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.
