1057: Kenneth Smith

Coinneach Iain Mhoirich

Kenneth (1873-1919) was the son of John Smith and Marion Smith, 1 Earshader. He married Christina Mackay from 4 Crulivig. Kenneth and Christina lived at 1 Earshader and they had two children.

Kenneth served in the Royal Naval Reserve Service Number 1620C in the First World War aboard HMS Cove and spent some time in the Mediterranean.

Kenneth lost his life in the Iolaire disaster. His suitcase was subsequently recovered and found to contain gifts for his family including a fringed shawl, a silk scarf and a silk handkerchief with Gibraltar written on it, and some brown silk material that was later used to make a dress for his daughter, Marion. Marion recalled that it was so fine it had to be lined with a dark material.

He is buried in Bosta Cemetery and his name is commemorated on Uig War Memorial, Stornoway War Memorial,  the Iolaire Memorial at Holm and Stornoway and Loyal Lewis: Roll of Honour 1914-1918