Alexander William Mackay, Royal Fusiliers

Captain, 26th Battalion (The Bankers), Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment). Died of wounds, aged 24, on 28 September 1917 at the Western Front.

The 26th Battalion (The Bankers) was formed in London on 17 July 1915 by the Lord Mayor and City of London. It was composed mainly of former bank clerks and accountants. In November 1915 it was attached to 124th Brigade, 41st Division and landed in France on 4 May 1916. It moved with the Division to Italy in November 1917 but returned to France in March 1918. He was promoted to Temporary 2nd Lieutenant on 30 September 1915 and arrived in France with the Battalion on 4 May 1916. On 2 August 1916 he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant. On 20 September 1917 the 26th Battalion took part in the Battle of Menin Road (20 - 25 September 1917), this being part of the Third Battle of Ypres (Passchendaele). The War Diary records that they attacked the Tower Hamlets Ridge with the 32nd Battalion of the Regiment. They lost their Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. G McNichol, early in the battle and suffered greatly from sustained machine gun fire. Having gained their objectives, the Battalion continued to hold the line for the next two days and were relieved on the 23 September. They then proceeded to billets at Borre, near Hazebrouck. Altogether the Battalion had suffered 363 casualties, including 23 Officers. The War Diary further records that on 28 September 1917, whilst still at their billets and having only recently received a new Commanding Officer - "8 pm hostile aircraft dropped 3 bombs, one just outside the Headquarters Mess. This exploded and the following casualties resulted. Lt. Col. R W Hammond (died of wounds); Captain and Adjutant A W Mackay (died of wounds); Major A Maxwell (wounded); Captain C E Jiggers (wounded); Captain W J Wilson, RAMC, and Lt. F Pyke (wounded but remained on duty); 2 Other Ranks killed and 1 wounded". Son of Mr. Simon B and Mrs Jessie MacKay, of Celtic House, 62 Market Street, Holyhead. Prior to joining the army he was articled to Messrs Morton-Pritchard and Jones, Solicitors, Holyhead. He was also a member of the Liberal (Reform) Club, Holyhead. His parents arrived at Holyhead shortly after their marriage in 1890 and in 1891 were resident at 3 Mountain View, Holyhead, when his father was employed as a Tailor and his mother was a School Mistress. In 1901 the family lived at 77 Market Street, Holyhead. His father came from Clyne, Sutherland, Scotland. His mother originated from Olrig, Caethnest, Scotland. At this time his father owned a tailoring business and they probably lived above the shop. His siblings included Angus (5), Sheila Elizabeth (2) and Dugald Llewelyn (8 months). In 1911 they lived at the same address. However, Alexander was not resident at this time. There was an additional sibling, Robert Ian Mackay (8). (Dugald had died in 1905, aged 5). Another brother, Ronald Sinclair R Mackay had died within a year of his birth in 1900. The Mackay Tailor's Shop moved later to Celtic House, 62 Market Street, Holyhead and was still in business as Mackay and Sons into the 1970's.

His younger brother, Angus Mackay, also of the Royal Fusiliers, died of wounds on 10 May 1918.

Awarded the Military Cross, Victory Medal and British War Medal. (His MC was sold at auction in 2011).

His citation for the Military Cross - "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Although twice knocked down by shell fire, he continued to urge on the rear waves of an attack, and by his disregard of danger prevented many from advancing on a wrong line. He showed gallantry, coolness and determination of a high order throughout the action".

Buried in Zuydcoote Military Cemetery, France. Grave location I.D.22.

He and his brother are also remembered on the Roll of Honour and Memorial Plaque at the English Presbyterian Chapel, Newry Street, Holyhead.