation of the hospitality shown to the survivors by Mr and Mrs Anderson Young, Stoneyfield Farm.
Iolaire Disaster
THE "IOLAIRE" DISASTER.
(1st JANUARY, 1919,)
CROWNING SORROW OF THE WAR.
"Toll for the Brave—
The Brave ! that are no more :
All Sunk beneath the Wave,
Fast by their native Shore."
THE overwhelming catastrophe of 1st January, 1919, which plunged Lewis into bitterest sorrow, sent a thrill of horror and a wave of sympathy throughout the English-speaking world. Apart from the great loss of life, the whole surrounding circumstances —the place, the time, the season, the mystery as to the cause of the disaster—were calculated to touch a responsive chord in every feeling heart, as was shown by the generous contributions which poured into the Relief Fund from all parts of the home country and from the most distant colonies and dependency of the Empire. Among the first messages of sympathy received were those from their Majesties the King and Queen, and Queen Alexandra.
As the foregoing pages of this memorial volume amply testify, the Island of Lewis had a record for war service excelled by no part of the King's Dominions, and—in proportion to population—equalled by few. For the four and a half years of war, Death's messenger had been no stranger in the homes of Lewis, for hundreds of our gallant Islesmen had fallen on battlefields m foreign lands or found their last resting place in the silent depths of war-swept seas. But the Armistice was signed and the perils of war were past when the crowning sorrow fell on Lewis. It was New Year's Eve, too, and the whole ship's company, in festive mood, were homeward bound for the glad re-union so long and so lovingly anticipated, and well they knew how eagerly their homecoming was awaited and what preparations were even then being made to welcome them. All this, only to be shipwrecked at the very entrance to Stornoway Harbour with appalling loss of life. What a tragedy!
The following account of the great disaster is taken from the columns of the Stornoway Gazette: —
No one now alive in Lewis can ever forget the 1st of January, 1919, and future generations will speak of it as the blackest day in the history of the island, for on it 200 of our bravest and best perished on the very threshold of their homes under the most tragic circumstances.
The terrible disaster at Holm on New Year's morning has plunged every home and every heart in Lewis into grief unutterable. Language cannot express the anguish, the desolation, the despair which this awful catastrophe has inflicted. One thinks of the wide circle of blood relations affected by the loss of even one of the gallant lads, and imagination sees these circles multiplied by the number of the dead, overlapping and overlapping each other till the whole island—every hearth and home in it—is shrouded in deepest gloom.
All the island's war losses of the past four cruel years—although these number fully four times the death roll of New Year's Day morning —are not comparable to this unspeakable calamity.
The black tragedy has not a redeeming feature. The surrounding circumstances but add to the horror of it. Some of these circumstances will form the subject of the searching and impartial inquiry which is being called for, and give Lewis back her dead.
Other circumstances having no relation to the cause of the disaster add poignancy to it. For over four years, on all the seven seas, many of the men so suddenly hurled to their doom had braved the elements in defence of Liberty and Right. And not only the old perils of the deep, but all the new infernal inventions of man for the destruction of human life — the floating mine, the cowardly submarine, the deadly torpedo.
Not a few of them had suffered shipwreck time and again during the war, but always they escaped. And now with all these perils past, and the peace and comfort and liberty so well earned in prospect, they come home only to be cruelly done to death within twenty yards of shore and at the very entrance to Stornoway harbour!
Lewis, God knows, had already had more than her fair share of the losses of the war, but hard as these were to bear, there was alleviation for the heart pain in the thought that the men died fighting in a just and glorious cause, and that they lost their lives consciously facing death. Our boys had fought on every battle front, as well as on their natural element, the sea. Eight hundred of them, it is estimated, made the supreme sacrifice. To this huge toll New Year's morning at one fell stroke added 200 more—two hundred men hurled into eternity through no fault of their own and with scarce a chance to save themselves.
And what is the story ? Briefly, it is this : —
Hundreds of our boys were getting home on New Year leave, and they were being rushed down to Kyle of Lochalsh where no adequate provision was made for their conveyance across the Minch by the Admiralty or the War Office, whom they had served so well. Between forty or fifty of those who reached Kyle on the Monday failed to get a passage to Stornoway and were stranded overnight at Kvle. Some 500 came on by train on Tuesday, so that altogether over 500 persons—soldiers, sailors, and civilians—en route for Stornoway were at Kyle on the last day of the year. This was beyond the capacity of the mail steamer Sheila, and H.M. Yacht Iolaire—parent ship of the Stornoway base—was sent to Kyle to assist. The soldiers and civilians and a few of the sailors were put on board the Sheila, and some 260 (all naval ratings) were assigned to the Iolaire, which in addition carried a crew of 23. The company included many boys in their 'teens coming home on their first leave since enlistment. There were also there many veterans who had been mobilised in August, 1914, and were coming home from the ends of the earth on their first leave since the outbreak of hostilities. On the deck of the Iolaire men met with schoolmates whom they had not seen since together they rushed to the Colours four and a-half years ago. The older men were glad to meet with relatives whom they had left behind as pupils in the village school, now striplings in naval uniform. Two hours' steaming from Stornoway the New Year was welcomed in in timehonoured fashion. All were in high spirits. Gaelic song and sentiment called up to the mind visions of the warm welcome that awaited them round the blazing peat fires. Nothing was further from their thoughts than death, and as the light on Arnish point, which marks the entrance to Stornoway harbour, drew near, many began getting their kit together, expecting in a very short time to be safely moored at the well-known wharf.
Suddenly there was a crash, and the ship heeled over to starboard. When she listed huge waves came breaking over her and 50 or 60 men jumped into the sea. All of them perished. Survivors state that they heard no orders given from the bridge, and the greatest confusion prevailed. It is also stated that the rockets to summon assistance were fired by one of the passengers—Alexander Maciver, Shader, Point, who himself perished in the wreck.
It was impossible in the pitch blackness to see the land, which, as it transpired,was less than 20 yards distant. When rocket lights were fired the landscape was lit up, and it was found that the stern of the vessel was only half a dozen yards from a ledge of rocks connecting with the shore. There was a tremendous rush of water between the stern and the rocks, but many men were tempted to try to reach the shore there, and scores of them were drowned or killed by being dashed on the rocks. As the ship settled down she turned broadside on to the shore, thus breaking the force of the seas amidships, and it was at this point all who were saved got off. Several swam ashore, and one man, John F. Macleod, Port cf Ness, took with him a life-line by means of which a hawser was pulled ashore and made fast between the beach and the ship.
About 30 or 40 men got ashore by hanging on to the rope, and altogether 75 men were saved from the wreck. The loss of life is therefore over 200, but the exact figures are not yet known, as, of course, there was no list of the passengers taken at Kyle. In many cases the relatives were not advised by the men to expect them, and there are instances where people who had gone to express sympathy with neighbours afterwards learning that their own sons or brothers were on board and had perished in the great catastrophe.
About 3 o'clock in the morning one of the survivors, in a dazed condition, made his way, he cannot tell how, to Stoneyfield farmhouse, where after rousing the inmates, he was hospitably received by Mr and Mrs Anderson Young. Mrs Young and her maids worked eagerly to prepare comforts for the shipwrecked men, who commenced to arrive in little groups, attracted by the lights now showing from the farmhouse windows. Everything possible was done for them, and the worst cases were put to bed, and were afterwards conveyed to the Sick Bay at the Battery. Those able to walk set out on foot for Stornoway, between two and three miles distant, where they roused relatives and obtained a change of clothes. Soon the town was ringing with news of the frightful disaster, and many made their way to the scene. Taking the shorter way by the Sandwick Beach, evidence of the terrible happening was soon found, for along the shore portions of the wreckage were strewn, and here and there the body of a drowned man which had been cast up on the tide was found and carried beyond the reach of the sea.
It was still dark when the first of the townsfolk reached Holm, and there was a high sea running. The wreck was found lying between the Beasts of Holm and the shore. She had disappeared all but her masts, one of which was broken. Perched on the top of the remaining mast was one of the survivors, clinging in a most precarious position. Other two men had been on the mast with him, but they had become numb, fell off, and were drowned. Help for the plucky lad was impossible from the sea owing to the storm and the position of the wreck. From the land, help, too, was impracticable. Onlookers suffered intensely at their own helplessness to rescue the man, who was within speaking distance and threatened momentarily with death. As daylight came the storm abated and the sea grew calmer. Between 9 and 10 o'clock one of the patrol boats, by pouring oil on the sea, was able to get a small boat to the rescue, and the brave boy was taken off to the great relief of the crowds that watched his sufferings and admired his endurance. He was found to be Donald Morrison, 7 Knockard. He was, as can well be imagined, completely exhausted, but taken to the Lewis Hospital , he made a quick recovery.
A visit to the scene of the disaster on Thursday revealed a heartrending sight. After leaving the road as it turns into Holm Farm a walk of a few hundred yards brought one to the green sward overlooking the wreck. Here were gathered no idle sightseers, for all had come in quest of the remains of near relatives. On the grass were laid out the bodies that had been recovered from the sea, and below the crews of eight row-boats proceeded in silence with their work of dragging round the wreck. At very short intervals the grappling irons brought another and another of the bodies to the surface, and the crews proceeded with them to the ledge where they were being landed. Here they were placed on stretchers and slowly and laboriously the bearers clambered up with them to be laid out reverently on the grass lands above. Scarce a word was spoken, and the eyes of strong men filled with tears as the wan faces were scrutinised with mingled hope and fear of identification.
The remains as they were recovered were brought to a temporary mortuary at the Naval Barracks, where relatives of the missing men from all parts of the island gathered. As the bodies were identified they wore handed over to the friends, and the little processions of carts in groups of two and three, each with its coffin, passed through the Barrack gates on their way to some mourning village for interment.
Each day this week several unidentified bodies were buried at Sandwick Cemetery—on Tuesday there were seven of these. The exact number of men on board was 284, of whom 79 survived, leaving 205 men missing. Of these 138 bodies have been recovered, 8 of whom have not been identified. All the officers of ths ship were lost. From the mournful lists given elsewhere in these columns it will be seen that the ascertained Lewis loss is 174, of which Stornoway Parish lost 66, Barvas Parish 51, Uig Parish 24, and Lochs Parish 33. The remainder of the unfortunate victims were natives of Harris or members of the crew.
(1st JANUARY, 1919,)
CROWNING SORROW OF THE WAR.
"Toll for the Brave—
The Brave ! that are no more :
All Sunk beneath the Wave,
Fast by their native Shore."
THE overwhelming catastrophe of 1st January, 1919, which plunged Lewis into bitterest sorrow, sent a thrill of horror and a wave of sympathy throughout the English-speaking world. Apart from the great loss of life, the whole surrounding circumstances —the place, the time, the season, the mystery as to the cause of the disaster—were calculated to touch a responsive chord in every feeling heart, as was shown by the generous contributions which poured into the Relief Fund from all parts of the home country and from the most distant colonies and dependency of the Empire. Among the first messages of sympathy received were those from their Majesties the King and Queen, and Queen Alexandra.
