Charles Henry Alexander

When the war broke out Charles Henry Alexander had been on retired pay for more than five years, but on 10 October 1914 he was ‘dug out’ of retirement and charged with forming the artillery of 21st Division.

He accompanied this New Army formation to France in September, but was removed as artillery adviser on 6 October 1915 shortly after the division’s first, chaotic and costly baptism of fire at Loos. He was 59. He later commanded 6th Reserve Brigade Artillery, 69th (Home Service) Division.