John Ferguson, 30 Laxay

17 November 1944
It is with deep regret that we report the death on active service on Pte John Ferguson, son of Mr and Mrs Ferguson, 30 Laxay. He was serving with the Seaforth Highlanders, and met his death during recent operations in Holland. He joined the regular army in 1927 and served three years with the colours and nine in the reserve. Shortly after the outbreak of war, he rejoined his old regiment and served throughout the North African campaign from El Alamein to Tunisia, and through the campaign in Sicily. From there he crossed to the heavy fighting of the Italian campaign, before being sent back tot his country to train for the invasion of Europe. He served through the campaign in Normandy and right to the Dutch frontier where he met his death. John Ferguson was an intelligent young man whose good qualities endeared him to a wide circle of friends. He had a friendly charming manner, which made him popular and highly respected. His death leaves a great blank in the district, and particularly in his family where he will be sorely missed. He set a splendid example in his deep affection for his parents and his home. His CO writes: "I have no words that can possibly express my feelings to you. I have known your son since the beginning of the war, and have always looked upon him as one of the most reliable and charming men it has been my pleasure to serve with. I am sure that this opinion is shared by all who came across him. We have suffered a very great loss in his death."

John was one of seven brothers serving with the forces, of whom two are prisoners of war, a record of service which it will be hard to equal even in Lewis. The sympathy of the whole community goes out to Mr and Mrs Ferguson in their sore bereavement.

9 March 1945
Pte John Ferguson, 30 Laxay, who was killed in action in Holland towards the end of last year, was one of seven brothers on service with HM Forces. Two are prisoners of war.

Transcriber's note: John Ferguson was killed in Belgium, just short of the Dutch border, near the town of Lommel

2 comments:

  1. I visited John's grave last week (July 2012) and it was in good order in a pleasant and well kept cemetery. His is the only commonwealth soldier grave in the cemetery at Lommel.I left a piece of Lewis granite amongst the gravel on his lair.
    donnie mackay (great-nephew) ex- Scots Guards

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you have an image of his grave, I'd be pleased to display it on my WW2 tribute site on http://lewiswwar2.blogspot.co.uk/

      Delete