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Australia

He was 33 and the son of Hugh and Jane McGregor, of Dunrobin, Golspie, Sutherland, Scotland. He had lived in Australia for 10 years. Enlisted: at Adelaide 25.7.16.

His brother was killed in the Boer war  whilst serving in the Lovat Scouts.

Ballarat & District in the Great War

Lt Matthew Mackay McGREGOR
 
‘…Away, ye gay landscapes, ye gardens of roses,
In you let the minions of luxury rove;
Restore me the rocks where the snowflake reposes.
If still they are sacred to freedom and love.
Yet Caledonia, dear are thy mountains,
Round their white summits tho' elements war,
Tho' cataracts foam 'stead of smooth flowing fountains,
I sigh for the valley of dark Lochnagar…’
- Lord Byron

I’ve always believed very strongly in inherited memory – there can be no other explanation for how we gravitate to things of which we have no experience and I have witnessed so many stories that have borne this out. Nature and nurture account for so much, but there are very distinct, vivid connections that rise over both. Personally, I have always had a visceral reaction to the sound of bagpipes – there was no logical explanation for it. To my knowledge, I had no Scots-Irish ancestry, which would have accounted for such a feeling of knowing. Then I discovered my real ancestry and it proved I was more Scots-Irish than anything else. It was in my blood; in my memory. For Matt McGregor, there can be no doubt that he had the learned attributes of nurture, but his own ancestry gave him an even deeper connection.

Matthew Mackay McGregor was born at Golspie on 24 June 1885. Situated on the North Sea Coast in the shadow of Ben Bhraggie, Golspie was also the birthplace of his father, Hugh Alexander Ross McGregor. His mother, Jeannie Mackay, was from Cromarty on the tip of the Black Isle – they were the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Matt was their second of four children and one of three sons.

The genealogy of the McGregor and Mackay families was a rich one – both were Highland clans with threads through history. Due to an ancient and unknown Scottish born ancestor, Matt’s line was called “the Red Rock MacGregors.” There also appears to be a link to the folk hero, Rob Roy MacGregor. By the time Matt was born, his father was working as a crofter, having survived the travails of the Scottish Clearances that saw the eviction of a significant number of tenants in the Highlands.

Indeed, the Highland clans were well represented in Matt McGregor’s family tree, and also included connections to Clan MacKenzie, Clan Ross and Clan MacDonald. And, although the surname of MacGregor was generally spelled with the prefix of “Mac,” Matt chose the contraction of “Mc” when signing his name.
Through his mother’s family, Matt was related to Sir Thomas Brisbane, famed British army officer, administrator and astronomer, who had served under the Duke of Wellington, been Governor of New South Wales and was responsible for the building of the first properly equipped observatory in Australia. His position in history was cemented when the new convict settlement in Queensland was named in his honour.

There was also great pride in Matt’s maternal grandfather, Alexander Mackay, who was a well-regarded doctor from Creich in Sutherlandshire.

From their home at Dunrobin Glen at Backies View Hill, outside Golspie, Matt would travel into the village to attend the Higher Grade School. It was quite a small school, usually with less than 20 students and the studies were overseen by a male head teacher, usually with a female assistant. Matt received quite an advanced education whilst a student there.

Generally, though it may not have appeared so to a young lad, it was quite the romantic Highland setting: the family lived in a solid stone cottage, surrounded by trees, that looked out over a broad river valley towards a backdrop of rolling mountains. The skyline over Golspie was dominated by Ben Bhraggie, whilst the rock-strewn shoreline was open to the harshest of weather directly off the North Sea. Another prominent landmark, Dunrobin Castle, was woven into the cultural history of the village. Once home to George Leveson-Gower, the 1st Duke of Sutherland, and his wife, Elizabeth, Dunrobin would forever be linked to their roles in the Scottish Clearances. “The Mannie,” a 100-foot statue of Leveson-Gower that stood atop Ben Bhraggie, constantly attracted the ire of locals who had long memories. Even history dominated the landscape.

By the age of 15, Matt was working as a general labourer, and his older brother, Alexander, had found a position as a forester’s assistant. Whilst their father continued to farm the rented small croft, it appears it was not large enough to support further employment.
Like most Highlanders, the McGregors had strong affiliations to the Presbyterian Church of Scotland. The church itself had roots in the earliest beginnings of Christianity, starting with the Irish abbot and missionary, Columba, who landed in Scotland in 563 AD. It was a proud and solid ancestry of faith that remained a prominent part of everyday Scottish life in the years before the Great War and an essential part of Matt McGregor’s upbringing.