As the foregoing pages of this memorial volume amply testify, the Island of Lewis had a record for war service excelled by no part of the King's Dominions, and—in proportion to population—equalled by few. For the four and a half years of war, Death's messenger had been no stranger in the homes of Lewis, for hundreds of our gallant Islesmen had fallen on battlefields m foreign lands or found their last resting place in the silent depths of war-swept seas. But the Armistice was signed and the perils of war were past when the crowning sorrow fell on Lewis. It was New Year's Eve, too, and the whole ship's company, in festive mood, were homeward bound for the glad re-union so long and so lovingly anticipated, and well they knew how eagerly their homecoming was awaited and what preparations were even then being made to welcome them. All this, only to be shipwrecked at the very entrance to Stornoway Harbour with appalling loss of life. What a tragedy!
The following account of the great disaster is taken from the columns of the Stornoway Gazette: —
No one now alive in Lewis can ever forget the 1st of January, 1919, and future generations will speak of it as the blackest day in the history of the island, for on it 200 of our bravest and best perished on the very threshold of their homes under the most tragic circumstances.
The terrible disaster at Holm on New Year's morning has plunged every home and every heart in Lewis into grief unutterable. Language cannot express the anguish, the desolation, the despair which this awful catastrophe has inflicted. One thinks of the wide circle of blood relations affected by the loss of even one of the gallant lads, and imagination sees these circles multiplied by the number of the dead, overlapping and overlapping each other till the whole island—every hearth and home in it—is shrouded in deepest gloom.
All the island's war losses of the past four cruel years—although these number fully four times the death roll of New Year's Day morning —are not comparable to this unspeakable calamity.
The black tragedy has not a redeeming feature. The surrounding circumstances but add to the horror of it. Some of these circumstances will form the subject of the searching and impartial inquiry which is being called for, and give Lewis back her dead.
Other circumstances having no relation to the cause of the disaster add poignancy to it. For over four years, on all the seven seas, many of the men so suddenly hurled to their doom had braved the elements in defence of Liberty and Right. And not only the old perils of the deep, but all the new infernal inventions of man for the destruction of human life — the floating mine, the cowardly submarine, the deadly torpedo.
Not a few of them had suffered shipwreck time and again during the war, but always they escaped. And now with all these perils past, and the peace and comfort and liberty so well earned in prospect, they come home only to be cruelly done to death within twenty yards of shore and at the very entrance to Stornoway harbour!
Lewis, God knows, had already had more than her fair share of the losses of the war, but hard as these were to bear, there was alleviation for the heart pain in the thought that the men died fighting in a just and glorious cause, and that they lost their lives consciously facing death. Our boys had fought on every battle front, as well as on their natural element, the sea. Eight hundred of them, it is estimated, made the supreme sacrifice. To this huge toll New Year's morning at one fell stroke added 200 more—two hundred men hurled into eternity through no fault of their own and with scarce a chance to save themselves.
And what is the story ? Briefly, it is this : —
Hundreds of our boys were getting home on New Year leave, and they were being rushed down to Kyle of Lochalsh where no adequate provision was made for their conveyance across the Minch by the Admiralty or the War Office, whom they had served so well. Between forty or fifty of those who reached Kyle on the Monday failed to get a passage to Stornoway and were stranded overnight at Kvle. Some 500 came on by train on Tuesday, so that altogether over 500 persons—soldiers, sailors, and civilians—en route for Stornoway were at Kyle on the last day of the year. This was beyond the capacity of the mail steamer Sheila, and H.M. Yacht Iolaire—parent ship of the Stornoway base—was sent to Kyle to assist. The soldiers and civilians and a few of the sailors were put on board the Sheila, and some 260 (all naval ratings) were assigned to the Iolaire, which in addition carried a crew of 23. The company included many boys in their 'teens coming home on their first leave since enlistment. There were also there many veterans who had been mobilised in August, 1914, and were coming home from the ends of the earth on their first leave since the outbreak of hostilities. On the deck of the Iolaire men met with schoolmates whom they had not seen since together they rushed to the Colours four and a-half years ago. The older men were glad to meet with relatives whom they had left behind as pupils in the village school, now striplings in naval uniform. Two hours' steaming from Stornoway the New Year was welcomed in in timehonoured fashion. All were in high spirits. Gaelic song and sentiment called up to the mind visions of the warm welcome that awaited them round the blazing peat fires. Nothing was further from their thoughts than death, and as the light on Arnish point, which marks the entrance to Stornoway harbour, drew near, many began getting their kit together, expecting in a very short time to be safely moored at the well-known wharf.
Suddenly there was a crash, and the ship heeled over to starboard. When she listed huge waves came breaking over her and 50 or 60 men jumped into the sea. All of them perished. Survivors state that they heard no orders given from the bridge, and the greatest confusion prevailed. It is also stated that the rockets to summon assistance were fired by one of the passengers—Alexander Maciver, Shader, Point, who himself perished in the wreck.
It was impossible in the pitch blackness to see the land, which, as it transpired,was less than 20 yards distant. When rocket lights were fired the landscape was lit up, and it was found that the stern of the vessel was only half a dozen yards from a ledge of rocks connecting with the shore. There was a tremendous rush of water between the stern and the rocks, but many men were tempted to try to reach the shore there, and scores of them were drowned or killed by being dashed on the rocks. As the ship settled down she turned broadside on to the shore, thus breaking the force of the seas amidships, and it was at this point all who were saved got off. Several swam ashore, and one man, John F. Macleod, Port cf Ness, took with him a life-line by means of which a hawser was pulled ashore and made fast between the beach and the ship.
About 30 or 40 men got ashore by hanging on to the rope, and altogether 75 men were saved from the wreck. The loss of life is therefore over 200, but the exact figures are not yet known, as, of course, there was no list of the passengers taken at Kyle. In many cases the relatives were not advised by the men to expect them, and there are instances where people who had gone to express sympathy with neighbours afterwards learning that their own sons or brothers were on board and had perished in the great catastrophe.
About 3 o'clock in the morning one of the survivors, in a dazed condition, made his way, he cannot tell how, to Stoneyfield farmhouse, where after rousing the inmates, he was hospitably received by Mr and Mrs Anderson Young. Mrs Young and her maids worked eagerly to prepare comforts for the shipwrecked men, who commenced to arrive in little groups, attracted by the lights now showing from the farmhouse windows. Everything possible was done for them, and the worst cases were put to bed, and were afterwards conveyed to the Sick Bay at the Battery. Those able to walk set out on foot for Stornoway, between two and three miles distant, where they roused relatives and obtained a change of clothes. Soon the town was ringing with news of the frightful disaster, and many made their way to the scene. Taking the shorter way by the Sandwick Beach, evidence of the terrible happening was soon found, for along the shore portions of the wreckage were strewn, and here and there the body of a drowned man which had been cast up on the tide was found and carried beyond the reach of the sea.
It was still dark when the first of the townsfolk reached Holm, and there was a high sea running. The wreck was found lying between the Beasts of Holm and the shore. She had disappeared all but her masts, one of which was broken. Perched on the top of the remaining mast was one of the survivors, clinging in a most precarious position. Other two men had been on the mast with him, but they had become numb, fell off, and were drowned. Help for the plucky lad was impossible from the sea owing to the storm and the position of the wreck. From the land, help, too, was impracticable. Onlookers suffered intensely at their own helplessness to rescue the man, who was within speaking distance and threatened momentarily with death. As daylight came the storm abated and the sea grew calmer. Between 9 and 10 o'clock one of the patrol boats, by pouring oil on the sea, was able to get a small boat to the rescue, and the brave boy was taken off to the great relief of the crowds that watched his sufferings and admired his endurance. He was found to be Donald Morrison, 7 Knockard. He was, as can well be imagined, completely exhausted, but taken to the Lewis Hospital , he made a quick recovery.
A visit to the scene of the disaster on Thursday revealed a heartrending sight. After leaving the road as it turns into Holm Farm a walk of a few hundred yards brought one to the green sward overlooking the wreck. Here were gathered no idle sightseers, for all had come in quest of the remains of near relatives. On the grass were laid out the bodies that had been recovered from the sea, and below the crews of eight row-boats proceeded in silence with their work of dragging round the wreck. At very short intervals the grappling irons brought another and another of the bodies to the surface, and the crews proceeded with them to the ledge where they were being landed. Here they were placed on stretchers and slowly and laboriously the bearers clambered up with them to be laid out reverently on the grass lands above. Scarce a word was spoken, and the eyes of strong men filled with tears as the wan faces were scrutinised with mingled hope and fear of identification.
The remains as they were recovered were brought to a temporary mortuary at the Naval Barracks, where relatives of the missing men from all parts of the island gathered. As the bodies were identified they wore handed over to the friends, and the little processions of carts in groups of two and three, each with its coffin, passed through the Barrack gates on their way to some mourning village for interment.
Each day this week several unidentified bodies were buried at Sandwick Cemetery—on Tuesday there were seven of these. The exact number of men on board was 284, of whom 79 survived, leaving 205 men missing. Of these 138 bodies have been recovered, 8 of whom have not been identified. All the officers of ths ship were lost. From the mournful lists given elsewhere in these columns it will be seen that the ascertained Lewis loss is 174, of which Stornoway Parish lost 66, Barvas Parish 51, Uig Parish 24, and Lochs Parish 33. The remainder of the unfortunate victims were natives of Harris or members of the crew.
Glasgow Lewismen
Lieutenant Donald Chapman
5th Scottish Rifles.
This soldier's father belongs to Sandwick, while his mother is from Vatisker, in Back district. Joined as a private in 1915- Wounded in France 26th September, 1917.
It seems a fitting coincidence that the first Lewisman to be here named should have risen to the distinction of Lieutenant.
John Graham
Clydebank, Glasgow; native of Braebhig, Vatisker, Back.
Joined 6th Argyll & Sutherlands in April, 1917 ; transferred to 4tn Seaforths ;
Served in France and Belgium.
Alexander Graham
4th Seaforths;
Son of Murdo Graham, 72 Cathedral Street, Glasgow,
A native of Vatisker, Back. Joining in February, 1915, this young soldier reached the field of battle only six weeks after enlistment. Wounded at Festubert in May, 1915 ; and again by gas-shell at High Wood, 27th July, 1916 ; died in field hospital.
Left a widow and five children.
Here we have a typical example of the "chivalrous and important part" for which the "gallant Grahams" are noted in Scottish History.
John Macarthur
Highland Light Infantry
A native of Carloway. Joined in 1914. Had previous service in Crete, Egypt, the Soudan, and South
Africa.
