104226: Kenneth Maclean

Kenneth (1883-1916) was a son of Murdo Maclean and Euphemia Macaulay, 1 Brenish. He was living at Cawdor, Nairn and after the death of his mother in 1906, Kenneth emigrated to New Zealand.

He enlisted on 19 October 1915 and was assigned A Company, 9th Battalion of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. His Service Number was 12/3714. Kenneth was in Suez in February 1916 and in March was at Moascar where he joined the 3rd Company, 2nd Battalion  of the Auckland Infantry Regiment. He sailed from Alexandria to France on the 8th April 1916 on the SS Ascania and died on the Somme on 3rd October 1916 aged 33. 

His name is remembered on the Caterpillar Memorial, New Zealand, Loyal Lewis: Roll of Honour 1914-1918, the Lewis War Memorial and Uig War Memorial. 

• Obituary in the Stornoway Gazette January 1917
• The family of the late Mr Murdo Maclean, Breanih, Uig, has been officially informed that their brother, Pte Kenneth Maclean, Auckland Infantry Regiment, New Zealand Expeditionary Force, was killed at the front on 3rd October [1916]. Pte Maclean left home some ten years ago. After serving four years in the drapery business at Cardiff, he emigrated to New Zealand where he prospered well. Being most anxious to do his bit for the upkeep of the Empire, he threw up his position and enlisted in October 1915. He went into the firing line in April 1916, and served faithfully until his death on 3 October 1916. Pte Maclean was an exceptionally nice going man, always having a kind word for everyone. His obliging disposition early won him the esteem ofo all whom he came into contact with. His death is deplored not alone by his near and dear relatives, but also by a wide circle of friends who now extend their heartfelt sympathy to the late soldier's relatives in their own bereavement. Pte Maclean was 33 years of age and unmarried.