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Private Robert John Alexander

 

Robert John Alexander was born on 4 March 1891 at Lisnagunagh, Ballycastle, County Antrim, the third of thirteen children of farmer Matthew Alexander and his wife Martha (née Mitchell). By the time of the 1911 Census he was living on the family farm at The Feigh, Dunseverick, with his parents and ten surviving siblings.

Alexander enlisted in the North Irish Horse between 14 November and 10 December 1917 (No.2754 – later Corps of Hussars No.72008), training at the regiment's reserve depot at Antrim. On 13 June 1918 the Ballymoney Free Press reported:

There have been in town during the week men of different arms of the service – all fine looking young soldiers – including Privates Robert Alexander, Ernest Cochrane, William Stewart, and William Glass, N.I.H., who having proved their efficiency in training are under orders for the front.

Alexander did not see overseas service, and was probably demobilised in 1919.

He died at Feigh on 28 December 1924 at the age of 33 and was buried in the Dunseverick churchyard.

 

At least one of Alexander's brothers, Joseph, also served in the war.