Kenneth Macarthur
Seaforths
Native of Carloway. Joined in 1914; killed in France.
Two excellent specimens of the British soldier. Despite his veteran service, John Macarthur proved his title to the Clan Motto—"Fide et opera"; while his kinsman earned the highest motto of all—"Faithful unto Death."
Kenneth Macdonald
H.M.S. "Emperor of India"
Native of Carloway; joined in 1914.
It is noteworthy that the men serving on this ship were winners of the Challenge Cup, competed for by the whole Fleet. A gallant sailor of the Clan of whom the celebrated Ardnamurchan Bard sang :—
"Fresh honours ever gaining, disdaining servility, Attacks can never move them but prove their stability."
Donald Macfarlane
Harland St., Glasgow.
Coy.-Sergt.-Major and ex-Sergt. of 1st Seaforths.
Native of Marvig, Lochs. Had 13 years service when he joined up in 1914, and served on 14th Batt., Training Staff.
Corporal John G. Macfarlane
5th Highland Light Infantry, and 4th Seaforth. (A son of above).
Called up on outbreak of hostilities Served in France and Russia. Gassed at Loos. Demobilised Sept., 1919. Rejoined A.S.C. (M.T.)
His mother was a native of Shawbost.
Worthy representatives of a Clan who, in the days of Queen Mary and Langside, arc renowed as being found "in the hottest brunt of the fight."
Duncan Macgregor
Son of Murdo Macgregor, 13 Edington St., Glasgow.
Killed in France.
In giving his life on the field of battle, this soldier hero bravely upheld the reputation of his Clan for "remarkable loyalty and inflexible fidelity."
Donald Mackay
Royal Engineers
Son of Malcolm Mackay, 13 Edington St., Glasgow
Parents belong to Carloway.
He enlisted in 1916 on attaining the age of 18
Signaller John Mackay
Royal Naval Reserve
Joined in Feb. 1916. Served on a minesweeper.
Clydebank, Glasgow.
Native of 39 Coll, Back.
John Mackay
H.M.S. "Apollo."
Native of Carloway.
Joined in 1915. Was then a Divinity student in Glasgow University.
Malcolm Mackay
Army Service Corps
13 Edington St., Glasgow.
Native of Garenin, Carloway.
Enlisted in 1915. Served in France.
These Clansmen right well sustained their motto "Manu Forti"; the Clan repute for "deeds of valour" suffered no diminution in the Great War.
Malcolm Maclean
A. and S. Highlanders
Son of Angus Maclean, 28 Broomhill St., Port-Dundas.
Enlisted in 1917, and served in France.
Parents belong to Shawbost and Bragar.
The maxim of this Clan, that "a Maclean should never turn his back on the foe" has always characterised their part in war; while their war-cry, "Beatha no Bas," has been at all times worthily upheld.
Angus Macleod
Seaforths.
A native of Carloway.
Awarded the D.C.M. for exceptional gallantry under fire.
David Finlay Macleod
Second son of Mr Neil M. Macleod, 24 Barrington Drive. Glasgow, and grandson of the late Mr Finlay Macleod, at one time merchant, Bernera, Lewis.
Mobilised 4th Aug., 1914, 5th (Cameronians) Scottish Rifles; embarked for France 4th Nov. ; served throughout until severely wounded in action at Cambria, 27th March, 1916. After six months' hospital
treatment, rejoined his battalion for home service, afterwards transfened to the Seaforths (Fort-George), thence Labour Corps, and latterly to the Edinburgh R.E., Forth Defence; demobilised 5th March, 1919.
Captain Donald Macleod
Son of the late Angus Macleod, shipwright, Greenock.
A native of Vatisker, Back.
Joined A. and S. Highlanders as a Pte. On obtaining a commission, transferred to the 25th Northumberland Fusiliers ; afterwards in command of the 103rd Light Tiench Mortar Battery. Relinquished his commission in June, 1919, on account of illness contracted on active service.
(Is an uncle of Lieut. D. Chapman mentioned in this Chapter).
Company Quarter Master Donald Macleod
7th A. and S. Highlanders.
A son of John Macleod, 11 Kilbowie Rd., Clydebank.
Joined Oct., 1917 Served in France and Belgium.
His parents belong to Eoropie and Lionel, Ness.
Duncan Macleod
3rd Seaforths
Son of the late Neil Macleod, 23 Elder Street, Govan. His parents belong to Carloway.
Called up on Outbreak of hostilities. Served in France, and was discharged on account of wounds.
James Reid Wilson Macleod
Eldest son of Mr Neil M. Macleod, 24 Barrington Drive, Glasgow, and grandson of the late Mr Finlay Macleod, Bernera, Lewis.
Mobilised 4th Aug., 1914, Glasgow Highlanders; afterwards retained in the Post Office service. At a later period he enlisted in 5th (Cameronians) Scottish Rifles ; went to France in July, 1916, and was transferred to the 9th Kitchener Battalion. Was engaged in continuous fighting throughout. Killed
in action, 23rd March, 1918, at St. Quinten.
Kenneth Macleod
A native of Carloway. Killed on the Italian Front. His brother died of fever in the South African War.
Murdo Macleod
Police Force, Clydebank, Glasgow.
A native of 54 Coll, Back
Joined 1st Seaforths in 1915; wounded in the Persian Gulf, and was lost in, the hospital ship torpedoed near Gibraltar in 1916.
Yet another instance of the appalling inhumanity of the Huns. It is naturally difficult for a Clansman to record in writing anything concerning his own Clan ; and how much more delicate is the writer's position where members of his own family circle are concerned ? But surely there can be no accusation, either of undue reserve on the one hand, or pretentious assurance on the other, if one quotes the historian who writes of the annals of the Clan as "replete with stirring and romantic incident," and if one ventures here to record that their motto, "Hold Fast," was creditably sustained in the stupendous struggle during which many of the Clan made the supreme sacrifice.
Duncan Macphail
A native of Carloway.
H.M.S. "Triumph." Joined the Navy in 1914.
Belongs to a Lewis race whose record may well be said to be the name of the ship on which he served
Robert Macrae
28 Maclean St , Plantation, Glasgow.
Enlisted in the Royal Highlanders (Black Watch) in 1915, and served in France.
His mother is a native of Marvig, Lochs.
In the Great War the Macraes well merited the eulogism passed by the historian on a distinguished Clansman who, in the Battle of Strathconan, "acquitted himself with admirable bravery."
George Morrison
Royal Navy.
A native of Carloway; survivor of the "Iolaire" disaster.
Malcolm Morrison
83 Stratford St., Maryhill, Glasgow.
Served in Egypt, Palestine, and France. Is in the teaching profession. The history of the Ness district is rich in the traditions of the Morrisons. The experience of the first-named concerns a red-letter day in Lewis history, which is briefly referred to towards the end of this chapter.
A. J. Murray
Marine Engineer, Glasgow; younger son of Mrs Murray, 25 Newton, Stornoway. Joined up 4th August, 1914; drafted to the Mediterranean shortly afterwards, thence to home waters. In June, 1916, was again transferred to foreign service, and in the "Fox," took part in the bombardment of Gaza and other actions in the East. Demobilised in February, 1919.
Murdo Paterson
15th H.L.I.
A native of Carloway. Killed in France only a few days before the Armistice.
Two sons of this family made the supreme sacrifice.
Here we have a notable example, among very many, where the field of battle made more than one irreparable break in the family circle.
Sapper Murdo Stewart
206th Field Coy., Royal Engineers
Son of George Stewart, 31 Crossburn St., Glasgow (a native of Coll, Back).
Enlisted in March, 1915 Served in France and Belgium, finishing up with the Army of Occupation in Germany.
Corporal Robert Stewart
1st Gloucester; latterly in the M.G.C. (Trench Mortar Section).
Brother of above. Came from Mexico in March, 1915. Served in Mesopotamia and in Palestine. Took part in the capture of Bagdad No name in Scottish history figures more prominently than that of the Stewarts; and the soldier last named is a typical example of the many Scotsmen who came across thousands of miles of ocean to fight in defence of their native land.
2nd Lieutenant Alexander Thomson
M.C., D.C.M.,
Seaforths (T.F.).
Son of Mr James Thomson, merchant, Tong.
Teacher in Glasgow ; enlisted early in the war, and went to France in October, 1914. This gallant soldier was mentioned in the first edition of "Loyal Lewis" as having won the D.C.M., while still a Private, "for conspicuous gallantry on March, 1915, in bringing a wounded man, under heavy fire, a distance of 40 yards into cover, the enemy being only 200 yards away."
Later this brave Leodhasach was promoted to 2nd Lieut., and won that honoured distinction, the Military Cross, when, in charge of a Royal Engineers detachment, he successfully blew up a house from which an enemy machine-gun team was harassing our troops. The "London Gazette" notice says :—"He showed splendid leadership, energy, and courage throughout the operations, and rendered valuable service."—15th October, 1918.
It would again seem most fitting that our list should conclude with the name of so distinguished a soldier, whose gallantry brought him such coveted distinctions.
5th Scottish Rifles.
This soldier's father belongs to Sandwick, while his mother is from Vatisker, in Back district. Joined as a private in 1915- Wounded in France 26th September, 1917.
It seems a fitting coincidence that the first Lewisman to be here named should have risen to the distinction of Lieutenant.
John Graham
Clydebank, Glasgow; native of Braebhig, Vatisker, Back.
Joined 6th Argyll & Sutherlands in April, 1917 ; transferred to 4tn Seaforths ;
Served in France and Belgium.
Alexander Graham
4th Seaforths;
Son of Murdo Graham, 72 Cathedral Street, Glasgow,
A native of Vatisker, Back. Joining in February, 1915, this young soldier reached the field of battle only six weeks after enlistment. Wounded at Festubert in May, 1915 ; and again by gas-shell at High Wood, 27th July, 1916 ; died in field hospital.
Left a widow and five children.
Here we have a typical example of the "chivalrous and important part" for which the "gallant Grahams" are noted in Scottish History.
John Macarthur
Highland Light Infantry
A native of Carloway. Joined in 1914. Had previous service in Crete, Egypt, the Soudan, and South
Africa.
Kenneth Macarthur
Seaforths
Native of Carloway. Joined in 1914; killed in France.
Two excellent specimens of the British soldier. Despite his veteran service, John Macarthur proved his title to the Clan Motto—"Fide et opera"; while his kinsman earned the highest motto of all—"Faithful unto Death."
Kenneth Macdonald
H.M.S. "Emperor of India"
Native of Carloway; joined in 1914.
It is noteworthy that the men serving on this ship were winners of the Challenge Cup, competed for by the whole Fleet. A gallant sailor of the Clan of whom the celebrated Ardnamurchan Bard sang :—
"Fresh honours ever gaining, disdaining servility, Attacks can never move them but prove their stability."
