Pte Alexander Sutherland

Private Alexander Sutherland, born 20th January 1888 at Pittentrail, Rogart, son of John Sutherland and Catherine Sutherland.  Alexander, Private, 8th Battalion Seaforth Highlanders, was killed in France on 9th June 1918.  He is buried in the Wanquetin Communal Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France.  He is also commemorated on the Rogart War Memorial and on his parents' gravestone at St. Callan's churchyard, Rogart.

Many thanks to Morag Sutherland for this photograph.

Pte. Donald Gunn

Private Donald Gunn, 14th Bn. Royal Highland Regiment (Black Watch)

Donald was born at Ochto Falls, Kincardine, son of George Gunn, public school teacher, and his wife Janet Mackay.  George Gunn was born in Lairg and Janet (Jessie) was born at Kinnauld, Rogart. Donald's paternal grandparents were Donald Gunn, crofter, and his wife Christina Mackay.  His maternal grandparents were Alexander Mackay, crofter and master mason, and his wife Catherine Bruce.

Donald was killed in action in France on 2nd Septemmber 1918 aged 33 years. He is commemorated on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial, Houcourt, France and also on Rogart War Memorial. He is also commemorated on his parents' gravestone in Lairg Cemetery.

Lachlan Murray and his brother Donald E. Murray

Lachlan M. S. Murray, 2nd Cameron Highlanders, killed at Battle of Casino, Italy, 6th September 1944 aged 39 years, buried in Italy.  Commemorated on Rogart War Memorial.

Above photograph Lachlan's War Grave in Italy.

His brother Donald E. Murray, F.M. R.A.S.C. died in hospital in Edinburgh 27th April 1946 aged 24 years.  Also commemorated on Rogart War Memorial.  Buried with parents in Sciberscross Burial Ground, Clyne.

Lachie and Donnie are sons of George Murray and Mary Stewart, Morness, Rogart. Second photograph shows Donnie.

"Rogart mourns deeply the death in action of one of the finest of its young men, Pte. Lachie Murray, Cameron Highlanders, and formerly of the Lovat Scouts.  Lachie, as he was always affectionately known, volunteered for military service very shortly after the outbreak of war and joined the Lovat Scouts, the regiment in which his father had already served in two wars.  Last December he was transerred to the Camerons and in a very short time he was sent overseas.  He met hi death in the early days of this month.  Lachie was a thorough gentleman, greatly loved by all his companions - a faithful servant to his employers.  He was possessed of a big broad sympathetic mind and of a fine outlook on life.  Lachie was not of a fighting nature, but he freely and willingly gave his service to his country and the cause of freedom; and like so many another who had much to give, he gave it willingly.  The sympathy of his many friends in Rogart and elsewhere goes out in a warm fullness to his parents, sisters and brothers (two of whom have been on war service from El Alamein till now) in their great sorrow and loss". (Northern Times September 1944).


“His many friends in Rogart and neighbouring parishes heard with deep regret of the passing of Donnie, youngest son of Mr and Mrs George Murray, Morness, Rogart. Though he had contracted a severe illness on war service, high hopes of his recovery were held almost to the last. Donnie volunteered for military service very early in the war, and after serving a course of training in this country went overseas with the 51st Division. As a driver he served through the campaigns in Africa, Sicily and Italy, returning to this country with the Division to train for the attack on Europe. He volunteered to go overseas again and bravely carried on till health reasons forced him to give up. All through his long illness he showed great courage and patience bearing his difficulties in a wonderful way. Donnie was a most friendly boy in every way and had many friends, for his lovable cheery manner endeared him to everybody. Erect and manly in his carriage, so he was in all his life and his passing at so early an age is all the more regretted. To his parents, brothers and sisters in this, their second sore bereavement due to the recent war, the deepest sympathy of many friends everywhere goes out.” (NT 4/1946)

Thanks to Jean Sutherland, Elgin, for photographs and information.

Lance Cpl. Walter Robson

Lance Cpl Walter Robson, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, son of William Robson and his wife Diane, nee Mackay, of Torroble, Lairg and Culmaily, Golspie. Walter's father was a shepherd.  The family lived at Polly, Clyne and later at Mudale, Farr, then Golspie before moving to Lairg.

Walter died on 27th March 1918.  He is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, Bay 9, France.  He is also commemorated on the Lairg and Rogart War Memorials and on his parents' gravestone in St. Callan's Churchyard, Rogart.

Photograph taken by Shirley Sutherland, Golspie

Alick Bain, Corry, Rogart

Alick Bain, son of Donald Bain and Mary Ann Fraser, Corry, Rogart

Lance Corporal Alexander James Bain, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry), formerly Seaforth Highlanders, died 19th April 1919 at Morvich Farm, Rogart.

He is buried in Rogart Cemetery in a war grave. He is also named on the Rogart War Memorial.

Many thanks to Jean Sutherland, Elgin for the above photographs

Neil Mackay, Rogart, NZEF

Neil Mackay was born in Rogart, 14th July 1887, son of Duncan Mackay, lotter, and Ann Mackay.  He was killed in action 3rd December 1917 France – Private in New Zealand European Forces – in the 1891 and 1901 censuses he was with widowed mother, scholar.

“Intimation has been received by Mrs. Mackay, Cragganar, that her youngest son, Neil, has made the supreme sacrifice in the cause of freedom and righteousness. He was killed on 3rd December while taking part in an attack by the New Zealand troops on the enemy trenches. Private Neil Mackay was 29 years of age. He was educated at the Rogart Public School under the present headmaster and was a general favourite with his school companions. He served a short period in the Post Office as one of the rural postmen and was esteemed by all he came in contact. He was of a modest and retiring disposition. Eight years ago he went out to New Zealand where he was employed in ranch and farm work and was getting on well. When the call came to arms he responded at once. Landing at the Dardanelles he went through that trying campaign thereafter spending some time on Salisbury Plain prior to proceeding to France. He possessed a kindly heart and never forgot the old home in Scotland which he visited on furlough early in October. He will be sadly missed and the deepest sympathy of the community goes out to the widowed mother and other members of the family in their bereavement” (NT 17/1/1918).  - ''Your son has done very valuable work as a runner, carrying back several important messages under heavy fire from his Co. Commander to me, and had he lived I would certainly have recommended him for an honour. Had he been spared I am sure he would have risen high in the service of his King and country. He was always very cheery and willing and was a most valuable man to his Company Headquarters '' ( letter received by his mother from The Lieut. Col. of the Battalion).
Neil is listed on the Rogart War Memorial.  See also our New Zealand page.