Nicolsonians in the Casualty Lists

Please note that Pte Lachlin Macleod, mentioned in below tribute did not lose his life in 1918. Pte Alex Nicolson originated from Staffin, Isle of Skye

Day by day we harden to the ever-lengthening toll. We cannot understand the loss of our boys. The losses of the past fortnight seem even more incredible - four more of our lads, four of the best, gone on the longer trail. We cannot help grudging their loss, even although they went cheerfully, content to sacrifice all in a great cause. And what adds particular bitterness  to our grief is that three of these boys - 2nd Lietut. Lachlin Macleod, Pte Alex Nicolson and Pte Malcolm Macleod - were on the school register at the outbreak of war. The fourth, Pte Finlay Maciver, had left in 1912. Finlay took his BSc (Agric) at Aberdeen in 1915. He enlisted in the Army Veterinary Corps and was later transferred to a Yorkshire infantry regiment. He fell on March 22nd, being killed by a shell. At school he had been a keen athlete, keeping goal for the 1912 XI. He had also been a member of the Varsity shinty team. His easy, happy-go-lucky manner won for Finlay a way everywhere. He was a friend to all, and indeed one we were least prepared to los. 2nd Lieut Lachlin Macleod, Camerons, is reported missing since 28th March. Lachlin belonged to the 1914 Sixth. He was at Aberdeen Training College for a few months, but the call was too strong for him, and he enlisted as a piper in the Seaforths. He served in France for some time, was recommended for a commission and on being gazetted proceeded overseas with the Camerons. At school, Lachlin was a foremost athlete, playing left-half for the school in 1913 and 1914. No sports prize-list was complete without his name. He was also an enthusiastic member of the Naval Brigade Pipe Band. There is still a slender chance of his being among the prisoners, but we can hardly picture "Lachie" a prisoner. He was a staunch and cheery friend, whose influence left its mark, in fact, he was a true gentleman. Pte Alex Nicolson and Pte Malcolm Macleod, Seaforths, belonged to the same year, beoth taking their Intermediate Certificate in 1915. Malcolm left that year and Alex after a few months on class IV was compelled by Junior Student regulations to attend Portree School. They were both of the same stuff, just that type of Seaforth that fights to the finish. Yet outwardly, they presented a marked contrast. Malcolm was quiet and Alex was, well, not exactly quiet, rather an exuberance of good spirits with an unfailing wit and an invigorating smile. We will miss that frank, refreshing face. Yes, even as we cherish their memory with the glory of the Seaforths.