Donald Macfarlane
Harland St., Glasgow.
Coy.-Sergt.-Major and ex-Sergt. of 1st Seaforths.
Native of Marvig, Lochs. Had 13 years service when he joined up in 1914, and served on 14th Batt., Training Staff.
Corporal John G. Macfarlane
5th Highland Light Infantry, and 4th Seaforth. (A son of above).
Called up on outbreak of hostilities Served in France and Russia. Gassed at Loos. Demobilised Sept., 1919. Rejoined A.S.C. (M.T.)
His mother was a native of Shawbost.
Worthy representatives of a Clan who, in the days of Queen Mary and Langside, arc renowed as being found "in the hottest brunt of the fight."
Duncan Macgregor
Son of Murdo Macgregor, 13 Edington St., Glasgow.
Killed in France.
In giving his life on the field of battle, this soldier hero bravely upheld the reputation of his Clan for "remarkable loyalty and inflexible fidelity."
Donald Mackay
Royal Engineers
Son of Malcolm Mackay, 13 Edington St., Glasgow
Parents belong to Carloway.
He enlisted in 1916 on attaining the age of 18
Signaller John Mackay
Royal Naval Reserve
Joined in Feb. 1916. Served on a minesweeper.
Clydebank, Glasgow.
Native of 39 Coll, Back.
John Mackay
H.M.S. "Apollo."
Native of Carloway.
Joined in 1915. Was then a Divinity student in Glasgow University.
Malcolm Mackay
Army Service Corps
13 Edington St., Glasgow.
Native of Garenin, Carloway.
Enlisted in 1915. Served in France.
These Clansmen right well sustained their motto "Manu Forti"; the Clan repute for "deeds of valour" suffered no diminution in the Great War.
Malcolm Maclean
A. and S. Highlanders
Son of Angus Maclean, 28 Broomhill St., Port-Dundas.
Enlisted in 1917, and served in France.
Parents belong to Shawbost and Bragar.
The maxim of this Clan, that "a Maclean should never turn his back on the foe" has always characterised their part in war; while their war-cry, "Beatha no Bas," has been at all times worthily upheld.
Angus Macleod
Seaforths.
A native of Carloway.
Awarded the D.C.M. for exceptional gallantry under fire.
David Finlay Macleod
Second son of Mr Neil M. Macleod, 24 Barrington Drive. Glasgow, and grandson of the late Mr Finlay Macleod, at one time merchant, Bernera, Lewis.
Mobilised 4th Aug., 1914, 5th (Cameronians) Scottish Rifles; embarked for France 4th Nov. ; served throughout until severely wounded in action at Cambria, 27th March, 1916. After six months' hospital
treatment, rejoined his battalion for home service, afterwards transfened to the Seaforths (Fort-George), thence Labour Corps, and latterly to the Edinburgh R.E., Forth Defence; demobilised 5th March, 1919.
Captain Donald Macleod
Son of the late Angus Macleod, shipwright, Greenock.
A native of Vatisker, Back.
Joined A. and S. Highlanders as a Pte. On obtaining a commission, transferred to the 25th Northumberland Fusiliers ; afterwards in command of the 103rd Light Tiench Mortar Battery. Relinquished his commission in June, 1919, on account of illness contracted on active service.
(Is an uncle of Lieut. D. Chapman mentioned in this Chapter).
Company Quarter Master Donald Macleod
7th A. and S. Highlanders.
A son of John Macleod, 11 Kilbowie Rd., Clydebank.
Joined Oct., 1917 Served in France and Belgium.
His parents belong to Eoropie and Lionel, Ness.
Duncan Macleod
3rd Seaforths
Son of the late Neil Macleod, 23 Elder Street, Govan. His parents belong to Carloway.
Called up on Outbreak of hostilities. Served in France, and was discharged on account of wounds.
James Reid Wilson Macleod
Eldest son of Mr Neil M. Macleod, 24 Barrington Drive, Glasgow, and grandson of the late Mr Finlay Macleod, Bernera, Lewis.
Mobilised 4th Aug., 1914, Glasgow Highlanders; afterwards retained in the Post Office service. At a later period he enlisted in 5th (Cameronians) Scottish Rifles ; went to France in July, 1916, and was transferred to the 9th Kitchener Battalion. Was engaged in continuous fighting throughout. Killed
in action, 23rd March, 1918, at St. Quinten.
Kenneth Macleod
A native of Carloway. Killed on the Italian Front. His brother died of fever in the South African War.
Murdo Macleod
Police Force, Clydebank, Glasgow.
A native of 54 Coll, Back
Joined 1st Seaforths in 1915; wounded in the Persian Gulf, and was lost in, the hospital ship torpedoed near Gibraltar in 1916.
Yet another instance of the appalling inhumanity of the Huns. It is naturally difficult for a Clansman to record in writing anything concerning his own Clan ; and how much more delicate is the writer's position where members of his own family circle are concerned ? But surely there can be no accusation, either of undue reserve on the one hand, or pretentious assurance on the other, if one quotes the historian who writes of the annals of the Clan as "replete with stirring and romantic incident," and if one ventures here to record that their motto, "Hold Fast," was creditably sustained in the stupendous struggle during which many of the Clan made the supreme sacrifice.
Duncan Macphail
A native of Carloway.
H.M.S. "Triumph." Joined the Navy in 1914.
Belongs to a Lewis race whose record may well be said to be the name of the ship on which he served
Robert Macrae
28 Maclean St , Plantation, Glasgow.
Enlisted in the Royal Highlanders (Black Watch) in 1915, and served in France.
His mother is a native of Marvig, Lochs.
In the Great War the Macraes well merited the eulogism passed by the historian on a distinguished Clansman who, in the Battle of Strathconan, "acquitted himself with admirable bravery."
George Morrison
Royal Navy.
A native of Carloway; survivor of the "Iolaire" disaster.
Malcolm Morrison
83 Stratford St., Maryhill, Glasgow.
Served in Egypt, Palestine, and France. Is in the teaching profession. The history of the Ness district is rich in the traditions of the Morrisons. The experience of the first-named concerns a red-letter day in Lewis history, which is briefly referred to towards the end of this chapter.
A. J. Murray
Marine Engineer, Glasgow; younger son of Mrs Murray, 25 Newton, Stornoway. Joined up 4th August, 1914; drafted to the Mediterranean shortly afterwards, thence to home waters. In June, 1916, was again transferred to foreign service, and in the "Fox," took part in the bombardment of Gaza and other actions in the East. Demobilised in February, 1919.
Murdo Paterson
15th H.L.I.
A native of Carloway. Killed in France only a few days before the Armistice.
Two sons of this family made the supreme sacrifice.
Here we have a notable example, among very many, where the field of battle made more than one irreparable break in the family circle.
Sapper Murdo Stewart
206th Field Coy., Royal Engineers
Son of George Stewart, 31 Crossburn St., Glasgow (a native of Coll, Back).
Enlisted in March, 1915 Served in France and Belgium, finishing up with the Army of Occupation in Germany.
Corporal Robert Stewart
1st Gloucester; latterly in the M.G.C. (Trench Mortar Section).
Brother of above. Came from Mexico in March, 1915. Served in Mesopotamia and in Palestine. Took part in the capture of Bagdad No name in Scottish history figures more prominently than that of the Stewarts; and the soldier last named is a typical example of the many Scotsmen who came across thousands of miles of ocean to fight in defence of their native land.
2nd Lieutenant Alexander Thomson
M.C., D.C.M.,
Seaforths (T.F.).
Son of Mr James Thomson, merchant, Tong.
Teacher in Glasgow ; enlisted early in the war, and went to France in October, 1914. This gallant soldier was mentioned in the first edition of "Loyal Lewis" as having won the D.C.M., while still a Private, "for conspicuous gallantry on March, 1915, in bringing a wounded man, under heavy fire, a distance of 40 yards into cover, the enemy being only 200 yards away."
Later this brave Leodhasach was promoted to 2nd Lieut., and won that honoured distinction, the Military Cross, when, in charge of a Royal Engineers detachment, he successfully blew up a house from which an enemy machine-gun team was harassing our troops. The "London Gazette" notice says :—"He showed splendid leadership, energy, and courage throughout the operations, and rendered valuable service."—15th October, 1918.
It would again seem most fitting that our list should conclude with the name of so distinguished a soldier, whose gallantry brought him such coveted distinctions.
Glasgow Lewismen in the Great War
 |
| Neil M Macleod |
The connection existing between the Island of Lewis and the great city of Glasgow—brought about partly through commercial relations, but in infinitely greater measure by reason of the very considerable number of natives of the island who have made Clydeside the "land of their adoption"—is of so firmly established a nature that a book such as this would be obviously incomplete if within its pages the reader failed to find a record, albeit brief, disconnected and imperfect, of the part taken by Glasgow sons of Eilean-an-Fhraoich in the greatest War of which this world has hitherto been the theatre.
It would be superfluous, at this time of day, to make any lengthy reference to the loyalty and patriotism of Lewis men and women : but it may be pertinent to observe that the characteristics which have always been the "hall mark" of dwellers in that Western Isle are so thoroughly implanted in the very marrow of the people that these characteristics continue to manifest themselves with undiminished vigour in descendants of Lewismen wheresoever they may happen to be. And so it follows, as a natural corollary, that we find sons and grandsons (many of whom, it may be, know the island but by name) following with resolute determination and commendable fidelity in the footsteps of their ancestors, more especially in the region of naval and military tradition and devotion to King and Country. The influence born of the historic renown of those northern latitudes is undoubtedly powerful. Despite the disturbing elements associated with a city life, the spirit begotten of their fathers, lying dormant within, re-kindles with magic force at the call of danger, thus recalling to mind the beacon fire on the mountain tops of Scotia that awoke the clansmen to battle in the centuries long ago. That spirit has never failed the Highlanders; it never will fail them, for the reputation and the tradition of their fathers are among the proudest and most cherished possessions of those in whose veins courses the blood of valiant men who seem to have no consciousness of danger or of the perils of the field of battle, and in whose vocabulary the word "defeat" may be searched for in vain.
It will, perhaps, be of interest to coming generations to read of the steps generally adopted in Glasgow (as in other large centres) on the outbreak of the Great War, in the way of obtaining recruits for our Army and Navy, more especially as it was through the channel thus afforded that thousands of young Highlanders found their way into the ranks of the "Soldiers of the King" ; and as it was the writer's privilege—by no means a sinecure task—to take an active part in the work of a Recruiting Establishment, from practically the commencement of the War, he will very briefly make general mention of the work.
That work was carried on right through what then seemed interminable years, as the fortunes of war swayed hither and thither on the vast battle-fronts, until, with the introduction, after a period of some three years, of an altered regime, the exigencies of the situation no longer necessitated these voluntary agencies for swelling the ranks of the Army and Navy.
