Preface

In order to place on record all available particulars of the heroes of Lochbroom Parish who lost their lives in the Great War of 1914-1918, this work was begun in 1919.

Personal enquiry was made, and sometimes more than once, in every house concerned, and it is hoped that no hero’s name has been omitted, and that the information given is accurate.

In certain cases where natives of Lochbroom were absent from home at the outbreak of war, joining Colonial or American forces, it was almost by accident that they were heard of.

It is therefore possible that the total of eighty-five, a noble total for a sparsely populated Highland Parish, should be yet greater, and we shall deeply regret any unknown omission that may yet come to light.

In some cases the photographs desired could not be found, or did not exist, while in other cases the available details were all too scanty.

Yet it is hoped that the information actually recorded may help to keep fresh the remembrance of many of the very best of our young men when we who knew them have passed away.

While their loss to ourselves is irreparable, their noble example, shortly recorded herein, will live on after most of us are forgotten, and may help to ennoble succeeding generations, and raise higher still the lofty traditions of the Highlander in the way of duty and devotion.

There is an alphabetical index of officers and other ranks for ready reference, but the particulars of each case are arranged chronologically in the order of the dates when each casualty was officially reported to have occurred.

Maps are inserted showing the districts of chief interest, and photographs of the scenes of battles, which will become historical, where our Lochbroom men died in a manner worthy of men. For many of these maps and photos we are indebted to the publishers of the Michelin Guide to the Battlefields (France), who kindly placed them at our disposal free of charge.

We heartily acknowledge the willing help given my many, sometimes in providing particulars obtained by them, sometimes in finding in France the photos specially wanted, sometimes in suggesting appropriate epitaphs, Gaelic and English, for each departed hero. Our very special thanks are here due to Alice, Lady Fowler of Braemore, who supplied valuable information otherwise quite unobtainable, also special pictures and photos, and, further, material financial help towards the heavy expense of the work, which, indeed, could never have appeared in the present form without her whole-hearted support.

Many deeds of individual heroism, scarcely mentioned herein, both the dead and of the living, might well be enlarged upon, and fuller details of the lives of the departed might be given. The scope of this work forbids such expansion, which would make the cost of a copy prohibitive to some of those who may be the most anxious to place one among their family archives.

While other parish memorials are now in progress which will record the names of our departed heroes, the fuller details given in these pages will supplement such memorials, and provide in every home where there is an empty chair “Monumentum aere perennius.”

J. W. FRASER.

LECKMELM, LOCHBROOM

23rd October, 1921.