Alexander HARPER

Main CPGW Record

Surname: HARPER

Forename(s): Alexander

Place of Birth: Wick, Caithness, Scotland

Service No: 16143

Rank: Private

Regiment / Corps / Service: Machine Gun Corps (Infantry)

Battalion / Unit: 'B' Coy 38th Battalion

Division: 38th (Welsh) Division

Age: 21

Date of Death: 1918-08-24

Awards: ---

CWGC Grave / Memorial Reference: V. C. 2.

CWGC Cemetery: OVILLERS MILITARY CEMETERY

CWGC Memorial: ---

Non-CWGC Burial: ---

Local War Memorial(s): Not Listed (View Names Not Listed on a Local War Memorial)

Additional Information:

Alexander Harper was the son of Alexander and ( - ) Harper, of Willow Bank, Wick, Caithness, Scotland.

A wreath laid at the temporary shrine at the top of Skipton High Street read: In loving memory of Lance-Corporal Alex Harper, M.G.C., killed in action August 24th, 1918, from his pal Arthur, M.G.C., Grantham, and all at 21 Brook Street. ('Craven Herald' 8 August 1919).

British Army WW1 Medal Rolls Index Cards: Pte Alexander Harper, S/5209, Sea. Highrs; 16143, M.G.C. Theatre of War first served in: 1 [France]. Date of entry therein: 18.2.15.

British Army WW1 Medal and Award Rolls: Pte A/L/Cpl Alexander Harper, S/5209, Sea. Hrs.; 16143, M.G.C. K. in A. 24.8.18.

Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects: A/L/Cpl Alexander Harper, 16143, 38th Btn M.G.C. Date and Place of Death: 24.8.18. K. in A. France or Belgium. To whom Authorised/Amount Authorised: Sister - Mrs. Marjorie C. Burgess. £40 5s. 0d.

UK, WW1 Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923: card(s) for Alexander not found.

Early in 1918 Machine Gun Battalions were formed. This was done by bringing 4 Machine Gun Companies together to form a battalion. The battalion then took the number of their Division.

Alexander is commemorated in the Rolls of Honour at the Scottish National War Memorial, Edinburgh and on the Wick War Memorial.

Data Source: Craven Herald Article

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Entry in West Yorkshire Pioneer Illustrated War Record: ---

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