From the early years of the opening of the twentieth century, students of political history who followed with observant vision the signs of the times, could discern—despite feigned protestations of amity and goodwill—the gathering war-clouds lowering on the horizon of central Europe; just as we in the Highlands have so often seen, on a summer's day, the ominous thunder-clouds rolling along with increasing blackness—dark almost as Erebus—the atmosphere rendered sultry and oppressive by the electric fluid with which it is heavily charged—the weightiness becoming ever more tense, until, like "a bolt from the blue," the very gates of elemental fury seem to open, and the pent-up storm bursts forth in awesome grandeur and almost terrifying intensity, and the song of the birds becomes suddenly hushed, as its authors seek refuge amid the seclusion of leafy bowers. Somewhat akin to this did the great war-cloud burst upon the world on that fateful Fourth of August, 1914, which for over four and a quarter long years raged with unprecedented fierceness and severity over so great a part of the Continent of Europe.
And with the bursting of that war-cloud the mirthful joys to which we had all become accustomed as part of the daily life, and the very song and laughter of the children seemed to become suddenly hushed until, amid increasing bereavements and tragedies, we had forgotten the existence of such pleasures. But, through it all, the dogged resoluteness, and pluck, and perseverance of our men and women were never allowed to fail. That the task which Britain had to face was transcendentally the greatest in a long and illustrious history was at once recognised ; and no time was lost in setting the necessary machinery of organisation in motion, with a view to increasing the ranks of our fighting forces. Party politics were, happily, laid aside, as the warrior denudes himself of all trammelling adornments when entering the arena where his prowess is to be put to the test: the homeland was in danger, and—to the lasting credit of every true Scotsman and patriotic Briton be it said—when the common enemy is without the gate, the powerful tie of kindred and of blood rises superior to the inane barriers which have been wont to separate us as men and brothers amid the maelstrom of party strife that has too often been looked upon with unduly magnified and distorted vision. The reader will, let us hope, pardon this slight digression, and we must hasten to dismiss a subject extraneous to the scope of this chapter, justification for the passing mention of which is but to emphasise how ready we Britons are to put country before personal foibles when danger to the Empire looms ahead.
Illustrating the axiom which has just been referred to, the Unionist and Liberal Associations of the College Division of Glasgow (and this is, as already stated, but an example of what was done throughout the City) joined forces, and the Unionist Rooms in New City Road were, on 10th August. 1914-only six days after hostilities commenced—opened as a recruiting centre. So widespread have been the ramifications of the Great War—leaving practically not a home circle untouched in the British Isles—and so familiar are the details of the work carried on at recruiting depots to almost all readers of this publication—so far as the present generation is concerned—that any lengthy reference to that work would not be dis-similar to gilding refined gold or showing a Lewis Naval Reserveman how to handle an oar ! Suffice it then to say that from early morning till late in the evening, day in and day out, we had a constant stream of the flower of our young manhood pouring into the recruiting office, eager to give their services, and, if need be, their lives, in defence of the glorious Empire whose traditions they almost worshipped. Strange, is it not, that youths of little more than school age, many of a rifle barrel, and who read from day to day in the Press of the death in battle of friends of their own, should seem so fearless, and so eager to face the terrors of that grim arena ?
Not a bit of it ! for behind them was the tradition of their fathers, and the example- of the men by whose indomitable courage, loyalty and devotion this Empire had been built up; and the proud and glorious record which had been bequeathed to us was not to suffer dishonour at the hands of the twentieth century Highlander.
Whether or not it leaked out that this particular depot had the assistance of Highlanders (including Lewismen) besides the writer, it is difficult to say, but it is pleasant to record the fact that a very great proportion of the young men who were proud to take the oath of allegiance to his Majesty King George the Fifth hailed from the Highlands—a goodly number of them from the principal isle of the Hebrides. By far the greater number of the men enlisted at this section expressed a preference for serving in Highland Regiments — once again illustrating the old axiom of "shoulder to shoulder" —and, in so far as it was possible to do so, their desires were cordially endorsed by the recruiting staff. Many, very naturally, enrolled in the Navy, having been, metaphorically, born "on the sea." In the early stages of the war, there was little or no difficulty in conceding the very natural wishes of the men; but, as time wore on, and the various localities, like the glens and straths and bays and loch- sides, became denuded of young manhood, and the ranks of the Highland Regiments swelled to such an extent that battalion after battalion had to be added, a goodly number of Highlanders and Islanders
had no option but to enrol themselves in the ranks of Lowland and English Regiments. In this connection it is safe to hazard the remark that the infusion of Highland blood into Battalions of soldiers across the Border was by no means to the disadvantage of the latter. One thing at least is certain, that throughout the whole course of the war, where the fight was hottest and the battle raged fiercest, and where almost superhuman obstacles had to be overcome, there our Highland heroes were to be found. Let it be emphatically clear that no reflection on any territorial division of the British Army is implied ; but it is now matter of history that of all the myriad forces they had to encounter on the field of foray none struck terror into the (one had almost written hearts, but it would be a misnomer!)—none struck terror into the carcases of the once arrogant, boastful Hun like that engendered by finding themselves "up against" the Highlander.
An incident illustrative of this statement is worthy of being recorded in this book. It was related by that gallant and distinguished soldier, Brigadier-General Sir Ian Hamilton on the occasion of his taking part in a special service in the now historic Highlanders' Memorial Church, Glasgow, when, along with other commemorative emblems, the Shield of Arms of His Majesty the King was presented and dedicated. Sir Ian, after extolling the gallant exploits of the immortal 51st Division, which, as the reader knows, was mainly composed of Highland Regiments, told how one day German airmen flying over the trenches occupied by that Division, of whose prowess the enemy had had abundant demonstration in numerous encounters, dropped the message : —"Good Old 51st, Sticking it Still." Verily, as Sir Ian Hamilton remarked, no finer or higher compliment could ever come from an unwilling enemy. In all the volumes written concerning the Great War the most gifted pen of litterateur or historian can indite nothing finer than that spontaneous tribute from the foe.
As time went on, and our Registers rapidly grew from hundreds into thousands, and as one noted those unmistakeable characteristics of the Highlander—chivalry, patriotism and devotion—one felt how fitting were the words in Mitchell's admirable History of Ancient Scotland where, writing of the far away days of the year 86 a.d., he refers to the then inhabitants of northern Scotland flocking to the colours thus:
"From the western sea-board and from the farthest north ;
from the sheltered glen ; from far-extending strath, and
from the margin of the lonely loch, the hardy sons of the
North had rallied to the battle for Freedom, every man
of them eager to measure swords with the proud
legionaries of Rome in defence of Liberty's sacred cause."'
And when, but a few weeks later, many of these grand young fellows looked in to say "Soraidh slan leibh" ere crossing the Channel to prove their mettle at close quarters with the legionaries of the Hun, one could imagine, as one looked with pride on their sturdy, well set-up figures, as if they had come fresh from listening to that historic appeal of the great Tacitus—one of the most soul-stirring appeals on behalf of Liberty that probably was ever penned—concluding with the inspiring counsel—
"As, therefore, you advance to battle, look back upon your ancestors, look forward to your posterity."
How closely the spirit of that appeal was followed by the many sons of Lewis who sacrificed comfort, if not, indeed, comparative luxury, in this great City, as elsewhere, is eloquently testified by the brisf record which is contained in the following pages.
Before passing to the actual records of service, it may be permissible to make a few general observations. First and foremost, what impressed one perhaps more than anything else was the splendid response made by Lewis to the call for men for the Army, Navy and Auxiliary Forces ; indeed, the same may be said of the whole Highlands. One can well imagine with what literal truth it could, during the latter years of the awful struggle, be said that no man between the ages of sixteen and sixty was to be found in great stretches of Tir-nam-Beann, nan Gloann, 's nan Gaisgeach. And when it has to be recorded that in the recruiting office with which the writer had the pleasure of being associated, the number that passed through to the ranks exceeded 7000, and that—to their own keen disappointment—a number totalling not very far short of half that figure who volunteered for enlistment had perforce to be 'turned down," the wonder is not that Britain's legions numbered such a mighty host but that these numbers were not even exceeded.
Another distinctive feature was the fine spirit of camaraderie which seemed spontaneously to spring up beween those who had been keen rivals in separate political camps in what we now term "pre-war" days. Friendships thus formed are amongst one's treasured memories of a time of stress and struggle, and they will certainly continue while the lamp of life emits the ray of light which guides our path along the course which, alas! must one day hasten to a close. And among the many "landmarks" on life's journey of vicissitudes, those of the years 1914-1918—enriched and mellowed by the experiences and sympathies thus gained—are certainly carven the deepest.
But we must not overtax the patience of the reader, or dwell on the subject, despite its alluring interest, else, mayhap, we are accused of pursuing it to the point of monotony. In any event, the circumscribed power of our pen reminds us that the prologue must here end, and we shall now proceed to narrate what are but a very few examples, gleaned from the cases of natives or sons of natives of the Island of Lewis, and get a fleeting glimpse of their part in the Great War. The alphabetical order of surnames has been chosen as that most suitable for the task before us ; for we realise, as we are sure the reader will, that it would be invidious even to attempt anything in the nature of priority. After all, we are dealing with the island as a unit, and that section of its people which is more particularly the object of our contribution, as one family, typical of the grand old motto: —
"Na Gaidheil ri Guallaibh a Cheile."
If the writer ventures, in the course of setting down the following names, to introduce an occasional note concerning the distinctions and traditions of some of the Clans, let it not for a moment be surmised that the object is any other than that of showing how those distinguishing qualities of the
several branches of our Highland clansmen were all blended together into one united whole (in the unprecedented period under review), in the sacred cause of that Liberty and of that Freedom under which this Empire of Britain stands preeminent and incomparable as the pioneer of civilisation and of progress.
The foregoing is but a fragmentary record of the many sons of Lewis who fought for King and Country during those trying years throughout which the war-cloud hung like a dark pall over the land. One would fain have wished to include the name of every serving soldier and sailor, but the impossibility of such a task will be obvious to the reader. That being the kinsfolk of any soldier or sailor, in the mournful words of MacCrimmon's Lament : —
"Nach till gu brath gu latha na Cruinne,"
experience any feeling of disappointment because of the omission of their names from the list ; for this humble tribute is penned not to extol or eulogise any single individual. Its boundary is the sea-girt shores of beloved Eilean-an-Fhraoich, and that queen of the Hebridean isles nestling in the lap of Loch Roag ; and the homage desired to be paid is to all who are proud to claim that northern clime as the land of their fathers.
To those whose good fortune it has been to weather the storm and return safely to port, with (to use a nautical metaphor) rigging intact and gear undamaged, the writer would offer congratulations and good wishes not less fervent than the welcome which greeted their return, bearing the laurels of victory, to the home circle, for the preservation of which they courageously went forth to war.