Military training had also become an essential component of British life in the decades preceding the war. Like so many of his contemporaries, Matt McGregor was a part of this quite rigorous system. He spent five years in voluntary forces with the 1st Caithness (Caithness and Sutherland) Royal Garrison Artillery and the Sutherland Highlanders.

Some years earlier, Matt’s uncle, Henry Beatson Mackay, had immigrated to Australia. So, it was not unusual that, following his lead, Matt also made the decision seek out a new life. He left Liverpool on the 16 January 1909, sailing onboard the White Star Line Steam Ship Medic – a vessel that would soon be transporting Australian troops to theatres of war.

Although Matt stated that he was a gardener by occupation on his immigration paperwork, he brought with him a wealth of experience and talent in a very specific Scottish area – he was an accomplished piper. The military units Matt had trained with all had strong histories of piping, and, although we can’t be sure when Matt McGregor first began playing the bagpipes, he would no doubt have been a part of this much-loved military tradition. He soon discovered that all around Victoria there were thriving pockets of Scots who were keen to maintain and promote their heritage within their new communities.

Matt settled in Ballarat shortly after arriving in Victoria. He was taken in as a boarder by the Bruce family in their home at 6 Errard Street north. It is easy to imagine Matt being entertained by lively conversations with the much-travelled head of the household, Irishman Maxwell Bruce.

Having chosen a new career path, Matt quickly established himself as a music teacher – instructing young Highland dancers as well as teaching the bagpipes. The Ballarat Caledonian Society welcomed him with open arms and he was soon promoted to Pipe Major with their band. His reputation as a piper extended well beyond Ballarat and he became well-known in “Scottish circles” around Melbourne.

Concerts given throughout Ballarat were often the subject of comment within the local newspapers, and Matt McGregor’s contributions were significant. At a performance at the Mechanics’ Institute in June 1910, his pupils, ‘four clever little lassies,’ were singled out for their exceptional Highland dancing.

In December 1911, at the Annual General Meeting for the society it was announced, with the approval of the City Council, that the pipe band had decided to retain Matt’s services as physical culture instructor. A series of monthly concerts were then organised to pay the small stipend for his services.

The Beaufort Thistle Club was also the grateful recipient of Matt McGregor’s considerable musical talents. For several years he acted in an honorary capacity as pipe major to the group and also conducted Highland dancing classes. He became a popular figure in the township. At the 1914 Easter Monday annual sports gathering of the Thistle Club, Matt provided the piping for the dancing competition.

During his time in Ballarat, Matt formed a close bond with the only daughter of the Bruce household, Elsie, who was just 16-months his junior; they were the perfect age to form a romantic attachment. Unfortunately, it is not known if their connection went beyond that of just friendship, but Elsie certainly knew all about his extended family, which indicates long hours of happy conversations and a real bond between the pair. So, when Matt made the decision to move to Adelaide, it must have been quite a wrench for Elsie.

Arriving in Adelaide around March 1914, Matt joined a partnership in setting up a physical culture school.
‘…Australian College of Physical Culture.

Principals—Matthew McGregor, Miss K. Gordon, John D. Elder.

The above College is now open in the British Medical Association Building (late Y.W.C.A.) Hindmarsh
Square.

Suite of rooms include Gymnasium, Medical Gymnasium, Massage Rooms, Baths, &c., and is fitted up with the most up-to-date Swedish and other forms of apparatus. Classes are now being formed in the
following subjects, and as they are strictly limited in number, intending pupils are advised to enrol without delay:—Physical Culture (Swedish), Calisthenics, Fencing, Dancing, and Deportment, Boxing, Wrestling, &c.

Private tuition in all the above subjects. Classes for ladies and gentlemen; Special business men's classes. Boys and Girls' Recreation Classes. Special Home Drill Course to suit the individual requirements of businessmen. Ladies should join our Fencing Classes. There is no better exercise for gracefulness, erect
carriage, and symmetry.

Patients may be treated in our Medical Gymnasium (under medical supervision) for spinal deformities, &c., &c.

Special exercises for Indigestion, Constipation, Sluggish Liver, Nervous Debility, Sleeplessness, Muscular Weakness, Flat Chest, Obesity, Rheumatism, Sciatica, Flat Foot, &c. Nauheim Treatment for Chronic
Heart Disease. Massage and Medical Electricity.

Prospectus on application to Dept. B…’

Matt and George Heggie, also taught ballroom dancing at the same establishment offering the ‘latest dance measures and fashionable figures.’

When war broke out, community groups quickly set up fund-raising programmes to provide help. At Mount Lofty on 21 December 1914, a successful concert was held in aid of the Belgian Relief Fund; Matt ‘supplied the pipe music’ for the evening.

