Alexander M Mathewson

Killed in Action on the 11/07/1917 during Operation Strandfest, Nieuport

The Battalion were often known by its original title of the Glasgow Boys Brigade Battalion. They arrived at Boulogne on the 23/11/1915 and were part of the 97th Brigade, 32nd Division. Alexander was twice wounded. Operation Strandfest, 10/07/1917, this was part of the Operations on the Belgian Coast : The German attack on the 32nd Division, further to the east, was less successful. Only the 97th Brigade was attacked and although there was some penetration into the line, a counterattack that night by the 11th Border Regiment, supported by two companies of the 17th Highland Light Infantry, restored all but 500 yards of the frontline. A general counterattack was ordered for the 11th July by General Rawlinson. Alexander is listed as MATTHEWSON on the Coatbridge Memorial. He is also remembered on the Gartsherrie Works and Gartsherrie Church Rolls of Honour (see photos). See photos for Alexander's Medal Index Card, his Newspaper clipping, his Army Register of Soldiers Effects, his Service Medal and Award Rolls, his name on the Nieuport Memorial Panel List name on the Nieuport Memorial x 2, his CWGC Grave Registration, his Highland Light Infantry Cap Badge and Alexander's Pension Records x 2. Finally, if you would like to see the Battalions History this book is the History of the 17th (Service) Battalion (same record as the 16th) - https://ia800306.us.archive.org/29/items/17thHLI00glasuoft/17thHLI00glasuoft.pdf