Norman Macleod, 81 Keith Street, Stornoway

The name Malcolm Macleod should be read as Norman Macleod, formerly of 4 Tolsta Chaolais

Mrs Macleod, 81 Keith Street, has received further information that her only son, Pte Malcolm Macleod, Seaforth Highlanders, was killed in action in France on 20th August 1917. Pte Macleod served six years in India with the 1st Seaforths and took part in two campaigns on the northwest frontier there. He was a reservist and resident in the United States when war was declared in August 1914. He immediately came home and reported himself at Fort George, and soon rejoined his old regiment on return from India. Callum was reckoned the best shot in the battalion and was employed as a sniper. In December 1914, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant for bravery in the field, but declined. On 1st April 1915, he was wounded but was able to rejoin his comrades in the fighting line on 10th May. At the battle of Loos, a sniper got him with an explosive bullet which shattered his left arm, putting him out of action until beginning May 1916. He was in the thick of the heavy fighting which took place since that date, but passed unharmed through it all until 20 August 1917 when he was killed by a shell, along with five others. He was recognised by his fellows as the bravest man in the battalion and he had the distinction of winning the Military Medal and the Distinctive Conduct Medal within two months of each other. Pte Macleod was born at Tolsta Chaolais, and it is worthy of note that he is the third of three cousins who have lost their lives in the war, the other two being Sgt Malcolm Macleod, Tolsta Chaolais, killed 9 May 1915; and Corporal Malcolm Macdonald RMLI, Shawbost, who was lost with HMS Vanguard.