Alexander, William 1916

Click to view William Alexander’s family tree

Born in 1895 younger brother of George, William was one of 6 siblings who lived in Brookside cottages, Barkham road with their parents Maryan and Thomas. William worked as a domestic gardener before the war and joined the local regiment the Royal Berkshires, he enlisted in Wokingham  into the 2nd battalion , we do not know when. The battalion were serving in India when war broke out and were returned to Europe in October 1914.

In November 1914 they went to France as part of the 8th division. William died in March 1916 whilst the 2nd battalion were serving near Lille. He is buried in Merville communal cemetery. Merville was a railhead and hospital site.

There is also a very good history of the 2nd Battalion here;