Mr Kenneth Mackay, Free Church Elder, Garrabost, has received official intimation that his son, Alexander Mackay, leading seaman RNR, was killed when his ship was blown up through striking a mine in the Irish Channel on 22 May 1917. For the past two years he had been doing patrol duty in the Channel, with Holyhead as a base. At the outbreak of war he was in Canada, and came over with the first batch of Naval Reservists in answer to the mobilisation summons. Deepest sympathy is extended to his widow (who herself is in a delicate state of health) and her child; also to his father, who within a year has lost his wife and son. A son and step-son also died in Canada within six months of each other some years ago. Mrs Mackay has received the following letter from the Rear-Admiral in command at Holyhead:
"Dear Mrs Mackay,
No doubt you have already received from the Admiralty the sad news of the death of your husband. On behalf of the officers and men attached to this Base, I beg to offer you our deepest sympathy in your sad bereavement. A memorial service was held here yesterday, which was attended by all the officers and men and a great many of the local inhabitants".
The Rear-Admiral also enclosed a programme of the service.
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