Portsoy remembers Alexander Chalmers

On 11th April we remember the loss of Alexander Chalmers, Pte S/19615 7th Bn Gordon Highlanders.  Alexander was born at Rosehall, Portsoy on 09.10.1898, the illegitimate child of Mary Jane Chalmers who died on 26.10.1898 - less than 3 weeks after Alexander’s birth.  He was raised by his maternal grandparents, Mr & Mrs Alexander Chalmers who lived at 28 Schoolhendry Street in Portsoy.  His uncle, John Farquharson, was to become a war casualty later in the year.

Alexander was 19 years of age when he died of wounds received in action.  His grave is marked by a stone at Lillers Communal Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France and he is also commemorated on the family gravestone in Portsoy, as well as the town war memorial.