Articles between 1914 and 1919 retrieved from the Oban Times by Jean Cameron and typed together by G Barr. Oban Times. Moidart Roll. 17/10/1914 MOIDART DISTRICT Scots Guards Norman Macdonald, Smirisary Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Donald Macdonald, Moss Royal Engineers John Macdonald, Moidart Lovat Scouts John Grant, Dalilea. No 1 Squadron Donald Macdonald, Moss " John Macdonald, Deek " Alex. Macdonald, Oak Point " Hugh Macdonald, Langall " Ronald Macdonald, Langall " John Macdonald, Mingarry " Donald Maclean, Moss " Alex. Mackin, Glenuig Schoolhouse. Lieut. Hon. Bernard Howard, Dorlin Royal Navy Francis D. Mackin, Glenuig Schoolhouse John J. Mackin, " Archibald Mackin, " Alex. Mackenzie, Glenuig Cameron Highlanders Henry Jepps, Kinlochmoidart, Special Resr Lieut. R.N. Stewart, yr. of Kinlochmoidart. 1st Battalion. Lieut. K.T. Meiklejohn, Kinlochmoidart House, 1st Batt. (killed in action). ********************************************** Oban Times 14/11/1914 KINLOCHMOIDART Three of the employees on the Kinlochmoidart estate have answered to their country's call. Andrew Smart, forester, has joined the Cameron Highlanders; Charles M’Donald has joined Lovat Scouts; and Alexander M'Pherson has also joined the Lovat Scouts as piper. ********************************************** Oban Times 21/11/1914 GLENUIG The following men from this district are now serving their country :- Norman M'Donald, Scots Guards Allan M'Eachern, Gordon Highlanders Allan Gillies, Canadian Contingent Alex. Mackin, Lovat Scouts Alex. M'Kenzie, H.M.S. Staunch Francis Mackin, H.M.S. Colossus John J. Mackin, H.M.S. Ganges ********************************************** Oban Times 21/11/1914 The Late Mr MacDonald, Shepherd -- Our obituary of last week contained the notice of the death of a well-known shepherd of this district, the late Mr. Roderick MacDonald, Putachan, Glenloy. Mr. MacDonald was a native of Moidart where he was born 73 years ago. He was for a long period of his youth and manhood in the employ of Mr Robertson of Kinlochmoidart. Twelve years ago Mr. MacDonald went to be shepherd at Ostaig in Skye, the estate of Mr Allan Blackburn, son of the late Professor Blackburn of Glasgow University. Some seven years ago he came to Glenloy under Major Gooch of Tor Castle. From this post he retired last May and went to live with his son Donald at Fassfern where he died on the 5th ult. Mr. MacDonald was a noted authority in all things connected with sheep, and his knowledge of cattle was co-extensive with that of the woolly tribe. In the early days, and before local markets were so much the vogue as now, he used to find his way to the great market centres of Perth and Falkirk, and many interesting reminiscences he had to tell of the old droving days. The funeral took place on the 29th ult. to Saint Fianan's Isle, on Loch Shiel. Rev. Father MacDonald officiated at the house at Fassfern, and Rev. Father Macintosh, Moidart, at the grave. There was a large following of some seventy mourners. Deceased is survived by five sons and five daughters. One of the sons, John, is with the Lovat Scouts at present in training. ********************************************** Oban Times 30/1/1915 William Maben Lochailort PRESENTATION. --- On the occasion of the departure of Mr.William Maben, son of Mrs Maben, lessee of Lochailort Hotel, to take up duty with the Lovat Scouts at Huntingdon, several of his friends met during the past week and presented him with a handsome meerschaum pipe, etc. as a token of their good wishes. Several expressed their most kindly feeling towards the whole family, explaining that the little offering was no measure of their regard. Only, in this period of so many and urgent calls, they felt that the little offering was no measure of their regard. Only, in this period of so many and urgent calls, they felt that the recipient would understand the nature of their recognition. In replying, Mr. Maben assured them of his true gratitude for their kindly thought, and greatly hoped that others in the neighbourhood of Lochailort and Ardnish would follow in his footsteps, seeing that such had now become to everyone possessed of decent feeling a pressing national duty. All good wishes of the district go with Mr. William Maben, who, along with all his household, are held in universal regard for their many acts of kindness to those who dwell around them, and whose excellent conduct of the Hotel is greatly appreciated. ********************************************** Oban Times 1/5/1915 Lieutenant Matheson. MOIDART Military Promotion.