John Macleod, Balallan

A Hero's Sacrifice
Deepest sympathy was expressed throughout the village to Mr Roderick Macleod, 39A Balallan, when it became known that his son, Pte John Macleod A & S.H., had made the supreme sacrifice somewhere on the Western front. Pte Macleod was one of the model young men of the village of an inoffensive, retiring disposition, and of him it could truly be said he had not a single enemy. Of an intensely religious temperatment, the one absorbing passion of his life was the church service, and the Communion season was always a time of peculiar joy. He was never very robust and on that account might well have claimed exemption, but when the call came "for King and country", he went without a murmur. Those of use who knew him well, wondered how such a shy delicate lad would endure the boisterous fullblooded life of camp and field, but whatever he suffered, he made no sign. After his period of training, he saw some months of streuous fighting in France, and only a few weeks ago was home on leave. His sudden call, so soon after his return to the Front, has been a shock to the community. But our loss is his gain, and he has passed into the light, to the glorious inheritance of the Saints. Our hearts and sympathies go out to the poor old father who has had the evening of his days clouded by the loss of a gallant son, and to the brothers and sisters who mourn a dearly-loved brother.-P.C.