Alexander Irwin

Died of Wounds on the 16/05/1915 at the 56th (1/1st South Midland) Casualty Clearing Station, Hazebrouck. Wounds to the left arm and leg received at Sanctuary Wood on the 13/05/1915 during the Battle of Frezenberg (part of the 2nd Battle of Ypres)

The Battalion arrived at Le Havre on the 19/12/1914 (Alexander arrived on the 27/04/1915) and were part of the 82nd Brigade, 27th Division when Alexander was admitted to the 56th (1/1st South Midland) Casualty Clearing Station on the 14/05/1915 suffering from wounds to his left arm and leg received at Sanctuary Wood during the Battle of Frezenberg, 8th - 13th May 1915. This was part of the Battles of Ypres (Second Ypres), 22nd April - 25th May 1915 : Often known as the Second Battle of Ypres, this began with a surprise German attack using poison gas against French North African forces holding defences near Ypres. Both sides rushed reserves in and the battle developed into the second epic in that area. British Second Army withdraws to a shorter line near Ypres. The Battalion fought in the Battle of Grafenstafel, 22rd - 23rd April 1915, the Battle of St. Julien, 24th April - 4th May 1915 these were also phases of the Battles of Ypres where the Germans shelled the 27th and 28th Divisions off the untenable ridge. Alexander is also remembered on the Stewarts and Lloyds Roll of Honour plaque (photos x 2). See photos for Alexander's Medal Index Card, his CWGC Grave Registration x 4, his Headstone Report, his Army Register of Soldiers Effects, his Service Medal and Award Rolls, Alexander's listing in the Ireland Casualties WW1, another photo of Alexander's grave, Hazebrouck Communal Cemetery, the Royal Irish Fusiliers Cap Badge and Alexander's Pension Records x 2. Finally, SEE PHOTOS x 26 FOR THE 2nd BATTALION ROYAL IRISH FUSILIERS WAR DIARY 1st - 13th MAY 1915, PHOTOS x 12 FOR THE 27th DIVISION ORDER OF BATTLE (the Division Alexander was with when he was wounded) and Newspaper clippings x 4 (Coatbridge Express x 3 and the Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser x 1). See clippings 2 and 3 for information from the 56th (1/1st South Midland) Casualty Clearing Station by Chaplain A. Longden and information from Alexander's brother William.