Great War Dundee
This is Dundee's story of those that served in the First World War, and of the people left at home
We need you to tell us more about the life and times of Alexander Duncan
Alexander Duncan
Military Information
- Date of enlistment:
- Place of enlistment:
- Service no: Clyde Z/4333
- Rank: Able Seaman
- Service Occupation:
- Awards:
- Regiment/Service: Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve
- Unit/Ship: Hawke Battalion, R.N. Div
- Place of Death: France
- Age at Death: 22
- Date of Death: 13.11.1916
- Burial Country: France
- Cemetery: Thiepval Memorial
- Grave/Mem Ref no: Pier & Face 1A
Personal Information
- Date of Birth:
- Place of Birth:
- Address: 75b Strathmartine Rd, Dundee
- Occupation: Wallace Foundry, Dundee
- Mother:
Jane Duncan, 161 Strathmartine Rd, Dundee
- Father:
J. H. Duncan, 161 Strathmartine Rd, Dundee
- Siblings:
- Spouse:
- Children:
More about Alexander Duncan
Alexander has no known grave but is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial.
Alexander Duncan CZ/4333 Hawke Bn Royal Naval Division
WOUNDED AT THE DARDANELLES.
Another Dundee member of the Royal Naval Division has been wounded in the fighting against the Turks at the Dardanelles. In a letter to a friend in Dundee O.S. Alexander Duncan writes :___”While taking part in the advance on 6th May, I was bowled over by a Turkish bullet, which hit me in the right thigh, and I am at present in hospital in Alexandria. The wound is progressing favourably. We are having plenty to eat, drink and smoke, so we’re all happy.
“The landing at the Dardanelles proved a costly affair, but it was a magnificent piece of work on the part of our troops. Our Division has suffered pretty heavily. The Turks had their flying machines over our base dropping bombs on us, but luckily doing little damage. The warships are doing grand work. You should see the Queen Elizabeth shelling the Turkish positions, carrying all before her.”
O.S. Alexander Duncan, who is twenty-two years of age, was formerly employed at Wallace Foundry, Dundee, where he served his apprenticeship. He joined the Naval brigade shortly after the outbreak of war.
Dundee Courier 10th June 1915
Additional information and image kindly supplied by Michael Caldwell
Can you tell us more about Alexander Duncan'? Some additional facts, a small story handed down through the family or perhaps a picture or an heirloom you can share online. Contact our curator...