23 April 1915

We find the battalion becoming involved in the start of the 2nd Battle of Ypres, which was to run on into May. The entire battle would claim 70,000 Allied and 35,000 German casualties, and was to see the first deployment of poison gas on the Western Front. Of those originating from Lewis in the 2nd Seaforth Highlanders, several dozen would be lost over the duration of the battle. These will be listed day by day in separate entries. 

BAILLEUL
11.30 am Ordered to hold ourselves in readiness to move off at short notice.
7.30pm Brigade moved to DRANOUTRE

Lewis casualties
Private JOHN SMITH
Last address in Lewis: 19 Habost, Ness,
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, of 19, Habost, Ness, Stornoway.
Service unit: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7402
Date of death: 23 April 1915 at the age of 19
Killed in action in France
Interred: Seaforth Cemetery, Cheddar Villa, grave B. 1. (Headstone "A" 63).

Private JOHN MACRAE
Last address in Lewis: 22 Point Street, Stornoway
Brother of Robert MacRae, of 79, Ladywell St., Dennistoun, Glasgow.
Service unit: 2nd Cameron Highlanders
Service number: 315587
Date of death: 23 April 1915 at the age of 19
Killed in action at Hill 60
Memorial: Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Panel 38 and 40
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial; Nicolson WW1 memorial, right panel