Alexander's Story.
Born in 1889 at Edinburgh, son of clerk, Edward and Josephine Winifred, (nee Byrne) Forbes. Alexander had a younger brother, John Byrne and a younger sister Dorothy. J. both born at Edinburgh, the 1891 census shows them to be living at Woodside Cottage, Cramond. They then, according to the 1901 census, lived at 2, Dalgety Street, Edinburgh.
Alexander attested into the army at Liverpool, 15/04/1908, he gave his occupation as optician. On the 24 December 1913, Alexander married Maud Hannah Magson at St John’s Church, Bollington, his brother, John acting as one of the witnesses. Alexander was listed as from Fort George, Inverness.
On 25 April 1915, their son Eric David was baptised at St John’s Church, Bollington.
Alexander was drafted to France with the British Expeditionary Force, 27/08/1914. The Seaforth Highlanders was in the 4th Division, 10th Infantry Brigade. The Battalion was diary for 24 October 1914 records the following; FRELINGHIEN, Brewery shelled again about 10.00 am, men sent to cellars again, but were not kept there when the shelling stopped. Casualties, N.C.O’s, 1 killed, 4 wounded. Alexander was killed in action, Saturday, 24 October 1914.
Cheshire County Memorial Project would like to thank H.A.G Carlisle for the information on Alexander.