To those less fortunate amid the dangers of the battlefield, whose indomitable pluck and endurance enabled them to survive the fury of the tempest of war, although, alas ! with shattered nerve and broken limb, and whose honourable scars, sustained in unselfish devotion to the cause they had sworn to defend, they will carry through the remainder of life's fateful journey, would he extend unstinted praise, sympathetic good wishes and the earnest hope that the ravages of the dread theatre of hostilities may be equitably compensated for by admiring kinsfolk and a grateful nation alike. To the glorious dead who, at the cost of their life-blood, kept unfurled and unstained that Banner of Liberty and Freedom under which our Empire has become great and prosperous, and whose supreme sacrifice on the gory field of battle, and amid the hidden dangers lurking beneath the waves of ocean, has left irreparable blanks in many a home circle
"In strath and glen, and street and lane"
what adequate or fitting tribute can one pay 1 Suffice it to say, when power of pen is so limited, that the passing of those noble soldiers and sailors to the Great Beyond proved them steadfast to the proud traditions of the Highland Regiments, and added to the already glorious record of our beloved Tirnam-Beann an imperishable lustre destined to shine in intensified radiance with the passing of the years: —
Leal hearts of Scotland can never forget them,
Mournful the dirge on Lewis' grey shore;
Loyal to King and to Country, they earned
Garland of glory that fades nevermore.
There are many outstanding events connected with the Great War of which one feels tempted to write at a time like this ; many incidents relevant to the subject-matter of this publication, but the risk of trespassing beyond the latitude allowed by the Publisher, must be guarded against. One event, however, of transcendent import to Lewis, we may be allowed to make brief reference to in concluding this chapter; and the reader will have accurately anticipated that our reference is to that appalling disaster of which the shores of the island was the tragic scene in the opening hours of the year 1919, when the disaster to the "Iolaire" carried so many brave sons of Lewis to their doom, and overwhelmed the island in scenes of universal grief and mourning, without precedent in its long annals. That inscrutable txagedy is graphically dealt with by the Publisher in another part of this volume, and our special reason for making mention of it in this chapter is to record amid the varied happenings, calamities, and catastrophies which marked the course of the War, two occurrences in particular stand out pre-eminentlv as having made a profound impression on this great City of Glasgow. The first was the appalling crime—inhuman in its brutality and savage in its ruthlessness—which sent the "Lusitania" to the depths of the ocean, involving the cruel murder of so great a number of defenceless women and helpless children. The other event was that poignantly sad calamity which overtook the ill-fated "Iolaire" when, laden with a crew of human souls, almost touching the very threshold of their homes, she met so cruel a fate on the jagged rocks of the "Beasts of Holm," causing scores upon scores of wives and children who had such joyful hopes of welcoming home husband and father on the first morning of a New Year, to awake up widowed and orphaned. Not alone those having kinship with the Lews, but every human heart in Glasgow was thrilled to the depths by this crowning calamity, surrounded as it was by circumstances which increased its pathos beyond the power of language to express. Those bereft by the disaster were indeed stricken sore ; in their case there was not even the relieving feature of that indefinable pride which, despite the loss of a loved one on the field of battle, affords a mysterious consolation to hearts bowed down in sorrow by the death of those near and dear to them. But Time, the great healer, and that indomitable courage which our womankind so grandly display—
"When the storms of adversity blow,"
sustain alike the grief-stricken through the darkest and most
difficult periods—and for the possession of that admirable
trait, we are justly proud of our women folk.
A word in conclusion. At the annual meeting of the Glasgow Lewis and Harris Association last November, the genial and esteemed proprietor of the island—Lord Leverhulme—made fitting reference to the Lewisman's love for his native soil—a devotion which his Lordship very properly defined as second to none in the world. We Lewismen whose lot happens to be cast in various parts of the world realise perhaps even more keenly than those who dwell in the island how very true this assertion is. The tragedies and the victories of the Great War have but intensified that passionate devotion, and it is the fervent hope and the sincerest wish of the writer that, whatever the future may have in store, every son and daughter of Lewis may be found taking—with credit to themselves and to the Empire to which they are so loyal—a worthy part in all that appertains to the well-being of mankind.
NEIL M. MACLEOD.
The Hero of Buzancy
On a subsequent occasion he was again mentioned in despatches, and on 12th November, 1918, he was appointed Temporary Major, which rank he held till August, 1919, when, on the Service Battalions being disbanded, he reverted to his substantive rank of Lieutenant and rejoined his depot at Fort George.
28B Lemreway
Roderick Campbell
Royal Naval Reserve
Malcolm Campbell
Royal Naval Reserve, Trawler Section
Royal Naval Reserve
Malcolm Campbell
Royal Naval Reserve, Trawler Section
28 Lemreway
Roderick Campbell
Royal Naval Reserve
Ship was torpedoed within an hour of leaving port. Two engineers killed, rest of crew saved
Royal Naval Reserve
Ship was torpedoed within an hour of leaving port. Two engineers killed, rest of crew saved
27 Lemreway
John Nicolson
Canadians
Malcolm Nicolson
Royal Naval Division
Awarded Mons Star
Interned in Holland
Donald Nicolson
Royal Naval Reserve
Survivor from HMS Drake
Angus Nicolson
Canadians
Nephews of above
Canadians
Malcolm Nicolson
Royal Naval Division
Awarded Mons Star
Interned in Holland
Donald Nicolson
Royal Naval Reserve
Survivor from HMS Drake
Angus Nicolson
Canadians
Nephews of above
24 Lemreway
John Nicolson
Canadians
Finlay Nicolson
Royal Naval Reserve
Kenneth Nicolson
Royal Naval Reserve
Date of death: 12 May 1915 at the age of 19
Drowned in torpedoing of HMS Goliath at Dardanelles
Sons of Angus Nicolson
Canadians
Finlay Nicolson
Royal Naval Reserve
Kenneth Nicolson
Royal Naval Reserve
Date of death: 12 May 1915 at the age of 19
Drowned in torpedoing of HMS Goliath at Dardanelles
Sons of Angus Nicolson
23 Lemreway
Major Angus Macmillan
Seaforth Highlanders
Lance Corporal Duncan Macmillan
2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Date of death: 27 March 1915 at the age of 27
Died of meningitis at St Omer hospital
Had been in 1st Seaforths for 7 years and went to France with vanguard of BEF
Sons of Kenneth Macmillan
Seaforth Highlanders
Lance Corporal Duncan Macmillan
2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Date of death: 27 March 1915 at the age of 27
Died of meningitis at St Omer hospital
Had been in 1st Seaforths for 7 years and went to France with vanguard of BEF
Sons of Kenneth Macmillan
15 Lemreway
Angus Nicolson
Royal Naval Reserve
Donald Nicolson
Royal Naval Reserve
Donald Nicolson
Gordon Highlanders
Royal Naval Reserve
Donald Nicolson
Royal Naval Reserve
Donald Nicolson
Gordon Highlanders
13 Lemreway
Donald Macleod
Royal Naval Division
Awarded Mons Star
Interned in Holland
John Macleod
Royal Army Medical Corps
Royal Naval Division
Awarded Mons Star
Interned in Holland
John Macleod
Royal Army Medical Corps
8 Lemreway
Peter Chisholm
Royal Naval Reserve
John Angus Chisholm
Cameron Highlanders
Date of death: 22 December 1914
Killed in action in France
Royal Naval Reserve
John Angus Chisholm
Cameron Highlanders
Date of death: 22 December 1914
Killed in action in France
3 Lemreway
Murdo Ferguson
Royal Naval Reserve
Date of death: 1 January 1919
Lost in Iolaire
Called up at outbreak of war
Angus Ferguson
Royal Naval Reserve
Son of Murdo Ferguson
Royal Naval Reserve
Date of death: 1 January 1919
Lost in Iolaire
Called up at outbreak of war
Angus Ferguson
Royal Naval Reserve
Son of Murdo Ferguson
2B Lemreway
David Macinnes
Son of Peter Macinnes and cousin of Macinnes of 2 Lemreway
Royal Naval Reserve, Trawler Section
Date of death: 1 January 1919
Lost in Iolaire
Son of Peter Macinnes and cousin of Macinnes of 2 Lemreway
Royal Naval Reserve, Trawler Section
Date of death: 1 January 1919
Lost in Iolaire
2 Lemreway
John Macinnes
Royal Naval Reserve
Neil Macinnes
Royal Naval Reserve
Malcolm Macinnes
Royal Naval Reserve
Date of death: 1 January 1919
Lost in Iolaire
Sons of Murdo Macinnes
Royal Naval Reserve
Neil Macinnes
Royal Naval Reserve
Malcolm Macinnes
Royal Naval Reserve
Date of death: 1 January 1919
Lost in Iolaire
Sons of Murdo Macinnes
42 Gravir
Petty Officer Donald Mackay
Coastguard, Royal Navy
Angus Mackay
Royal Naval Reserve
Piper John Mackay
Canadians
Severely wounded
Coastguard, Royal Navy
Angus Mackay
Royal Naval Reserve
Piper John Mackay
Canadians
Severely wounded
33C Gravir
Corporal Donald Maclean
Canadians
Awarded Military Medal
Taken prisoner 1918
Malcolm Maclean
Killed in action
Sons of Donald Maclean
Canadians
Awarded Military Medal
Taken prisoner 1918
Malcolm Maclean
Killed in action
Sons of Donald Maclean
33A Gravir
Neil Maclean
Highland Light Infantry
Severely wounded in hand
Kenneth Maclean
Royal Naval Reserve
Highland Light Infantry
Severely wounded in hand
Kenneth Maclean
Royal Naval Reserve
32 Gravir
John Nicolson
4th Seaforth Highlanders
Murdo Nicolson
Ross Mountain Battery
Father and son
Neil Nicolson
Royal Army Service Corps
Donald Nicolson
Royal Fusiliers
4th Seaforth Highlanders
Murdo Nicolson
Ross Mountain Battery
Father and son
Neil Nicolson
Royal Army Service Corps
Donald Nicolson
Royal Fusiliers
30 Gravir
John Matheson
Cameron Highlanders
Wounded on several occasions
Murdo Matheson
Royal Naval Reserve
Cameron Highlanders
Wounded on several occasions
Murdo Matheson
Royal Naval Reserve
29 Gravir
Duncan Chisholm
Royal Naval Reserve, Trawler Section
Piper Malcolm Chisholm
Cameron Highlanders
Royal Naval Reserve, Trawler Section
Piper Malcolm Chisholm
Cameron Highlanders
25 Gravir
Norman Matheson
Royal Naval Reserve, Trawler Section
Donald Matheson
Royal Naval Reserve, Trawler Section
John Matheson
Royal Naval Reserve
Royal Naval Reserve, Trawler Section
Donald Matheson
Royal Naval Reserve, Trawler Section
John Matheson
Royal Naval Reserve
24 Gravir
John Kennedy
Son of Roderick Kennedy of 15 Marvig
Royal Horse Artillery
Date of death: 1916 at the age of 34
Died at home of wounds
Left widow and 4 children
Son of Roderick Kennedy of 15 Marvig
Royal Horse Artillery
Date of death: 1916 at the age of 34
Died at home of wounds
Left widow and 4 children
23 Gravir
Petty Officer Donald Macmillan
Mercantile Marine Reserve
John Macmillan
Royal Naval Reserve
Mercantile Marine Reserve
John Macmillan
Royal Naval Reserve
22 Gravir
Donald Nicolson
Royal Naval Reserve
Date of death: 14 November 1918 at the age of 29
Died at home of illness contracted while serving in North Sea Had been on service since outbreak of war.
