MacKay George

Details
Category: 1915-16

George MacKay

Argylls

1/9th Batt. Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
He is remembered with honour on the Scottish National Memorial, St Andrew’s Church Roll of Honour and Helensburgh War Memorial, Column 1 Line 24.

The family home was at 82, West Clyde Street, Helensburgh.
The son of George and Jeanie Logan MacKay.
Siblings: George was one of six children. Three of his brothers served, Hugh and James with the Royal Engineers and Duncan with the 2/9th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. They all survived the war. The eldest brother William was in a reserved occupation on the railways. They had one sister Catherine.
George MacKay was born at 37, Sinclair Street and brought up in the town, where his father was a journeyman plasterer. He was employed as an upholsterer to trade and was described as an enthusiastic territorial before enlisting.

George MacKay was born at 37, Sinclair Street and brought up in the town, where his father was a journeyman plasterer. He was employed as an upholsterer to trade and was described as an enthusiastic territorial before enlisting.
George was the first soldier serving in the local 1/9th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders to be killed at Ypres. He died from wounds received by sniper fire whilst leaving the trenches at the age of 24. He was buried with full military honours and a piper played by his graveside.
The family inscription on his grave reads: 'Until the Day Dawn'.

View a letter from George as he waits to leave for France "My dear sister..."