Born in 1892 at Woodford, the son of John Alexander (Accounts Manager later Secretary to Colliery Company) and Charlotte Mary Russell. 1901: With his family at "Highview" Chelmsford Road, Woodford Green. 1911: A Student still at “Highview” with his family. He was a pupil and later a teacher at the Derby Road Church Sunday School, a member of their choir and a musician.
Following an education at Coopers School and Matriculation at the University of London, he undertook a career in the City as an Articled Clerk to a firm of Chartered Accountants. He tried three times to join up, but was rejected due to severe defects in his knee caps and issued with a Certificate of Exemption for Home Service only. He was accepted into the 12th Essex Regiment in March 1916, performing light duties in the Brigade Office. In October 1916 he was sent on an Officer Cadet course at Cambridge, intended for service in a Garrison or Labour Corps role. In December 1916 he was posted to the Home Service Battalion of the East Yorkshire Regiment. Six months later following his request for reclassification, he was moved to the 3rd (Reserve) Battalion of that Regiment, and subsequently found fit for front line service. He was sent to France to join the Regiments 1st Battalion early in April 1918.
He was involved in the close and intense fighting which occurred as a result of the German Spring Offensive from 21st March 1918. During one clash he was severely wounded and carried to an aid post by a stretcher party, but succumbed to his injuries.
Research by Adrian Lee, Local Historian
Sources:
Ancestry.com
Woodford Times