The following list is the men who died during World War One. If you have information or photographs of any of the men listed, or anyone from the area who took part in WWI, we’d love to hear from you! Please email Eileen Mackay at genealogy@strathnavermuseum.org.uk.
George Gunn, Gunner, Royal Naval Reserve
James MacDougall, Private, 5th Bn Seaforth Highlanders
Alexander Mackay, Private, 2nd Bn Seaforth Highlanders
Alexander Mackay, Private, 5th Bn Seaforth Highlanders
Angus Gunn Mackay, Private, 6th Bn Seaforth Highlanders
Angus was born in 1892 to William and Jessie (nee Gunn) Mackay of Clashaidy, The Shore, Skerray. Before the outbreak of war Angus was working as a general labourer and on the declaration of war Angus enlisted arriving in France on the 1st May 1915. During 1915 and 1916 the 6th saw action at Festubert, Lavenie, Albert, Arras, the Somme and Beaumont Hamel. It was on the 9th April 1917 that the 6th took part on one of the most successful actions of the war when the 51st Highland Division, together with the 9th and 15th Scottish Divisions, attacked the German positions at Arras. The first day was a success but it was not without its casualties. It was during the advance on the German lines that Angus was killed alongside 144 of his comrades form the 6th Seaforths.
Read more about Angus Mackay as part of the Pibrochs and Poppies project carried out in 2015 with Feis air an Oir.
Daniel G. Mackay, Private, Canadian Expeditionary Force
Donald Hugh Mackay, Private, 6th Bn Seaforth Highlanders
Eric Mackay, Private, 15th Bn Canadian Expeditionary Force
Eric W. Mackay, Private, 4th Bn Seaforth Highlanders
George G. Mackay, Private, 5th Bn Seaforth Highlanders
George W. Mackay, Private, 7th Bn Royal Scotsh Fusiliers
Hugh Mackay, Lance Corporal, 2nd Bn Seaforth Highlanders
John Mackay, Private Australian Imperial Force
John A. Mackay, Lance Corporal, 2nd Bn Seaforth Highlanders
John D. Mackay, Corporal, 2nd Bn Seaforth Highlanders
John George Mackay, Private, 5th Bn Seaforth Highlanders
John M. Mackay, Private, 4th Regiment South African Infantry Force
Murdon Mackay, Private DCM, 11th Bn Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Robert Mackay, Private MM, 5th Bn Seaforth Highlanders
Robert H. Mackay, Leading Seaman, Royal Naval Reserve
Thomas N. Mackay, Private, 2nd Bn Seaforth Highanders
William Duncan Mackay, Piper, 8th Bn Seaforth Highlanders
William was born on 6th January 1891 in Skerrabeg Tongue, the 2nd son born to fisherman William Hugh Mackay and his wife Elizabeth. When war was declared William was working at the Castle Hotel in Kirkwall where he enlisted into the Territorial Army as a piper. William was sent to the band of the 8th Bn Seaforth Highlanders. Arriving in France on the 9th July 1915 his battalion were soon in the front line on trench holding duties, training for the first major offensive they would be involved in at the Battle of Loos. On the 24th September the 8th took up position with the pipers in front as they led ”A” Company towards the German lines. It was as William piped his Battalion through the gas in no-man’s land that he fell aged 24.
Read more about William Duncan Mackay as part of the Pibrochs and Poppies project carried out in 2015 with Feis air an Oir.
William G. Milne, Private, 43rd Bn Canadian Expeditionary Force
Neil Munro, Private, 4th Bn Seaforth Highlanders
David R. Newlands, Corporal, 2nd Bn Seaforth Highlanders