John Nicolson
No regiment listed
Murdo Nicolson
Mercantile Marine Reserve
Duncan Nicolson
Royal Naval Reserve
Date of death: January 1917 at the age of 24
Drowned in Laurentic
Sons of Malcolm Nicolson
Royal Naval Reserve
Date of death: 14 November 1918 at the age of 29
Died at home of illness contracted while serving in North Sea Had been on service since outbreak of war.
John Nicolson
No regiment listed
Murdo Nicolson
Mercantile Marine Reserve
Duncan Nicolson
Royal Naval Reserve
Date of death: January 1917 at the age of 24
Drowned in Laurentic
Sons of Malcolm Nicolson
18B Gravir
Peter Campbell
4th Seaforth Highlanders
John Campbell
Seaforth Highlanders
Died of influenza in France
Father and son
4th Seaforth Highlanders
John Campbell
Seaforth Highlanders
Died of influenza in France
Father and son
18A Gravir
Alexander Campbell
Royal Naval Reserve
Invalided home July 1915
John Campbell
Seaforth Highlanders
Date of death: 20 December 1914 at the age of 20
Killed in action
Donald Campbell
Royal Garrison Artillery
Angus Campbell
Royal Fleet Auxiliary service
Sons of John Campbell
Royal Naval Reserve
Invalided home July 1915
John Campbell
Seaforth Highlanders
Date of death: 20 December 1914 at the age of 20
Killed in action
Donald Campbell
Royal Garrison Artillery
Angus Campbell
Royal Fleet Auxiliary service
Sons of John Campbell
16 Gravir
Norman Chisholm
Royal Naval Reserve
Awarded 1914 Star
Prisoner of war in Germany since fall of Antwerp
Royal Naval Reserve
Awarded 1914 Star
Prisoner of war in Germany since fall of Antwerp
15 Gravir
Signaller Donald Matheson
Ross Mountain Battery
Awarded Meritorious Service Medal, Greek Military Cross
Wounded at Dardanelles
John Matheson
Royal Naval Reserve
Ross Mountain Battery
Awarded Meritorious Service Medal, Greek Military Cross
Wounded at Dardanelles
John Matheson
Royal Naval Reserve
13 Gravir
Malcolm Matheson
Royal Naval Reserve, Trawler Section
Date of death: 7 October 1918 at the age of 48
Died of pneumonia in hospital at Gillingham, Kent
Left widow and large family
Roderick Campbell
Nephew of Malcolm Matheson above
Royal Naval Reserve
Royal Naval Reserve, Trawler Section
Date of death: 7 October 1918 at the age of 48
Died of pneumonia in hospital at Gillingham, Kent
Left widow and large family
Roderick Campbell
Nephew of Malcolm Matheson above
Royal Naval Reserve
9 Gravir
Donald Macaskill
Royal Naval Voluntary Reserve
Date of death: 1 January 1919
Lost in Iolaire
John Macaskill
Royal Naval Reserve, Trawler Section
Allan Macaskill
Royal Naval Reserve, Trawler Section
Saved from Iolaire
Sons of Donald Macaskill
Sergeant Kenneth Macdonald
Highland Light Infantry
Roderick Macdonald
Royal Naval Reserve
Date of death: 31 May 1916 at the age of 30
Lost in sinking of HMS Queen Mary at Jutland
John M. Macdonald
Royal Naval Reserve
Donald Macdonald
21st Canadians
Date of death: 16 February 1917 at the age of 24
Killed in action in France
Sons of Malcolm Macdonald
Royal Naval Voluntary Reserve
Date of death: 1 January 1919
Lost in Iolaire
John Macaskill
Royal Naval Reserve, Trawler Section
Allan Macaskill
Royal Naval Reserve, Trawler Section
Saved from Iolaire
Sons of Donald Macaskill
Sergeant Kenneth Macdonald
Highland Light Infantry
Roderick Macdonald
Royal Naval Reserve
Date of death: 31 May 1916 at the age of 30
Lost in sinking of HMS Queen Mary at Jutland
John M. Macdonald
Royal Naval Reserve
Donald Macdonald
21st Canadians
Date of death: 16 February 1917 at the age of 24
Killed in action in France
Sons of Malcolm Macdonald
8 Gravir
Murdo Macinnes
King's Own Scottish Borderers
Leading Seaman Gunner Angus Macinnes
Royal Naval Reserve
John Macinnes
Royal Naval Reserve
King's Own Scottish Borderers
Leading Seaman Gunner Angus Macinnes
Royal Naval Reserve
John Macinnes
Royal Naval Reserve
6B Gravir
Kenneth Macaskill
Son of Angus Macaskill
Royal Naval Reserve
Date of death: 14 February 1917 at the age of 33
Drowned in Irish Channel
Son of Angus Macaskill
Royal Naval Reserve
Date of death: 14 February 1917 at the age of 33
Drowned in Irish Channel
4 Gravir
Donald Mackenzie
43rd Cameron Highlanders of Canada
Severely wounded in France 8/8/1918
Alexander Mackenzie
Royal Naval Reserve, Trawler Section
43rd Cameron Highlanders of Canada
Severely wounded in France 8/8/1918
Alexander Mackenzie
Royal Naval Reserve, Trawler Section
2 Gravir
Alexander Morrison
Labour Corps
Malcolm Morrison
Royal Naval Reserve, Trawler Section
John Morrison
New Zealanders
Wounded
Roderick Campbell
Nephew of above
Liverpool Regiment
Labour Corps
Malcolm Morrison
Royal Naval Reserve, Trawler Section
John Morrison
New Zealanders
Wounded
Roderick Campbell
Nephew of above
Liverpool Regiment
14 Calbost
Roderick Kennedy
1st Cameron Highlanders
Date of death: 25 January 1915 at the age of 18
Killed in action at La Bassee
Held Mons Star
Son of Murdo Kennedy, who is himself an ex-soldier, having served 17 years in the Seaforths. He served in India, South Africa and Egypt. Holds 2 medals with 7 clasps. On outbreak of war he twice volunteered for active service.
1st Cameron Highlanders
Date of death: 25 January 1915 at the age of 18
Killed in action at La Bassee
Held Mons Star
Son of Murdo Kennedy, who is himself an ex-soldier, having served 17 years in the Seaforths. He served in India, South Africa and Egypt. Holds 2 medals with 7 clasps. On outbreak of war he twice volunteered for active service.
13 Calbost
Lance-corporal Dugald Macleod
2nd Gordon Highlanders
Date of death: 29 September 1917 at the age of 25
Twice wounded, last at Ypres. Discharged and died at home. Held Mons Star.
Son of Alex Macleod
John R. (Alex) Macleod
Royal Naval Reserve, Trawler Division
2nd Gordon Highlanders
Date of death: 29 September 1917 at the age of 25
Twice wounded, last at Ypres. Discharged and died at home. Held Mons Star.
Son of Alex Macleod
John R. (Alex) Macleod
Royal Naval Reserve, Trawler Division
12 Calbost
Donald (Donald) Mackenzie
Royal Naval Reserve
Donald (Angus) Mackenzie
Royal Naval Reserve, Trawler Division
Nicolson Bursar, 1915
Angus (Angus) Mackenzie
Royal Naval Reserve
Royal Naval Reserve
Donald (Angus) Mackenzie
Royal Naval Reserve, Trawler Division
Nicolson Bursar, 1915
Angus (Angus) Mackenzie
Royal Naval Reserve
11 Calbost
Murdo Nicolson
Royal Naval Reserve
Date of death: 22 June 1916
Drowned in “Laurel Crown” which was mined in the North Sea
Left widow and eight of a family
Able Seaman Alexander Mackenzie
Royal Naval Reserve
Served in Mediterranean and South Atlantic. Was at the battles of Falklands and Dardanelles; discharged 16 May 1916.
Royal Naval Reserve
Date of death: 22 June 1916
Drowned in “Laurel Crown” which was mined in the North Sea
Left widow and eight of a family
Able Seaman Alexander Mackenzie
Royal Naval Reserve
Served in Mediterranean and South Atlantic. Was at the battles of Falklands and Dardanelles; discharged 16 May 1916.
