Dublin Branch

Western Front Association

Branch Meeting, 21 November, 2015.

Alexander Martin

Private 7631

1/4^th Kings Own Scottish Borderers

 Died 21st November, 1915.

Alexander Martin was born in the summer of 1892, in Dublin, his birth being registered in the Dublin South district, and we know that his Father?s name was John. (1) However, at some stage he moved to Scotland as he enlisted at Duns, Berwick, which he also stated was his place of residence.

There is considerable confusion as to which unit of the KOSB that Alexander served with, his Medal Index Card (MIC) (below) states 1/5 Battalion, and the date of entry to the Balkans War Theatre (6.6.15) ties in with the date that that battalion is recorded as having landed on the Peninsula. However, the Register of Soldiers Effects states that he was in the 1/4, while the CWGC states he was in the 5 Battalion. As far as I can see there was not a 5 Battalion, it was either 1/5, 2/5 or 3/5, I think, taking everything into account, it is most likely that he served with the 1/5 Battalion. (2)

As you will see, his MIC also states that he was Killed Accidentally, however, this is not reflected in the casualty report for that day, which merely states 'one other rank killed'  

Alexander is buried in Redoubt Cemetery, Helles, and was entitled to the 1915 Star and the British War & Victory medals.

Notes:

1.     This information comes from the CWGC, which gives his Father?s address as 1 Charlemont Place (Bridge) Dublin, there is no mention of his Mother?s name.

2.     However, the War Diaries of the 1/4 & 1/5 both state that they lost one man on 21.11.15, while the CWGC records two casualties for 5 (1/5) and none for 1/4.   

Ian Chambers.

November, 2015.