Alexander Whitelaw was killed on this day in 1915.
Alexander was born 22 August 1880, Leith. He was the son of Alexander Whitelaw (a foreman carpenter with Messrs Currie & Co, of Leith) and Agnes Whitelaw (née Stonehouse)
Alex was educated Couper Street School, Leith. He enlisted 1902 served for three years with the Colours and nine years with the Reserve.
On 9 July 1908 Alexander had married Jane Jackson and they lived at 66 Coburg Street, Leith. They had two sons: Alexander, born September 1909 and Allan, born March 1913 and a daughter, Susan, born December 1910.
On mobilization he rejoined his Regiment 17 August 1914.
Alexander was shot through the head by a German sniper while helping to repair the trenches at Houplines on 30 Jan 1915.
He is buried in Houplines Communal Cemetery Extension.
Alexander's brother L/C James Whitelaw of the Royal Engineers was killed in action 1 July 1916.
9040 Pvt Alexander Whitelaw, 2nd Bn Durham Light Infantry. 30 January 1915
Sources: Du Ruvigny’s Roll of Honour, The Western Front Association Pension Ledgers & Cards digital archive on Fold3 by Ancestry, The Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Scotland Census Returns.