10 Calbost
Angus Finlayson
Royal Naval Reserve
Roderick Finlayson
2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Awarded Mons Star
Donald Finlayson
Australians
Wounded and discharged
John Finlayson
Royal Naval Reserve
Sons of Alex Finlayson
Angus Finlayson
10th Seaforth Highlanders, Labour Corps
Donald Finlayson
Labour Corps
Murdo Finlayson
Royal Naval Reserve
Sons of Donald Finlayson
Royal Naval Reserve
Roderick Finlayson
2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Awarded Mons Star
Donald Finlayson
Australians
Wounded and discharged
John Finlayson
Royal Naval Reserve
Sons of Alex Finlayson
Angus Finlayson
10th Seaforth Highlanders, Labour Corps
Donald Finlayson
Labour Corps
Murdo Finlayson
Royal Naval Reserve
Sons of Donald Finlayson
9 Calbost
Neil (John) Morrison
Royal Naval Reserve
Date of death: 3 February 1915 at the age of 22
Lost in sinking of HMS Clan Macnaughton
Rescued from HMS Hermes
Angus (John) Morrison
3rd Cameron Highlanders
MGC at Salonica
John M (John) Morrison
Royal Naval Reserve
Company Sergeant Major Murdo Morrison
Canadians
Awarded Military Medal for distinguished bravery in the field
Wounded in France 1917
Sergeant Angus Morrison
Canadians
Sons of Neil Morrison
Murdo Morrison
Labour Corps
Donald Morrison
Royal Naval Reserve
Date of death: 31 May 1916
Drowned in Battle of Jutland
Was at Battle of Falkland Islands and Battle of Coronel
John Morrison
Royal Naval Division
Awarded Mons Star
Prisoner of war in Germany
Donald Alex Morrison
Royal Naval Reserve
Survived sinking of HMS Hermes
Royal Naval Reserve
Date of death: 3 February 1915 at the age of 22
Lost in sinking of HMS Clan Macnaughton
Rescued from HMS Hermes
Angus (John) Morrison
3rd Cameron Highlanders
MGC at Salonica
John M (John) Morrison
Royal Naval Reserve
Company Sergeant Major Murdo Morrison
Canadians
Awarded Military Medal for distinguished bravery in the field
Wounded in France 1917
Sergeant Angus Morrison
Canadians
Sons of Neil Morrison
Murdo Morrison
Labour Corps
Donald Morrison
Royal Naval Reserve
Date of death: 31 May 1916
Drowned in Battle of Jutland
Was at Battle of Falkland Islands and Battle of Coronel
John Morrison
Royal Naval Division
Awarded Mons Star
Prisoner of war in Germany
Donald Alex Morrison
Royal Naval Reserve
Survived sinking of HMS Hermes
8 Calbost
Donald Macleod
Son of John Macleod (snr)
Royal Naval Reserve
Donald Macleod
Son of John Macleod (jnr)
Royal Naval Reserve
Awarded Mons Star
Interned in Holland
Son of John Macleod (snr)
Royal Naval Reserve
Donald Macleod
Son of John Macleod (jnr)
Royal Naval Reserve
Awarded Mons Star
Interned in Holland
7 Calbost
John Mackay
Royal Naval Reserve, Trawler Section
Kenneth Mackay
Royal Naval Reserve
Discharged on medical grounds in 1915
Royal Naval Reserve, Trawler Section
Kenneth Mackay
Royal Naval Reserve
Discharged on medical grounds in 1915
5 Calbost
Donald Smith
Royal Naval Reserve
Murdo Smith
2nd Gordon Highlanders
Date of death: 2 December 1916 at the age of 19
Killed in action at Puchevilliers
Sons of Allan Smith
Royal Naval Reserve
Murdo Smith
2nd Gordon Highlanders
Date of death: 2 December 1916 at the age of 19
Killed in action at Puchevilliers
Sons of Allan Smith
2 Calbost
John Angus Kennedy
Scottish Rifles
Dugald Kennedy
Son of Donald Kennedy
Royal Naval Reserve
Date of death: 3 February 1915 at the age of 17
Lost in sinking of HMS Clan Macnaughton
Rescued from HMS Hermes
Scottish Rifles
Dugald Kennedy
Son of Donald Kennedy
Royal Naval Reserve
Date of death: 3 February 1915 at the age of 17
Lost in sinking of HMS Clan Macnaughton
Rescued from HMS Hermes
20 Marvig
Alex Morrison
Canadians
Date of death: 16 September 1916
Killed in France while bringing in the wounded
Awarded Several medals, incl for life saving
Ex-soldier served 14 years in the Seaforths, saw service in India, Egypt and South Africa
Canadians
Date of death: 16 September 1916
Killed in France while bringing in the wounded
Awarded Several medals, incl for life saving
Ex-soldier served 14 years in the Seaforths, saw service in India, Egypt and South Africa
18 Marvig
Alick Murdo Maclennan
3rd Seaforth Highlanders
Awarded Mons Star
Angus Maclennan
Canadian Navy, Police Section
3rd Seaforth Highlanders
Awarded Mons Star
Angus Maclennan
Canadian Navy, Police Section
13 Marvig
Murdo Mackenzie
Royal Naval Reserve
John Mackenzie
Son of Alex Mackenzie
Royal Naval Reserve
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 30
Lost in Iolaire
Awarded Mons Star
Royal Naval Reserve
John Mackenzie
Son of Alex Mackenzie
Royal Naval Reserve
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 30
Lost in Iolaire
Awarded Mons Star
11 Marvig
Norman Campbell
Ross Mountain Battery
Transferred to Ammunition Column, Royal Field Artillery, 51st Division
Angus Campbell
Royal Naval Reserve
Interned in Holland. Studied while on service and passed as Mate
John Campbell
Mercantile Marine Reserve
Ross Mountain Battery
Transferred to Ammunition Column, Royal Field Artillery, 51st Division
Angus Campbell
Royal Naval Reserve
Interned in Holland. Studied while on service and passed as Mate
John Campbell
Mercantile Marine Reserve
10 Marvig
Mate Alex Macfarlane
Royal Naval Reserve, Trawler Section
Naval pensioner over age 60, re-enlisted in the Patrol Section
Sergeant Murdo Macfarlane
3rd Seaforth Highlanders
Awarded Military Medal, Mons Star
Wounded twice
Angus Macfarlane
Royal Naval Reserve, Trawler Section
Studied while on service and passed as Mate
Alister Macfarlane
MMT
Australia and States
Donald Allan Macfarlane
14th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Served in France and Belgium
Royal Naval Reserve, Trawler Section
Naval pensioner over age 60, re-enlisted in the Patrol Section
Sergeant Murdo Macfarlane
3rd Seaforth Highlanders
Awarded Military Medal, Mons Star
Wounded twice
Angus Macfarlane
Royal Naval Reserve, Trawler Section
Studied while on service and passed as Mate
Alister Macfarlane
MMT
Australia and States
Donald Allan Macfarlane
14th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Served in France and Belgium
8 Marvig
Allan Finlayson
9th Seaforth Highlanders
Came home from Patagonia to enlist. Gassed at Loos Sept 1915; wounded 1918
Corporal Piper Angus Finlayson
3rd Cameron Highlanders
Awarded Mons Star and other medals
Transferred to 1st RSF, served in India Feb 1916 to Nov 1919, wounded La Bassee 1914
Roderick Finlayson
Mercantile Marine Reserve
Awarded Two medals
Served in India, Egypt and Dardanelles, survived Iolaire
9th Seaforth Highlanders
Came home from Patagonia to enlist. Gassed at Loos Sept 1915; wounded 1918
Corporal Piper Angus Finlayson
3rd Cameron Highlanders
Awarded Mons Star and other medals
Transferred to 1st RSF, served in India Feb 1916 to Nov 1919, wounded La Bassee 1914
Roderick Finlayson
Mercantile Marine Reserve
Awarded Two medals
Served in India, Egypt and Dardanelles, survived Iolaire
7 Marvig
Gunner Kenneth Mackenzie
Son of Rod Mackenzie
Royal Naval Reserve
Date of death: 1918 at the age of 20
Died of pneumonia in Quebec
Served on SS Llanstephan Castle. Was at Falkland, Jutland and Dardanelles
Son of Rod Mackenzie
Royal Naval Reserve
Date of death: 1918 at the age of 20
Died of pneumonia in Quebec
Served on SS Llanstephan Castle. Was at Falkland, Jutland and Dardanelles
4 Marvig
Murdo Smith
Royal Naval Reserve
Awarded Mons Star
Interned in Holland
Alex Smith
Canadian Infantry
Alex Kennedy
Royal Naval Reserve, Trawler Section
Royal Naval Reserve
Awarded Mons Star
Interned in Holland
Alex Smith
Canadian Infantry
Alex Kennedy
Royal Naval Reserve, Trawler Section
2 Marvig
Donald Finlayson
Royal Naval Reserve
Roderick (Roshen) Finlayson
5th Cameron Highlanders
Date of death: 11 March 1917
Missing, presumed dead
Wounded twice
Royal Naval Reserve
Roderick (Roshen) Finlayson
5th Cameron Highlanders
Date of death: 11 March 1917
Missing, presumed dead
Wounded twice
1 Marvig
Murdo Mackenzie
2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Awarded Mons Star
Wounded and discharged 1915
John Campbell
Canadian Infantry
Roderick Campbell
Life Guards
Robert Campbell
Mercantile Marine Reserve
Sons of Malcolm Campbell
2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Awarded Mons Star
Wounded and discharged 1915
John Campbell
Canadian Infantry
Roderick Campbell
Life Guards
Robert Campbell
Mercantile Marine Reserve
Sons of Malcolm Campbell
Planasker School District
 |
| Wm Kerr Planasker School |
(Marvig and Calbost,)
Population last Census, 303 (Males, 194: Females, 199).
THE sons of Park hold a proud position in the annals of the Great War. In the far-flung battle line were to be found gallant lads from the isolated villages of Marvig and Calbost. Old boys were there also from Australia, Chili, America, and one brave Canadian, Alick Morrison, 20 Marvig, remains at rest on a hard-won field.
Prompt to answer the call, the first great shock of arms found them ready, and Mons medals are now no rarity in the above villages. Among the earliest to give up their lives were Rod. Kennedy (Murdo), Neil Morrison (John), and Dugald Kennedy (Donald). In less stirring times these brave boys would have been at school , but two of them sailed away in the "Clan Macnaughton" and now sleep in the grey waters of the North Sea. Rod. Kennedy was the son of an old warrior, and died for home and country on a well-fought field. Thus in the spirit of Lewismen, fathers, sons and brothers went forth to face the foe, while all the world wondered. What of the homes ? During these dreaded years 1914-1918 there was that quiet resignation to God's will, which has ever been the birthright of Lewis maids and mothers.
Anxiety there certainly was, when news of battle came, and when wounded heroes paid a flying visit to their homes they were received with a deep, quiet joy which was sometimes pathetic. The sparkling eye of the mother, of the sister, of a loved one, dimmed for a moment by tears, spoke volumes, but there was no holding back. Duty called and all obeyed.
On the School Roll of Honour there are 70 names placed as follows : —
R.N.R. and other sea units—43.
Seaforths and other land units—27.
The Regiments represented were—Seaforths, 6 ; Camerons, 5 ; Gordons, 1 ; Canadians, 6; Australians, 1 ; Chili, 1 ; American Navy, 1 ; A. & S. Highlanders, 1 ; Life Guards, 1 : Labour Corps, 3 ; Scottish Rifles, 1.
Among the soldiers 12 were wounded, some three times, and 4 lost their lives, while one is reported missing, Rod. Finlayson (Roshen), now presumed dead.
Among the sailors 5 brave lads lost their lives at sea. Three spent the long years in Holland. One remained all the time in Germany, and one, Ian (Alick) Mackenzie, went down with the "Iolaire." Another Marvig lad, Rod. Finlayson, was on board that ill-fated ship, but he escaped. While death and wounds came to some the honours of war were not awanting among the gallant band of lads belonging to Planasker.
Sergt. Murdo Macfarlane, 10 Marvig, and C.S.M. Murdo Morrison, 9 Calbost, both won the Military Medal for conspicuous bravery in the field.
Probably no other men since the Crusades of old have run such a gamut
of most disastrous chances;
Of moving- accidents by flood and field;
Of hairbreadth 'scapes i' the imminent deadly breach
Of being taken by the insolent foe.
Prompt to the call of duty they faced the foe ; they prevailed, and some sleep away from borne.
They quit them like heroes and
every man a King.
Planasker Schoolhouse.
WM. KERR.
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