Alexander May
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
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He was the son of Frank and Sarah May and the brother of Frank, Ellen, Sarah, Thomas and Samuel May. In 1891, the family lived on Barque Street, Barrow in Furness, Lancashire. By 1901, apart from Frank junior, they had moved to 34, Roseleigh Street, Clifton, Antrim, Ireland. They emigrated to Australia in 1911, when Alexander was 25, probably to join Frank junior. They lived at 55, Brown Street, Sydney, New South Wales along with Frank junior and his wife. Returning to England, Frank senior and Sarah May lived at 192, Curzon Street, Netherfield.
30th Bn Alexander May enlisted 11/7/1915. His unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A72 Beltana on 9th November 1915. He was killed in action during the Third Battle of Ypres. The Battle of Polygon Wood took place from 26 September to 3 October 1917 during the second phase of the Third Battle of Ypres. The battle was fought in the area from the Menin road to Polygon Wood and thence north to the area beyond St Julien. Much of the woodland had been destroyed by huge quantities of shellfire from both sides since 16 July and the area had changed hands several times. 1,798 Australians lost their lives during the Battle of Polygon Wood (CWGC Debt of Honour Register). Alexander May was awarded an MM for actions during this phase of the Third Ypres battle: 'East of YPRES at POLYGON WOOD on the morning of 28th September a counter-attack was made on our right front. Telephonic communications both forward and laterally were interrupted. This man acted a runner and showed the greatest coolness and courage. He kept me continually in touch with the front line and the Battalion on our flank, moving through the hostile barrage with utter disregard for his own personal safety. When daylight came he continued to carry on although exposed to enemy's view, and kept me in constant communication. During the whole operation he was always one of the first to volunteer for any dangerous mission, and his devotion to duty set a very fine example and is worthy of special recognition.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 31 Date: 7 March 1918 (via AIF project) May was killed during the First Battle of Passchendaele. The British attack on 12th October began 2,000–2,500 yards from the village. The main attack of the Second Army was by the two Anzac Corps, supported by the Fifth Army to the north. On Passchendaele Ridge, opposite the I Anzac and II Anzac Corps, the attack was repulsed. Captured ground was recovered by German counter-attacks. The attack on the right flank of Fifth Army was a costly failure. However, on the left the fringe of Houthoulst Forest, ground was gained. British attacks were postponed until the weather improved and communications behind the front were restored. 858 Australians (including May) were killed near Passchendaele on October 12th 1917 (CWGC). The battle was a German defensive success but was mutually costly and two German divisions were diverted to Flanders to replace 'extraordinarily high' losses.
Dochy Farm New British Cemetery, Grave Reference: III B16 Alexander's brother, Company Sergeant Major Frank May (945), a horse driver, was killed aged 34 at Bullecourt 15/4/1917. Another brother, Private Samuel May (2931), also served with the AIF and seems to have survived the war. (AIF project) Research by David Nunn
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