Charles Anthony's Story.
Birkenhead News 17 March 1915DIED FOR HIS COUNTRY.
Birkenhead Soldier Killed.
SAD NEWS FROM THE TRENCHES.
It is with deep regret that we have to add yet another name to the immortal roll of honour of our town. Private Chas. Anthony McKay, of the 3rd Cheshires (now the 1st Volunteer Battalion) was killed in action on February 22nd, 1915.
Intimation of his death was received by his relatives, who reside at 10, Dale Street, Birkenhead, early yesterday morning, when the official communication of the War Office was received.
Private McKay, who was only 25 years of age, and had been in the 3rd Cheshires, Maxim Gun Section, for about three years, and upon the outbreak of hostilities was called up for service. He went out with the British Expeditionary Force, on September 11th, 1914, and had been in all the big battles. Numerous letters have been received from him, in which he stated he was always well. On the first of March his people received a letter from some of his comrades in the trenches, saying that he had fallen in battle. His relations, despite this, hoped for the best, but the sad news came at last.
He was the eldest son of the late Sergt. Major A. McKay, of the 1st Cheshire Battalion Royal Engineers Volunteers. Before the war he was employed by the Shropshire Union Canal Company, Liverpool, as a labourer, but had previously been employed by the American Produce Company. The private has two brothers also serving their King and country. George McKay, whose portrait has already appeared in the “News”, is a member of the Naval Brigade, and took part in the defence of Antwerp. His other brother, Alec is a lance-corporal in the 4th Cheshires.