Alexander Neilson

The Battalion arrived at Boulogne on the 14/08/1914 and were part of the 8th Brigade, 3rd Division. Alexander arrived in France on the 08/11/1914 and was Killed in Action 10 days later at the 1st Battle of Ypres where the Allies fought to stop the Germans taking the Channel ports. The Battles of Ypres (First Ypres), 19th October - 22th November 1914 : Often known as the 1st Battle of Ypres, this is a series of named battles that also form part of the outflanking encounter. It becomes a desperate epic fight east of the city of Ypres which finally results in stalemate and entrenched warfare. It takes place at the same time as the Battle of the Yser, fought nearby by the Belgian Army against the Germans, and the battles to the south at Messines, Armentieres and La Bassee. Before the War Alexander had been for some time a Sergeant in one of the Companies of local Engineers. He was active in Coatbridge Dramatic and Amateur Operatic Associations and was prominent in the Unionist Club whose flag flew at half mast on his death. Alexander is listed as LANCE CORPORAL on the Coatbridge Memorial. He is also remembered on the Coats Parish Church and Drumpellier Golf Clubs Rolls of Honour x 2 and at the Family Plot in Old Monkland Cemetery x 2 (see photos). See photos for Alexander's Medal Index Card, his Newspaper clippings x 3, his name on the Ploegsteert Memorial x 2, his Army Register of Soldiers Effects, his Service Medal and Award Rolls x 2, his CWGC Grave Registration, his name on the Ploegsteert Memorial Panel List, Alexander's name in the Scotland National Probate Index and the Gordon Highlanders Cap Badge.