There has been a lot of articles about WWI recently so I thought I would post this set of articles. Firstly an obituary of Marion McMurchy who died in Charlottan Kintyre 1926. Three of her sons served in the war, William (Canadians), Neil and Edward (Sergt. 8th Argylls). Sergeant McDonald was one of those fortunate enough to return from the ill-starred attack at Festubert, and distinguished himself in the epic fight and taking Beaumont Hamel, where he earned the D.C.M., which was later enhanced with a bar. Having been wounded, he was at Rippon for a time, from there he obtained leave to visit his home to be honoured by the people of his native parish, who presented him with a gold watch and War Savings Certificates in complimentary recognition of his well earned distinction. Secondly some of the articles about her son. Interesting and Important Ceremony at Glenbar, Red Cross Lecture and Presentation to Sergeant Edward McDonald D.C.M. On Tuesday evening, 23rd, April, Rev. Angus J. McVicar parish minister, Southend, delivered a most interesting lecture in the Mission Hall, Glenbarr, on his years work as chaplain with the forces on the Salonika front. Rev. D. J. MacDonald, The Manse, in his usual able way occupier the chair. He was accompanied to the platform by Rev. Mr. McVicar, and Sergt. McDonald D.C.M., A.&S.H. Charlottown, Glenbarr. Among the audience were:- Major and Mrs MacAlister of Glenbarr, Master Ranald MacAlister, Miss Margaret MacAlister, Miss Bell, Rev. John Stuart, M.A., U.F., Manse, Mr. N. McKinven, Mr. G. Black, Mr. R. Calder etc. As pretty full accounts of Mr. McVicars experiences are already publicly known it is unnecessary to enter again into details. Still it should be said, by generalisation that the lecturers treatment of the subject, particularly in relation to his own department, was genuinely sympathetic and full. His account of the three battles which he was in as chaplain, especially the first, the battle at the Vardar, remained one of an account by an experienced war correspondent. Altogether the lecture was followed with close and sympathetic attention by an unusually large audience. Suitable pauses in the delivery were filled in by items from a short programme, mainly of Scottish songs. The musical parts were deservedly well appreciated. The songs were:- God send you back to me ................. Miss Strang Jessies Dream ................................. Miss Strang March of the Cameron Men ............... Mr. G. Lynn Cam ye by Athol ................................ Miss McLellan The violin sections by Lance-Corp. Alex. Ogilvie, had one fault, and that is, there were too little of them. Mrs. Campbell was an able accompanist. The Presentation. The piece on the programme which drew a large increase to the audience from even considerably beyond the strict bounds of the parish was the presentation to be made by his fellow-parishioners to Sergeant Edward McDonald D.C.M. The taking of such a step had already been contemplated, and when the Rev. D. J. MacDonald invited a meeting there was an immediate and unanimous response. To obtain subscriptions there was appointed a representative committee consisting of:- Rev. D. J. MacDonald (chairman), Mr. G. Black. Mr. J. Park, Mr. A. McLean, Mr. R. Calder, Mr. John Thompson (Crubisdale), Mr. N. McDougall, Mr. N. Bain (secretary and treasurer). Miss Bell and Miss Margaret MacAlister volunteered as additional collectors. Within ten days the sum of nearly £40 was subscribed. It was decided to present Sergeant McDonald with a gold watch and £15-10-0 in War Saving Certificates. Sergeant McDonald was granted special leave from Ripon by his C.O. in order to receive his presentation in person. Rev. Mr. MacDonald, informally introduced the gallant Sergeant, congratulated the meeting on the circumstances under which they were assembled. Proceeding he said they had been in no doubt as to whether Sergeant McDonald would be granted leave but they all felt delighted that the hero of the hour was now present (Cheers). A very liberal response had been made to the proposal to make a presentation to Sergeant McDonald. In a very short time, well on to £40 had been secured (Cheers). They would not consider it inappropriate that he should offer a few observations about Sergeant McDonalds antecedents. He asked his worthy father, on one occasion, where his forbearers had hailed from. He said that his ancestors on the fathers side had come from Lochnevis side. My grandmother he proceeded came from a place called Gearradth-Bhailteas in your own country of Uist. Why, I relplied, a near relative of mine is now a tenant of that farm, and what is more Gearadth-Bhailteas is another name for Airidh-Mhuillin, or Milton, the home for several generations of the family of the celebrated