18 August 1944
On Monday 7th August, Mr and Mrs John Macdonald, 11B Kirkibost, Bernera, received official intimation that their youngest son, John, had died of wounds on active service in France in July. Called up for military service in November 1942, John expressed a preference for the Army and joined the Seaforth Highlanders, where he soon became a piper in one of the Battalions. One of the officers wrote Mr Macdonald:
"On behalf of the whole company and myself, I want to tell you how very sorry indeed we all are to lose your son from among us. He was always cheery and bright, even under the hardest conditions, and he was extremely well liked by all ranks of the Company. In action, he proved himself calm and steady, and brave in the face of danger. As a soldier, he was highly efficient and absolutely reliable in everything that he did; and he was a piper of very great ability. As a soldier, he is a great loss tot he regiment, and we who were privileged to know him personally have lost in him a very good comrade whom we shall always miss most sorely."
"Ian Ban", as he was affectionately called by all who knew him, was of a kind, cheery and bright nature and his pleasant smile was extended to all. Those who knew this promising lad were filled with profound sorrow on learning of his death on active service at the early age of 20 years. He was the youngest of five sons, all on active service. One of them, Duncan, happened to be home when news of John's death arrived. To Mr and Mrs Macdonald, and family, the sympathy of all friends is extended in the grievous loss they have sustained.
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