Alexander Whitelaw was killed in action on this day in 1915
Alexander was born on 22 August 1880 in 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 at Couper Street School, Leith. In 1902, he enlisted with the Durham Light Infantry and served for three years with the Colours and nine years with the Reserve.
On 9 July 1908, Alexander 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 the 2nd Battalion of his Regiment on 17 August 1914.
He 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.
On 01 July 1916, Alexander's brother L/C James Whitelaw of the Royal Engineers was killed in action.
9040 Pte Alexander Whitelaw, 2nd Bn Durham Light Infantry