Alexander Smith

The Battalion arrived in France in March 1916 and on the 01/04/1916 they were part of the 6th Division as a Pioneer Battalion. on the 24th to the 27th August the Division was relieving the Canadians on the Hill 70 front. The month spent in that sector was one of hard work for all ranks consolidating the newly won position but was without important incident. Alexander died from a wound in his back from a piece of shell that burst about 2 yards from him. He died at 17th Casualty Clearing Station, France. See Alexander's Newspaper clipping for letter to his parents from the Officer in his platoon listing how he died and how he was buried along with high praise from his Platoon Officer. Alexander was formerly a Pioneer with the Royal Engineers (3214). He is listed as PIONEER on the Coatbridge Memorial due to being previously with the Royal Engineers. Alexander is also remembered on the Stewarts and Lloyds Roll of Honour and on the Airdrie War Memorial (see photos x 2). See photos for Alexander's Medal Index Card, his Newspaper clipping, his Army Register of Soldiers Effects, his Service Medal and Award Rolls, his CWGC Grave Registration x 2, his Headstone Report, Alexander's Pension Records x 4, Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Alexander's previous Regiment the Royal Engineers Cap Badge and the Leicestershire Regiment Cap Badge. Alexander's grave inscription reads "OH FOR THE TOUCH OF A VANISHED HAND AND THE SOUND OF A VOICE THAT IS STILL."