CWGC thanks the Thiepval Database Project for this story. It summarises information held at the Thiepval Visitor Centre.

Second Lieutenant, 11th Battalion, attached to 6th Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment.

He was born on 13th June 1896 in West Hartlepool, Co. Durham, the eldest son, one of at least nine children, of Charles (who worked in the timber trade) and Nancy MacFarlane of 41 Hutton Avenue, West Hartlepool. His father at one time served as mayor of West Hartlepool.

He was educated at Mill Hill (1909 to 1916) and served in the school OTC as a signaller.

After leaving school he worked for Messrs. Furness Withy, shipbuilders and shipping line, of West Hartlepool.

He enlisted as Private 1807, Royal Fusiliers, was commissioned in February 1915 and served at Gallipoli and in Egypt before going to France.

It was reported that he had been leading a bombing attack and was seen to be wounded. Although a search was organised later that night no trace of him could be found.

Ian MacFarlane died 14th September 1916, aged 20, during fighting at Wunder Work Trenches, Thiepval.

The senior officer of his battalion wrote,

'…As an officer he was exceptionally capable and did very good work in training and organising the bombers of his battalion. It is now that the good work he has done conspicuously shows itself…'

He is also commemorated on the West Hartlepool War Memorial.

His younger brother, William Alston MacFarlane MC, was commissioned in the Royal Field Artillery in 1916. He won the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in 1918. He rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel and died on 2nd March 1942. He is commemorated on the Singapore Memorial.