John Dingwell Mackay – Royal Marines Light Infantry, Portsmouth Division, “F” Company

Corporal John Dingwell Mackay – Royal Marines Light Infantry, Portsmouth Division, “F” Company

Early Life

John Dingwell Mackay was born in 1862 in Dundee, Scotland, the son of James Mackay and Elizabeth Hardie. He grew up in a large Scottish household rooted in the working life of Dundee, a city shaped by its textile and maritime industries.

1871 Scottish Census

The 1871 Census records the Mackay family living at 374 Perth Road, St. Peter, Dundee. John’s father, James, aged 47, was employed as a Flexdresser, while his mother Elizabeth, aged 42, managed the home. Their children were Isabella H., aged 18, a Handloom Weaver; Mary S., aged 10; John D., aged 8; Helen D., aged 6; Elizabeth K., aged 4; and Ann, aged 3. Also present was John’s maternal grandmother, Isabella Hardie, aged 82, who lived with the family.

Marriage and Naval Career

Royal Navy Registers of Seamen’s Services

In 1894, John married Alice Jessie Turnbull at Alverstoke, Hampshire, establishing his long-term connection with the naval community around Portsmouth. According to the Royal Navy Registers of Seamen’s Services, he enlisted to serve with the Royal Navy, beginning a career that would span many years.

1901 Census

By 1901, the Mackay family were living at 20 Zetland Road, Alverstoke, Hampshire. John, aged 39, was serving as an Able Seaman, while his wife Alice J., aged 31, kept the home. Their children at this time were Daisy, aged 6; Ivy C., aged 5; and Lily J., aged 1.

1911 Census

A decade later, the family had moved to 4 Frogmore Avenue, Sketty, Swansea. John, now 49, was recorded as a Naval Pensioner and General Labourer, and his wife Alice Jessie, aged 42, continued to manage the household. Their children were Daisy Mary, aged 16, employed as a Domestic Servant; Ivy Elizabeth, aged 15; Lily Isabella, aged 11; Violet Jessica, aged 9; Alice May, aged 8; John William, aged 5; George, aged 3; and Annie Hilda, aged 2, with the younger children attending school.

Military Service and Death

John later served with the Royal Marines Light Infantry, “F” Company, Portsmouth Division, ranked Corporal. During the early years of the First World War, the RMLI was heavily stretched. Many marines were deployed overseas, while others remained in Britain to support the fleet, man coastal defences, and maintain security at major naval bases. Portsmouth, as the home of the Royal Navy’s largest dockyard, was a critical strategic location. Corporal Mackay’s service in “F” Company, Portsmouth Division, placed him within this essential network of wartime duties—supporting naval operations, maintaining readiness, and contributing to the defence of Britain’s most important naval port. 

British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records

John Dingwell Mackay
Haslar Royal Navy Cemetery, Portsmouth
credit - findagrave

According to the British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, he died from disease on 14^th April 1916 during the First World War. He was buried at Haslar Royal Navy Cemetery, Portsmouth, a resting place for many naval personnel who served the nation.