George Alexander

George Alexander was born in Alton, Hampshire, in 1885, the son of William Alexander and Ellen Stevens, who had married in Alton in 1870.

1891 Census

At the time of the 1891 Census, the Alexander family was living at Wilson, Alton. George's father, William, aged 43 and also born in Alton, was employed as a lime burner, while his wife, Ellen, was aged 48.

Their children recorded at home included Frederick, aged 17, who worked as a farm carter; Frank, aged nine; Ellen, aged 11; George, aged seven; and Charles, aged six, all of whom were attending school. The youngest child was Mary, aged one.

1901 Census

By the time of the 1901 Census, the family had moved to 4 Wey View, Alton. William, now aged 53, was employed as a general carter, while Ellen was 58.

Their children still living at home included Frank, aged 18, who worked as a brick labourer; George, aged 16, and Charles, aged 14, who were both employed as newspaper boys; and Ellen, aged 11, who was still attending school. Also staying with the family was a visitor, James Stanley, aged 21, who worked as a brickworks labourer.

In 1910, George married Minnie Chant at Guildford, Surrey.

1911 Census

The following year, the 1911 Census recorded the couple living at 17 Pannells Terrace, Chertsey Street, Guildford. George, aged 24, was employed as a carter, while Minnie was aged 22.

During the First World War, George enlisted in the British Army at Guildford, Surrey, and went on to serve with the 14th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. His military service eventually took him to the Western Front in France.

George was seriously wounded during the fighting and was taken to the 3rd Canadian Stationary Hospital at Doullens. Despite the efforts of the medical staff, he died from his injuries on 23 April 1918, aged about 33.

George Alexander
Doullens Communal Cemetery Extension No. 1
Somme, France
credit - findagrave

His death came during a particularly difficult period on the Western Front, when the German Spring Offensive of 1918 was placing enormous pressure on the Allied armies.

Private George Alexander is buried in Doullens Communal Cemetery Extension No. 1, Somme, France.

George had travelled a long way from his childhood home in Alton. Before the war, he had established a home with Minnie in Guildford, the town in which he later enlisted for military service. His life was cut short by the First World War, and his grave at Doullens remains a lasting memorial to his service and sacrifice.