Alexander's Story.
Birkenhead News 08 January 1916Birkenhead Man Killed
ON XMAS EVE.
Private Alec Scholes
The sad news has been received in Birkenhead of the death in action of Private Alec Scholes, a son of the late Mr. James T. Scholes, of 79, Church Street, Birkenhead, and who previous to joining had worked at the Lairages for over twenty years. So far as can be gathered from communications which have been received, he was killed on Christmas Eve whilst at his post. He attached to “A” Company, 10th Cheshire Regiment, and had seen several months of active service in the actual fighting line. The following letter addressed to Mr. Scholes, of Church Street, fully explains the circumstances in which the young soldier met his death :-
“It is with deep regret that I advise you that your brother, Private Alex Scholes, No. 26517, was killed on Christmas Eve, whilst at his post. The end came immediately; he passed away quietly and without suffering.
As his platoon commander, and on behalf of his comrades I beg you to accept our deepest sympathy. His loss is keenly felt. Although he only recently joined the Battalion, he was not long in making himself endeared to all. He was a willing worker and paid strict attention to duty – he has given all for his King and country. A funeral party was formed yesterday (Christmas Day), and he was laid to rest in a small cemetery three-quarters of a mile behind the firing line. A wooden cross will be erected within the course of the next few days – Believe me, yours truly,
(Signed) G F Oliver. 2nd Lieut., “A” Co., 10th Cheshire Regt. British Expeditionary Force.