Eric Sutherland MacKay was born in Leeds, Yorkshire, the son of Robert and Eleanor MacKay of 26 Hollyshaw Lane, Whitkirk, Leeds and served with the 8th Battalion, (Leeds Rifles) West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own).
He Died of Wounds on 31 July 1918, aged 18 years, and is buried at St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen.