Surname:	MacDonald
Forename(s):	James Aitchison
Rank:	Sergeant
Service number:	1215
Regiment:	4th Cameron Highlanders – F Company
Date of death:	17 May 1915 Age 28
Place of death:	Festubert
Buried Commemorated	Unknown Le Touret Memorial – Panel 41 B

Background

James was born on 5 May 1887 at Station Cottages, Kingussie. He was the son of Provost James, master builder, and Mrs Margaret (m.s. Campbell) MacDonald and they lived at Dellifour House, Spey Street, Kingussie at the time of their sons’ deaths.

He was the brother of John Campbell MacDonald who also died at Festubert in May 1915 and is also remembered at Le Touret Memorial. James and John had three sisters – Gracie, Margaret and Mary.

War Record

James travelled to France on 19 February 1915 and died leading a charge 17 May 1915. He may have been in C Company like his brother. His brother, John Campbell MacDonald, also died at Festubert the following day 18 May 1915 and is also remembered on the Le Touret Memorial.

Remembered on the family grave in Kingussie Churchyard.

In Loving Memory of James MacDonald master builder, F.S.A., Scot. who died 1st Aug. 1925 aged 81 years. Beloved husband of Margaret Campbell and of their two sons who fell at Festubert 17th May 1915. James Aitchison killed in action aged 28 years, and John Campbell wounded and missing aged 27 years. Also Margaret Campbell wife of the above James MacDonald, died 24th Jany 1939, aged 85 years. Also their daughter Grace died 17th Feb 1972. Wife of the late Andrew M. Stewart. He giveth his beloved sleep.

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