For the 1915 New Year’s Day Highland gathering at Maryborough, Matt McGregor returned from Adelaide for the event. He played with the Maryborough Pipe Band, sporting a McKenzie tartan kilt.

After returning to Adelaide, Matt resumed his classes with the Australian College of Physical Culture.
When it became clear that the war was not going to reach an early conclusion, Matt made the decision to enlist. He presented himself at the Adelaide Recruitment Depot on 1 September 1915. The Medical Officer was more than satisfied with what he recorded: Matt was of average height at 5-feet 6½-inches, a solid 172-pounds with an expanded chest measurement of 41-inches, which was no doubt due to years of playing the bagpipes. He had a fresh complexion, grey eyes, with normal sight, and brown hair. Although he had no distinguishing scars or marks, he had been vaccinated in childhood. His affiliation to the Presbyterian Church was also noted. As his next-of-kin, Matt nominated his mother.

On 15 September, Matt completed his paperwork by formally signing the oath to serve both the King and his new country. He had by then been posted to the 2nd Depot Battalion stationed at the Exhibition Gardens.

Just ten days later, Matt was promoted to the provisional rank of corporal before being transferred to the 1st Depot Battalion. Across the ensuing three months he underwent a full series of vaccinations and inoculations.

Although he was initially posted to the 3rd reinforcements for the 32nd Infantry Battalion, Matt’s potential as a leader resulted in him being selected for higher training. On 1 January 1916, he was sent to a school for non-commissioned officers.

Following a period as sergeant with A Company of the Base Infantry, Matt was sent to the Royal Military College, Duntroon. He was appointed to commissioned rank on 25 July 1916 and joined the 7th reinforcements for the 50th Infantry Battalion as a second-lieutenant soon after.

Matt finally sailed from Adelaide on 7 November 1916. The troopship Afric took nearly nine weeks to complete the voyage to England, and Matt landed at Plymouth on 9 January 1917. Along with the other reinforcements, he was immediately transferred through to the 13th Training Battalion, which was then stationed at Codford Camp in Wiltshire.

Having been selected for further training, Matt proceeded to Tidworth on 22 January, where he attended a Course of Instruction at the Officers’ School located at Candahar Barracks. He remained On Command at the school for several months.

With the 50th Battalion suffering significant losses during their deployment at Noreuil as a part of the First Battle of Bullecourt, the need for fresh reinforcements became paramount. Matt left for the Front on 14 May; he reached his unit at Outtersteene three days later and was immediately posted to A Company.

His first experience of trench warfare came at Messines on 7 June. Initially held in reserve and acting as carrying parties for the beginning of the battle, the 50th was called on to help secure gains along the ridge on 9/10 June. One of their main difficulties was to avoid the withering fire from enemy machine-gunners positioned in a large blockhouse. During the course of this action, Matt was struck over the right hip by a machine-gun bullet.
Stretcher-bearers carried Matt out of the line; he was then transferred to the 53rd Casualty Clearing Station (1/1st North Midland), then located in the asylum at Bailleul, before being moved to the 14th General Hospital at Wimereux, where he was admitted on 11 June. The bullet had cut a distinct pathway through the muscles above the greater trochanter (that bony knob people often refer to as their hip) and, although there was no important structural damage, any open wound was a potential breeding ground for infection. Marked as ‘severe, but not permanent,’ Matt was immediately evacuated to England. He sailed onboard the Hospital Ship St Patrick on 13 June and was admitted to the No1 Voluntary Aid Hospital in Exeter later the same day.

Within days some sepsis had supervened, but nothing to cause great concern. A Medical Board held on 23 June found that the wound was still not healed and ‘his nerves are rather shaky at present.’ Matt could only walk with the support of a stick; as a result, the Board recommended that he remain at the No1 VAH for a further month and concluded he would be unfit for active service for three months.

By 3 July, Matt’s wound had fully healed, but he still walked with a slight limp and suffered ongoing tenderness over the site. To continue his rehabilitation, Matt was then transferred to the Officers’ Convalescent Home at Cobham Hall in Kent on 15 July.

After being discharged to three weeks convalescent leave, Matt was able to spend time with his family in Scotland. He also sent a cable to the Bruce family in Ballarat to let them know he was recovering from wounds. Whilst convalescing, he received word that he had been promoted to full lieutenant.

By 27 August, Matt was well enough to be discharged to the Overseas Training Brigade at Perham Downs. Just ten days later he was on his way back to France.
When Matt rejoined the 50th Battalion on 13 September, the unit was behind the lines at Lugy, a small village in the north of France. They were in the midst of a solid round of training preparing for the upcoming Battle of Polygon Wood.

