Records Of The Men Of Lochbroom | 043 JOHN BAILLIE STEWART

L. Cpl. John Stewart was a young man of great promise. He was of a most studious turn of mind, and had a great love for the Gaelic language. He was a frequent contributor to the Gaelic column of the People’s Journal ; his last article, “Chi sinn thall thu,” having appeared in booklet form in 1918 with a message of appreciation and sympathy from Ian Macpherson, Esq. M.P.

Official record (CWGC)

Cemetery / Memorial: Marœuil British Cemetery, France.

Grave: III. M. 7.

Location and Map (CWGC)

Local Memorial: Ullapool, Middle Panel, 12th from the top.

Official records state his age as being 22 and not 23 as stated above.

Also, he is recorded as being a Private, not a Lance Corporal and that he served in 1st and 6th Seaforths, not the 4th.

On his gravestone there is the following: GOD WILL REDEEM MY SOUL FROM THE POWER OF THE GRAVE.

The translation of the Epitaph is the following: “We will see you over there.”

Information kindly shared by Kenneth MacLeod: My own personal involvement stems to some extent because of my rather long name - I was given the handle of Kenneth John Baillie Stewart MacLeod, because my mother's young brother John Baillie Stewart was killed in March 1917 at the age of 23. My mother was a Stewart from Rhue ad the family had three sons in the war - Donald who was with the Scots Guards, Kenneth who was with the Seaforths and young John. In my father's family only two sons served - my father Roderick and his younger brother George, both from Strath Kanaird. Whilst my father was wounded twice he was fortunate to survive (otherwise I would not be sending you this email!) but his younger broth George whilst he survived had a chronic chest weakness because of being gassed and he died shortly after the Second War (in January 1948).