Alexander, James Harold

Lance Corporal James Harold Alexander

was born at Listooder, Saintfield, Co. Down on 12th June 1886 to Thomas Alexander, Milling & Presbyterian Minister and Martha Alexander nee Godfrey. They had married on 19th July 1877 at May Street Presbyterian Church, Belfast.

In 1901 James (14) was living in house 31, Listooder, Kilmore with his parents and 3 siblings; Florence (8), Elsie (18) and William G (12).

The 'Belfast News-Letter' of 15th November 1902 reports in an advertisement for Skerries Academy, Royal Avenue, Belfast that James H Alexander passed his Belfast Banking Company entrance examination in July 1902.

J H Alexander - Examination Success

His Bankers Guarantee was signed by Samuel Alexander, Wellington Street, Ballymena and then James Alexander, Church Street, Ballymena.

J H Alexander, Bankers Guarantee Ledger page

He is recorded as working in Dungannon branch.

Belfast Banking Company, Dungannon branch

In 1911, James is living in house 15 Listooder with his parents and brother, William G. His occupation is recorded as a Bank Clerk. 

Around 1915 James volunteered and enlisted into the North Irish Horse with Service Number 1281. He transferred to the Tank Corps and was allocated Service Number 305502. He was later promoted to Lance Corporal. His first theatre of war is recorded as France from 2nd May 1915.

J H Alexander - Medal Index Card

James was awarded the 1915 Star, the British War Medal and the British Victory Medal.