Colonel Alexander
Remembrance - The Yorkshire Regiment, First World War
Colonel Walter Lorenzo ALEXANDER

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Colonel Alexander

For a larger sized image, click on the thumbnail image. Close the window that opens to return to this page. (Photo is from that of 2nd Battalion Officers, 1914)

Colonel Walter Lorenzo ALEXANDER

Born at Rathmindon, Co. Carlow, 8th September, 1872. Youngest son of George and Susan Alexander, of Erindale, Co. Carlow; husband of Mrs. A. M. Alexander, of The Thatched Cottage, Northiam, Sussex.
2nd Lieut, 18th May, 1892; Lieut., 28th July, 1896; Capt 29th December, 1900 ; Major, 4th February, 1908 ; Lieut.-CoL, 29th September, 1914.
Served in the Tirah Expedition of 1897-98, and was present at the capture of the Sampagha and Arhanga Passes, the capture of Bagh, the Dwatoi reconnaissance, the reconnaissance of the Saran Sar and engagements of 11th November, and at Shinkamar on 20th January, 1898. Also in the operations against the Khani Khel Chamkanis and in the Bazar Valley (medal and 2 clasps). Awarded King Edward's Delhi Coronation medal, 1903.
Proceeded to Zeebrugge in October, 1914, with 2nd Battn. and took part in the fighting at Ypres (wounded at Gheluvelt). Returned to the front in December and commanded the battalion at the battle of Neuve Chapelle, 12th March, 1915.
Killed by a shell at Festubert, 14th May, 1915. Buried at Le Touret.
"The battalion has suffered an irreparable loss in the death of Lieut.-Col. W. L. Alexander, who was killed instantaneously by a shell while inspecting the trenches held by part of the battalion. It seems but yesterday that we were congratulating him and ourselves on his appointment to the command. No one could have wished to serve under a better commanding officer, whose first thought was for the Regiment and his last for himself. All ranks loved, respected and honoured him."—G.H.G.

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