Surname: MacDonald

Forename(s): James Aitchison

Rank: Serjeant

Service number: 1215

Regiment: 4th Cameron Highlanders – F Company

Date of death: 17 May 1915, Age 28

Place of death: Festubert

Commemorated: Le Touret Memorial – Panel 41 B

James was born on 5 May 1887 at Station Cottages, Kingussie. He was the son of Provost James MacDonald F.S.A., 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.

James was the brother of John Campbell MacDonald. 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 on 17 May 1915. He may have been in C Company like his brother. His younger 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. Inscription -

"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.