Surname:	McDonald
Forename(s):	Samuel
Rank:	Second Lieutenant
Service number:
Regiment:	Cameron Highlanders 7th Bn.
Date of death:	25 September 1915 Aged 31
Place of death:	Loos
Buried Commemorated	Unknown Loos Memorial

Background

Samuel was born on 24 January 1884 at Newtonmore. He was the third son of the Samuel MacDonald, Inn Keeper, and Maggie (m.s. Mitchell). His parents had married at Maryculter on 4th June 1879. In the 1901 Census he was living at the “Hotel” Newtonmore, with his parents and four brothers. More information in The New Townies of the Moor by Mary Mackenzie 2020.

Samuel, aged 24, married Marjorie Christina (m.s. Davidson), aged 19, on 11 March 1908 at the Alexandra Hotel, Ness Walk, Inverness. Samuel was described as a Hotel Keeper, both his parents were deceased. Marjorie’s father was also described as a Hotel Keeper. He was from the Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. Samuel had succeeded his father as the tenant of the Balavil Hotel, Newtonmore. He was a member of the Newtonmore Shinty team and was Captain in 1907.

War Record

Samuel, sometimes known as “Sammy,” joined the Lovat Scouts at the outbreak of war and transfered to the 7th Camerons where he received a commission. At the time of his death three of his brothers, John, James and George (also shinty players), were serving with the Australian Forces at Gallipoli.

Also commemorated on the Newtonmore War Memorial and Kingussie and Insh Memorial in Kingussie Parish Church and the Ring of Remembrance, Notre Dame de Lorette.