We are glad to learn that Corpl. A. I. Bremner has been awarded the Military Medal, as also the French Croixe de Gaerre [sic].

Mr and Mrs John Bremner, Blairmore, received intimation that their son, Lance-Corporal Alex. J. Bremmer, Seaforth Highlanders, died of influenza on the 27th February, at No. 20 General Hospital, Camier. This gallant soldier came over from Canada and enlisted under the Lord Derby Scheme. He took part in much heavy fighting and was awarded the Military Medal and Croix de Guerre. He was a fine specimen of the Highland soldier, of unblemishable character, and highly respected by all who knew him, and the sympathy of the community is extended to the bereaved parents in their “sad loss”.

Mrs Calder, Tannachy, has received official information that her fourth son, Lc-Corpl. John Calder, Seaforth Highlanders, was killed in action on the 22nd November. He enlisted voluntarily about two years ago, and experienced some hard fighing last vear, when he was invalided home suffering from trench fever. He returned again to his unit early last summer. He was 33 vears of age. He served in the Edinburgh City Police for about seven years, and previous to enlistment was carrying on the cultivation of his mother's holding, who has two sons serving the Colours. His Commanding Officer spealks highly of him as a gallant soldier and brave leader, and says:—“That by his death they have lost the flower of the battalion.” The undivided sympathy of the community goes forth to his widowed mother, sister and brothers, in their loss.

Sergt. John Finlayson, Seaforth Highlonders, son and step-son of Mr and Mrs Sackville Murray, Garvault, Rogart, has been killed on the 9th April by a sniper. He was a fine young fellow and very promising. He was a great favourite with everyone that knew him. Previous to the war he was emploved in several situations in Ross-shire and Sutherland, and he was held in high esteem by his employers, who gave him first-class references. Since joining the Army he was a great favourite with everyone who knew him, and it can be seen that he worked well in the short time in the army when he was promoted to be sergeant.

He was very mindful of his friends, writing them twice a week, and a couple of days before the sorrowful news arrived his mother received a very nice and cheerful letter from him saying that he was in the best of health. Great sympathy is extended to his mother and step-father and the members of the family and also to his uncles, one in Glasgow and the other in Rogart.

PRIVATE HARRY JACK, ROVIE,
ROGART.

Private Harry Jack, Rovie, Rogart, has given his life for his country. On Friday, 19th October, he was killed by shell fire at the early age of 20 years. He was a lovable lad and was a favourite with all those whe were associated with him in his work at home and in the Army. His father is grieve at Rovie farm and Harry was working with him when war was declared. He joined the Seaforth Territorial Regiment and was trained at Golspie and Ripon. After going to France he was in the thick of many a stiff fight. At Beaumont Hamel he was slightly wounded and after a period in England he again returned to the fromt.

His worth is shown by the letters which his parents have received from his officer and chaplain:—

Writing to his mother Lieut. A. Alan Mackenzie, states:— ' “ It is with profoud regret that I write to vou re your son’s death in action.

He, along with nine others of my platoom, was killed by shell fire at about 4.10 p.m. on Friday last 19th inst.

Death was instantaneous in all cases, and no suffering could have been experiesced.

I personally supervised the removal of your son’s body to a British Military Cemetary [sic] behind the lines, where he received a proper burial at the hands of an Army Chaplin.

I cannot express to you how keenly this loss of ours and yours is felt throughout the company. I

always found Pte. Jack to be a willing and capable soldier besides a popular one in the section to which he belonged.

For what little comfort it is worth in your great loss, I ask you to accept my deepest sympathy, along with that of all the remaining N.C.O’s and men in my platoon.

Such sacrifices made by you and your noble son, only make us more determined than ever to bring this greatest of all wars to a successful conclusion.

With my renewed sympathy.”’

To the father of the brave soldier the Chaplain writes :— “I am sorry to have to write to tell you of the death of your son, Pte. Jack, — Seaforth Highlanders, on the 2oth October. He and several others were in a dug-out and a shell landed directly in the dug-out and killed or wounded them all. Your son was killed instantaneously and suffered no pain.

“I buried him along with four of his comrades on the 22nd in a little cemetery near the line and saw that the grave was properly marked. A cross has been put over the grave with the names over it.

“I wish to assure you of our very deep sympathy with you in your loss. He has given his life as nobly as any man can, and we out here feel more that death is not the end of lives given in defence of the right and in the path of duty and we pass on that sure hope to you.”

Death of Corporal Macdonald.—One of the first in the parish to fall in the present war was Corporal William Macdonald, son of Mr John Macdonald, Balchlaggin. Deceased, who was 23 vears of age, joined the Seaforth three years ago. He was in the fighting at Mons on the 26th August, where he was wounded and made a prisoner. A post-card, bearing the London postmark of Sth October, was received from him by his parents in which he stated that he was improving. The card must have been delayed in transit as it now appears from the War Office records that Corporal Macdonald passed away on the 3rd October. Corporal Macdonald was a popular young man in Rogart and Golspie district. Prior to enlisting, he was for some time in the office of Mr Archd. Argo, solicitor and county clerk, Golspie, where he earned for himself a reputation as a capable and obliging lad.

