Additions will be checked before being published on the website and where possible will be forwarded to the person who submitted the original entries. Your contact details will not be forwarded, but they can send a reply via this messaging system.
please scroll down to send a message
Cpl. Alexander MacLachlan
New Zealand Expeditionary Force 1st Btn. 3rd New Zealand Rifle Brigade
from:New Zealand
(d.4th November 1918)
Alexander MacLachlan was killed in action on 4th November 1918, aged 28. Buried in the Romeries Communal Cemetery Extension in France, he was the son of Emily Keighley (formerly MacLachlan), of Alston Hall Villa, Grimsargh, Preston, England, and the late John MacLachlan.
He emigrated to New Zealand some years before the War and was prevented from enlisting by a work agreement, he joined up in May 1915. On Christmas Day 1915 he was in action against Turkish-led Arabs in Egypt. Took part in the Somme offensive in France in 1916 and went over the top when tanks were first used. June 1917 was hit by shrapnel at Battle of Messines and returned to England and revisited the College. He was killed in almost the last offensive of the War. His officer wrote in a letter, “(He) was the most popular and capable NCO in “A†Company. I had reason to bless his cheerful disposition.†Originally buried “…in a little triangular copse alongside the railway line just south of Le Quesnoy…†(Officer’s letter.)
