Private Alexander Harvey

Private Alexander Harvey, 2nd Battalion, Gordon Highlanders. He was killed in action in France on 16th May 1915  during the Battle of Festubert, aged 23. He had been born in Norham, Northumberland and was the son of Andrew Harvey, Blackadder Mains, Edrom and Ayton Law, Ayton and is buried in Bethune Town Cemetery, Bethune, France. 2nd Gordons were part of the 7th Division which was a Regular Army Formation. He was a farm servant before enlisting in October 1914 and joined his Battalion in France in March 1915. The Battle opened on 15th May after a heavy artillery bombardment which failed to significantly damage the German defences. Some progress was made but Festubert was not captured until 25th May ( An advance of 2 miles costing over 16,000 casualties including the 7th Division’s 4,000 ). The photos show troops before and during the Battle.