Private Alexander Kennaway

Private Alexander Kennaway, 2nd Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. He was killed in action in Belgium, aged 35, on the 21st October 1914 during the Battle of First Ypres. He had been born in Galashiels in 1879 and was the son of William and Wilhelmina Kennaway . He was the husband of Sarah Kennaway ( nee Murray ) of 37 Chapel Street, Selkirk and is commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial. He had been a Regular Soldier and as a Reservist he had been recalled to the Colours on the outbreak of War. The 21st October saw the start of the final great German offensive in Belgium to try and break through to the Channel ,ports and saw intense fighting all along the line. 2nd Argylls were part of the 6th Division in 111 Corps and whilst inflicting heavy casualties on the Germans were pushed back forcing them to leave wounded behind. Initially it was thought Private Kennaway was wounded and a prisoner but sadly this was not to be the case. The photos show troops during the Battle.