Flora MacDonald. He thought he could trace the way in which Sergeant McDonalds ancestors had come all the way from Milton to settle in Gigha. His daughter had married Rev. McKeith a predecessor of the lecturer. There was a connection between Marquis and the family of Milton, Largie and Glenbarr. He had no doubt that Sergt. McDonalds ancestors had come down from the North to settle in these regions under the wing of the Marquises. He must not omit a reference to Sergeant McDonalds mothers side of the house, - the McMurchys - a good old Kintyrian stock (Hear Hear! from Mrs. McKinvin). By the same token Sergeant McDonalds cousin, Sergt. John MacMurchy, has gained the same distinction that now adorned their friends breast (Loud cheers). So, many links in the chain of circumstances (The land of Glengarry, Clanranald and Kintyre) had gone to make Sergeant McDonald the resourceful, intrepid, and valiant soldier he had proved himself to be (Loud cheers). Sergeant McDonald was a favourite here in pre-war times. But it was joining the forces and serving in the field that he came to his own and made his mark. And very few could make their mark like him for he understood that as a bomber, Sergeant McDonald was second to none (Cheers). He well believed that he had given many a German a sore head! (Laughter and Cheers). The chairman added that he would now read the newspaper account of the gallant feat for which Sergeant McDonald had won his medal. thereafter he would call on Mrs MacAlister of Glenbarr to make the presentation. The newspaper account (which appeared in the Courier) is as follows:- Gallantry of Sergeant McDonald. The people of Kintyre generally and the residents in the Glenbarr neighbourhood particularly, will learn with pardonable pride of the military distinction conferred upon Sergeant Edward McDonald, of the Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders, son of Mrs. McDonald, Charlottown who had been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal under the circumstances officially described below. Sergeant McDonald is one of three brothers who are rendering noble service to their king and Country at this time. We heartily congratulate him upon the fresh honour he has brought to his native district and trust he may be long spared to wear his decoration. The Gazette notice of his gallant and soldierly deed states that the D.C.M. was awarded for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led his men forward through a heavy carriage, and over most difficult ground to reinforce the front line, taking command of two platoons when the officer in charge was killed. He went forward alone under fire, to reconnoitre the rout, and then guided the platoons to their position in time to assist in repelling an enemy counter-attack. He did excellent work later with a party of snipers, and throughout set a splendid example of courage and gallantry. Mrs MacAlister, who made the presentation in her usual graceful and engaging manner, remarked sympathetically at the outset that while we rejoice to honour our boys who have been privileged to distinguish themselves in our defence we do not forget those others of our community who have made the supreme sacrifice in the sternest of fights. Then, addressing the Sergeant, Mrs MacAlister congratulated him on both the distinction he had won, and on the appreciation shown by his compatriots, and added that she was assured on the competent authority that the D.C.M. was not won by privates and non-commissioned officers unless for acts of outstanding merit. She jokingly presumed that he would rather meet the Germans than face the present ordeal. Still, to the closely observant, it was pretty evident that the Sergeants native coolness had not yet deserted him. Sergeant McDonald then, with soldierly modesty, brevity, and directness, thanked Rev. Mr. MacDonald, and Mrs. MacAlister for their kindly remarks and the audience for their cordial reception and the donors of the present gift, which he would ever highly value. The audience, still standing, again cheered enthusiastically and sang For hes a jolly good fellow. After the usual votes of thanks the proceedings terminated with the singing of God Save the King. The watch, which is a handsome article, was supplied by Messers James Crichton Ltd., Glasgow. The inscription bears the date 20th, 21st September, 1917, on which Sergeant McDonald won his D.C.M. The platform was appropriately decorated by Mr. Angus McLean with the Union Jack, the Royal Standard, the Stars and Stripes and other Allied flags. A photo of Sergeant McDonald will appear in next weeks Courier. So far I have not been able to find a surviving copy of the picture.
Posted on: Thu, 27 Nov 2014 23:19:08 +0000
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