Private Alexander Smith

Private Alexander Jackson Smith, 1st Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers. He was killed in action in France on 3rd May 1917 during the Battle of Arras. He was the son of Mr J. and Mrs M. Smith of 65 West End, Tweedmouth and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, Arras, France. In his youth he had been a keen boy scout. His  brother Walter had been earlier killed at the Battle of Loos ( see above ). He fell in a failed attack on German trenches east of the village of Monchy-le-Preux. 2 Officers and 43 Other Ranks were killed and 6 Officers and 133 Other Ranks were wounded. In addition 1 Officer and 34 Other Ranks were reported missing. Failure was attributed to operating in the dark and the lack of surprise. The photos show British troops during the Battle.