Private Alexander Laurie
31st Battalion, Canadian Infantry
Died 6 June 1916
31st Battalion, Canadian Infantry
Died 6 June 1916
Private 446910 Alexander Laurie served with the 31st Battalion, Canadian Infantry. He was born on 9th October 1891 at East Drummodie, Glasserton, the son of Alexander Laurie, a farmer, and Margaret Laurie, nee McWilliam. At the time of his death his mother lived at 13 South Main Street, Wigtown. Alexander emigrated to Canada some time before the war. He enlisted on 14 May 1915 at the age of 22 years 7 months. His battalion sailed for France on the RMS Carpathia on 17 May. By October they were on the front line at Ypres but did not suffer significant casualties until April 1916 but thereafter suffered great losses.
Alexander Laurie fell in action on 6th June 1916, possibly at the Battle of Mount Sorrel where the Canadians were heavily involved. One of his comrades wrote to Mrs Laurie:On behalf of the boys in my platoon, I would like to extend to you our sincere sympathy on the death of Alex. We joined this battalion at the same time, and since that have been the greatest of friends, and I, in particular, feel his loss keenly. Alex was one of the most popular boys in the Company, and one in whom his superiors placed more than usual confidence. He was killed during an exceptionally heavy bombardment, by shrapnel and concussion from a high explosive shell, and, for his sake, I am glad to say that death was instantaneous. Owing to the number of casualties, I am unable to give you any information as to where he was buried, but you will be advised of this later, at which time you should receive his personal effects, as they have been turned over to our Paymaster. If I can be of any service to you, please do not hesitate to ask for any further information that may be in my power to give.
Alexander Laurie’s body was not fund and he is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial at Ypres which bears the names of more than 54,000 officers and men whose graves are not known.