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William Alexander (Canadian soldier)

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William Alexander
Born(1880-09-18)18 September 1880
Died18 October 1917(1917-10-18) (aged 37)
Cause of deathExecution by firing squad
Burial placeBarlin, France
50°27′24.358″N 2°37′1.099″E / 50.45676611°N 2.61697194°E / 50.45676611; 2.61697194
NationalityBritish
OccupationSoldier
Years active1914-1917

William Alexander (18 September 1880 – 18 October 1917) was a Canadian soldier who served with the 10th Battalion, CEF in France during the First World War. His execution by firing squad following a charge of desertion sparked controversy in Canada. He was one of 25 Canadian soldiers executed during the course of the First World War.

History

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Early life

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William Alexander was born in London, United Kingdom on 18 October 1880, but the early life of Alexander is very obscure. He served for 8 years in the King's Royal Rifle Corps before emigrating to Canada.[1]

References

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  1. ^ "Biography – ALEXANDER, WILLIAM – Volume XIV (1911–1920) – Dictionary of Canadian Biography".