We mourn the loss of another of our brave sons who have gone forth to fight the battles of the Empire and uphold the dignity and justice of our race. Intimation has been received by Mr and Mrs John Mackay, Torvallie, Muie, that their son, Lance.-Corpl. Angus Mackay, of the machine gun section of the — Battalion, Canadians. was killed in action on the 26th September. About five years ago he went to Canada where he was doing well. Before going abroad he served for a time im Blackpool police force. When war broke out he joined up, and came across with the Canadians and faithfully discharged his duty to his country. He was 28 years of age. Of a kind and lovable disposition: he endeared himself to all with whom he came in contact. All honour to those who voluntarily went forth to uphold a righteous cause, knowing full well they might never return. The heartfelt sympathy of the community goes out to the parents and relatives in their hour of trial. Four members of the family are presently in the fighting line.

Intimation has been received by Mrs Mackay, Cragganaeur, that her youngest son, Neil, has made the supreme sacrifice, in the cause of freedom and righteousness. He was killed on 3rd December, while taking part in an attack by the New Zealand troops on the enemy trenches. Private Neil Mackay was 29 years of age. He was educated at the Rogart Public School, under the present headmaster, and was a general favourite with his school companions. He served a short period in the post office as one of the rural postman, and was esteemed by all with whom he came in contact. He was of a modest and retiring disposition. About eight years ago he went out to New Zealand, where he was employed in ranch and farm work, and was getting on well. When the call to arms came, he responded at once. Landing at the Dardanelles, he went through that trying campaign, thereafter spending some time on Salisbury Plain prior to proceeding to France. He possessed a kindly heart and never forgot the old home in Scotland, which he visited on furlough early in October. He will be sadly missed, and the deepest sympathy of the community goes out to the widowed mother and other members of the family in their bereavement. The consolation remains with them that he did his duty well and faithfully. The Lieut. Col. of the Battalion wrote, “Your son has done very valuable work as a runner, carrying back several important messages under heavy fire, from his Company Commander to me, and had he lived I would certainly have recommended him for an honour. Had he been spared I am sure he would have risen high in the service of his King and Country. He was always very cheery and willing, and was a most valuable man to his Company Headquarters.” But he is not dead but sleepeth, until the Resurrection morn.

Private George Mackenzie, son of Mr snd Mrs K. Mackenzie, Reidchalmie, Rogart, was seriously wounded on the 22nd ult. and died in a hospital in France on the following day. He was 20 years of age. When a lad of 18 in the early days of the war he enlisted in the Seaforgh Highlanders at Golspie and entered on his work with zest. He contracted a somewhat severe illness, and before he was fully recovered he was pleading with the medical practitioners to allow him to rejoin his regiment in order that he might all the sooner get a blow at the treacherous Huns. When at length permission was granted he went to his regiment by the first train available, preferring to pay his own fare rather than wait for the travelling warrant which arrived three days later. And so on all through his career he manifested a keen and enthusiastic interest in his duties on behalf of his country. He lived an active life and died a patriot’s death. His elder brother, Captain Mackenzie, is on important staff duty at the front. Much sympathy is felt for his parents and relatives in their bereavement.

SIGNALLING SERGEANT KENNETHT
MACKENZIE, ROGART.
KILLED IN ACTION.

We regret to amnounce that Signalling Sergeaut Keuneth Mackenzie, youngest son of Mr and Mrs John Mackenzie. Pittentrail, Rogart, was killed in action on 11th October. The deceased was for some time in the railway service and later came home to assist in his father's business. A member of Sutherland Territorials, he attended a course of instruction at Hythe in 1913, and the knowledge he then acquired was used for the benefit of the country on the battlefield three years later. In April, 1914, he went to Calgary, Canada, and early in 1916 he joined the Canadian forces. After preliminary training in the Dominion he crossed over to this country. When in mid ocean the wireless ticked out the messuge of Lord Kitchener’s death. At first the troops were inclined to believe the tidiugs were without foundation. The Germans had already circulated a story to the effect that the transport on which the Canadians were travelling had been torpedoed and information coming frem similar sources was received with caution. Unfortunately, the notice of the celebrated Field Marshal’s death proved to he correct. In October, 1916, Sergeant Mackenzie went to Frauce and from that time until the day of his death he had but seven dayss furlough. Last week he was expected to be in Rogart and just as his relatives were looking for his arrival in person the sad intelligence of‘ his death came to hand. He was a brave and efficient soldier and his death is sincerely regretted. Two of his brothers are serving at present, one in Mesopotamia and one in France. One of them joined up in Rogart and the other in Canada. Both are rendering creditable service to their country and are held in esteem by those associated with them.

