MacDonald, Kenneth Norman
Rank: Gunner
Regiment: Royal Naval Reserve
Biography: Son of Kenneth MacDonald, ship's carpenter ; born Lochcarron, 25 September 1897 ; educated Plockton Higher Grade School. After a year at Aberdeen Grammar School, he entered the University in 1914 with a Bursary, and began his Arts course with a view to studying Medicine later. As soon as he reached military age, however, he volunteered for the Navy ; and after a course of training at Devonport, saw service in St. George's Channel, the Atlantic and the North Sea. He was awarded a special prize for gunnery, and upon the day before his death an enemy submarine was sunk by gunfire from the mystery ship in which he was then serving. On 14 August 1917 his ship struck a mine and was lost with all on board. Kenneth MacDonald was only 19 when he died, and was one of those who seemed to have every possibility before them. Through all his school and College days he passed with effortless distinction, easily first in his classes, and intellectually clear and brilliant beyond his age. Added to these qualities of mind were the still more attractive ones of humility and goodness, courage and readiness for sacrifice. Like so many who had much to give, he gave it willingly.
Date of Death: 14 August 1917
Burial Details: Name recorded on the Portsmouth Memorial, Panel 28.
Publication: Roll of Service, edited by Mabel Desborough Allardyce. Published 1921.
If you have photographs of anyone listed in the Roll of Honour (preferably in service uniform) or have any questions about this resource, please email memoriam@abdn.ac.uk.