Alexander Merson
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Alexander was born in 1882 in Huntley Aberdeenshire and was the son of William a watchmaker and Elsie Merson, who lived at 282 Denman Street, Nottingham. His father William was born in 1837 Huntley, Aberdeen, his mother Elsie was born in 1853 at Portsoy, Banffshire, according to the 1911 census they had been married 37 yrs and had 5 children , all their children were born in Huntley, Aberdeen and were William J b1876, Edward b1878 Eliza J b1880, Alexander C b1882 and James b1890. The family lived most of their lives in Huntley and appear to have moved to Nottingham prior to the 1911 census in which they are shown living at 282 Denman Street, Nottingham. head of the family is William 74 yrs a retired watchmaker, he is living with his wife Elsie 58 yrs and two of their children , Edward 33 yrs a watchmaker and jeweller and James 21 yrs a watchmaker. In the same census Alexander can be found serving in the Army, he is shown as a Private 28 yrs with the 1st battalion Scots Guards, at this date the battalion is serving in Egypt
Private Alexander Merson, enlisted in Caithness ,upon enlistment into the Army, he stated he had been born in Wick, Aberdeen and was residing in Huntley, Aberdeen. he was serving with the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards at the outbreak of the war and landed in France on 13th August 1914. He was reported missing, later confirmed killed in action on 18th December 1914. He has no known grave, his name is commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial, Belgium.
His brother James Merson served in the 7th Battalion Sherwood Foresters , he enlisted in Nottingham on 22nd September 1914, his age was 25 yrs and 5 months of age, his father was William Merson of 282 Denman Street, Nottingham. He served until 9th November 1914 when he was discharged under Kings Regulation 392 (III) (details from James Merson pension record)