Another Brave Soldier Killed.—We have again to record the loss of another of our brave sons in the person of Private Donald Munro, Rhian, Rogart. Donnie, as he was more familiarly and affectionately known, was only 28 years of age. When only a boy of 16 years of age he joined a regiment of the Seaforths, and was transferred later to another regiment of the Seaforths. He held clasps and medals for the Indian Campaign. On the outbreak of war he immediately joined up, and formed one of the original Expeditionary Force, and went through all the hard fighting from Mons to the Marne and back to Ypres, where he was gassed in July, 1915. He was home for a short furlongh, and on reporting fit went back to the firing line. He passed through the fierce fighting at Loos, and took part in the advance on the Somme, where he was wounded, and was sent home for a short time. He again returned to the firing line and took part in the last great advance. and was seriously wounded on 11th April, and finally secumbed to his injuries on the 25th April. A letter from the Chaplain gave hopes of his ultimate rerovery. but it was ordained otherwise. He was a young man of pleasant manners, with a smile for everyone, and was highly respected and a general favourite with all. The genuine sympathy of the community goes out to the widowed mother, and sisters and brothers in their sore bereavement.

Yet another name has been added to the Roll of those who have gone from the parish to the front and dicd for their King and countrv. Word has been received that Private James Murray, Inchur, Rogart has died in hospital from wounds received. The sympathy of the community goes out to the widowed mother and family.

Intimation has been received by Mrs Reid, Skaig, that her son, Pte. Donald Reid, has been seriously wounded in the head, and lies in an hospital in France. It is earnestly hoped that good progress towards recovery mav yet be reported ere long.

Another young life has been sacrificed in the cause of liberty in the person of Pte. Donald John Reid, second son of Mrs Reid, Skiag, Rogart. He was‘wounded in the head during the advance in September, and succumbed to his wounds on the 1st October in one of the hospitals in France. Donald was well known to the community as a quiet, unassuming lad—he was only 20 vears of age when he made the supreme sacrifice—and was very attentive to the home and his widowed mother. The sympathy of the community goes out to the family circle in their sad loss. Other two sons are serving in the forces,

The sad news has come to hand that Private Robert. Ross, Seaforth Highlanders, son of Mr and Mrs Malcolm Ross, Ardachonachar, Rogart, has been killed in France. He was struck with a shell which hit one of the billets, and was buried in a British Cemetery behind the lines. His parente have received the following letters from one of his chums and from the battalion chaplJain. The chaplain writes :—

“I write you with great sorrow to tell you that your son, Pte. R. Ross, 23304 of C. Company of our Battalion, was struck with a shell which hit and demolished one of our billets. He was almost instantaneously killed to our great sorrow and loss. I gave him Christian burial yesterday (Sunday) in the presence of some comrades in the little Brtish Cemetery outside—, I now send you my sincere sorrow and sympathy. God keep you and yours in this day of your loss. Your son was a brave and plucky man and made a fine soldier. Many of us will miss him very much, but our loss can be as nothing to yours. God in Jesus our Lord keep you by His grace. We look forward to that day when we and our loved ones in the faith of Jesus shall he re-united for ever.”

His chum writes :—

“You will have received word about the death of your son. I thought-it my duty to write you and send my sympathy as we had been chums together since the first day we joined the army. We met at Fort George the first day we joined the army and we left Cromarty together on the same draft for France. Since then we have been both in the same platoon and were in thetrenches together. He is missed very much by us all as he was well liked and came through all the troubles of the life out here without, grumbling. He was killed instantaneonsly by shell fire on the night of August 4th, about 11 p.m., while in billets behind the lines. He was buried in a British Military Cemetery some miles behind the lines, and a cross with his name, number, and regiment is on the grave, I am not allowed to say where it is but if I get home on leave I will give you full particulars. If you want any other further information write me and I will be only too pleased to give you it. Accept my deepest sympathy in your sad bereavement.”

Another name to our casualty list intimation has been received by Mrs Stewart, Culdrain, of the death of her son. Private John Stewart, in France, from the effects of influenza. Private Stuart [sic] was quite young lad, having first enlisted about the age of 16 years, and although sent home on account of his age, he persisted in joining up, and enlisted a second time. Letters of sympathy have been received from the Amry Chaplain and others, and their Majesties the King and Queen have forwarded their condolences.

Beloved and respected by a large number of friends in the parish of Rogart and elsewhere, the passing of Miss Colina Gordon, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs Duncan Gordon, Broomfield, was received with sincere regret. Connie, as she was familiarly known, was 21 years of age, and had not been in the best of health for some time. She was a member of the staff of the Lawson Memorial Hospital, Golspie, and later was called up, and became a driver in the A.T.S. Her illness necessitated her removal to Edinburgh where she died in the Southfield Hospital. She was of a most lovable disposition, and wherever she went made many friends. The funeral took place to Rogart Cemetery, many attending to pay their last tribute. The service at the house was conducted by Revs. J. R. Aitken, E. A. MacDonald, and Mr D. S. Campbell; Mr Aitken officiated at the graveside. Many floral tributes were laid on the grave. To the bereaved parents, sisters and brothers, deep sympathy is extended.

MACDONALD Robert George otherwise George of 427 Ombersley-road North Claines Worcestershire died 10 October 1942 on warservice Administration Birmingham 28 January to Kathleen MacDonald widow. Effects £484 13s. 1d.