- A correspondent writes :- We are pleased to notice that Mr. Robert Matheson has been gazetted to the commissioned rank of Lieutenant, and posted to the 1st (Service) Battalion of the 5th King's Own Scottish Borders. Lieut. Matheson, who is a son of Mr. Alex. Matheson, is a banker, but he has always taken a keen interest in military matters, and the Territorial Force found in him an enthusiastic member. During the last seven years he has in turn been in the ranks of the London Scottish, the Scottish Rifles, and Royal Scots, volunteering for foreign services on the outbreak of War with the latter Regiment. His friends, in tendering him their congratulations and best wishes, are confident that in his new sphere he will acquit himself with credit and honour to his country. ********************************************** Oban Times 26/6/1915 James MacGregor MOIDART It will interest local readers to learn that Mr. James MacGregor, second son of the late Mr. John MacGregor, Moss, Moidart, is now serving as a Second Lieutenant in the 3rd Scottish Horse Brigade at Dunkeld, having been nominated by the Marquis of Tullibardine, the Brigadier-General. Lieutenant MacGregor was for many years gymnastic instructor at Bromsgrove School, England; for the last five years he served as a member of the Bromsgrove Urban District Council. He gave up a good position to join the Scottish Horse. ********************************************** Oban Times 17/7/1915 Pipe-Major MacAskill Pipe-Major MacAskill, 2nd Battalion Cameron Highlanders, who has been killed at the Front in France, was a native of Ardnish, Lochailort. He joined the Army five years ago at Fort William, and served four years in India, proceeding to France with his Battalion in October last. The Pipe-Major was extremely popular, and his death is deeply regretted in the Battalion. ********************************************** Oban Times 16/10/1915 Lieutenant Brereton News has been received at Lochailort that Lieut. Charles Macleod Brereton has been killed in action in France. Lieutenant Brereton was cousin and godson to Mrs Cameron-Head of Inverailort. He spent a large portion of his early life at Inverailort, and much regret at his death, and sympathy for his relatives, is felt in Lochailort district. The third son of the late Major-General John Alfred Brereton, of the Bengal Staff Corps, a member of an old Cheshire family, Lieut. Brereton was born in 1881. Through his mother he was the great-grandson of Norman Macleod, seventh laird of Drynoch in Skye and last of Eileanrach, a lineal descendant of John Borb, 6th Chief of Macleod. He always valued and was proud of his name Macleod and his ancient Highland descent. Lieut. Brereton was educated at Sir Edmund Currie's College at Fairfield on the Solent, where he early displayed his great talent for music, and acted as organist in the college chapel. He entered Lloyd's Bank, London, under the late Mr. Mackworth Praed when he left school, and remained there till he went to Canada three years ago. During the time of his residence in London, he joined the London Scottish, and was for many years in their ranks. He returned to this country in 1914, and when War broke out he at once rejoined his old regiment, the London Scottish, and went to the Front with them. He was invalided home at Christmas, but was eager to recover his health and get to the Front again. In April he received a commission in Locheil's Camerons, and went with them to France in May. His loss is deplored by a large circle of friends, as he was popular and beloved by all who knew him. ********************************************** Oban Times 27/11/1915 Trooper Ronald Macdonald Intimation has been received from Rev. Father Cameron, Chaplain attached to the Lovat Scouts at the Dardanelles by Mr Allan Macdonald of the lamented death of his brother, Trooper Ronald Macdonald ("Rankin"), Lovat Scouts , aged 23 years and sixth son of the late Mr and Mrs J.A. Macdonald, Langal, Moidart. Trooper Macdonald was killed by a stray bullet. In sympathising with the relatives of the deceased, the rev. chaplain says he was a favourite with his many comrades, who will greatly miss his cheerful company. Trooper Macdonald had the happiness to receive the last sacrament from a priest who was standing by his side when the fatal shot found its mark. Deceased was a member of one of the oldest families in the West Highlands. He had a brother in the R.N.V.R., and another, Simon Peter, is studying for the priesthood in the Scots' Seminary at Valladolid, Spain. ********************************************** Oban Times 29/1/1916 Lieut. R. Matheson, Moidart Many friends in Moidart and elsewhere will be pleased to learn that the subject of this portrait, Lieut. Robert Matheson, has recently been promoted to be adjutant of his regiment, the King's Own Scottish Borders. It will be remembered that some time ago his death in action was officially announced, but fortunately for himself he is still hale and hearty. Like many another brave Highlander, his experience in the firing line has been varied and thrilling, but so far he has escaped any serious injury except a bullet grazing his face. Lieutenant Matheson, prior to taking up a military career, was in the banking profession, and through his insiduity and methodical disposition in that line was appointed , shortly before the outbreak of War, manager of one of the banking firm's branches in Glasgow.