On 26 September, the 50th Battalion left Westhoek at 1:00am; the men moved carefully through in single file to the jumping-off tape. Zero hour was 5:50am. Just an hour into the attack, the 50th had gained its first objective, and met with little general resistance from the enemy. A group of four pill-boxes caused the most trouble, but were soon cleared out. Although conditions were wet, the battalion easily managed to dig in and consolidate their gains. It was a good day’s work. Nevertheless, 50 members of the battalion were killed during the fighting. This was to be the battalion’s only contribution to the Third Battle of Ypres.

For the remainder of 1917 and into the early months of 1918, the 50th Battalion maintained a rotation in and out of the trenches.

The Russian Revolution of October 1917 and subsequent collapse of the Eastern Front, released much-needed troops for a major offensive by the German Army in Spring 1918. As the situation quickly began to devolve, Australian units were rushed into defensive positions along the line forward of Amiens. With British troops in disarray, the civilians began to flee the onslaught. It was said they were all calmed by the sight of ‘les Australiens merveilleux’ (the marvellous Australians), with one legendary comment to a terrified French woman, encapsulating the entire situation: “Fini retreat madame, beaucoup Australiens ici” – No more retreat madame, many Australians are here!

Significantly, at Dernancourt on 5 April, the 50th Battalion took part in what would later be seen as ‘the largest German attack mounted against Australian troops during the war.’ It was an important turning point.

Despite stalling the attack, the German threat persisted. On ANZAC Day 1918, the 50th Battalion formed a part of attack that dislodged the enemy from the strategic village of Villers-Bretonneux – it was the stuff of legends.

Hostile machine-gun fire from Monument Wood and constant enemy shelling throughout the day resulted in the 50th Battalion suffering heavy casualties. During the advance, Matt McGregor was felled by either a blast of machine-gun bullets or shrapnel from the detonation of a high explosive shell – the battalion adjutant, Lieutenant Lancelot Beck Smith, said it was the former, whilst doctors who treated Matt’s wounds concluded the damage had been caused by the latter. Whatever the cause, the resultant injuries, to his thigh and face, were severe. It took four days to transfer him through the various stages of medical treatment – on 26 April he was admitted to the 25th Field Ambulance, the next day he reached 12th Casualty Clearing Station at Longpré-les-Corps-Saints. He finally reached the 2nd Red Cross Hospital at Rouen on 29 April.

In spite of receiving the best medical attention then available, Matt’s condition began to deteriorate and he died on 3 May 1918. With the usual wartime haste, he was buried the same day in the St Sever Cemetery. In communicating with his parents, the Matron of the hospital later wrote, ‘…He was such a fine man and soldier, and never murmured or complained…’

Grief over his death was far-reaching. A brother officer wrote, “You have lost an ideal son, and I have lost a true friend…Why such an upright, right-living man as Matt should be taken, is past my comprehension, but, alas, it is so…”

Elsie Bruce joined Matt’s Melbourne-based Mackay family in the formal announcement of his death.

‘…McGREGOR – In proud and loving memory of Lt Matthew Mackay McGregor, died of wounds in France, 3rd May; son of Hugh and Jane McGregor, Dunrobin, Scotland; grandson of the late Dr Alex Mackay, Scotland; grand-nephew late General Sir Thomas Brisbane.

Pro Deo et Patria
- Inserted by his friend Elsie M. BRUCE, Ballarat…’
During the reading of the Annual Report by the Ballarat Caledonian Society in December 1918, special mention was made of their former piper.

‘…Whilst we look forward with pleasure at our members and band members' return, we are reluctantly compelled to look back upon the death of ex-Pipe-Major Lieut. M. McGregor, who died of wounds in France this year…’

Matt McGregor’s Last Will and Testament had been lodged on 9 October 1916 before he left Australia. When probate was granted on 28 August 1918, the document revealed several important details. It stated simply that he was ‘formerly of 6 Errard Street, Ballarat, Victoria, music teacher, but late of the AIF France Lt deceased.’ There was no mention of his connection to Adelaide. Although he left no real estate, from his personal estate of £660, Matt made a substantial bequest of £200 to Elsie Bruce; the remainder of his estate was left to his mother.

If you ever chance to visit Matt McGregor’s grave in the large cemetery at St Sever, you will see the simple phrase his family chose as his epitaph.

"Sleep On, Our Dearly Loved, One Sleep"

And where he sleeps, we can only hope that somehow he still hears the soft, mournful skirl of the pipes…