Alexander Boyd (1884-1916)
Hartlepool man served in 13th and 14th DLI injured at the Somme
Alexander Boyd was born in Whitby, Yorkshire in 1884, the son of Ann and Alexander Boyd. He was one of nine siblings, with two brothers and six sisters. By the time the 1901 census was taken, 16-year-old Alexander was working as an apprentice shipbuilder. He enlisted on 7 September 1914 and became Private 17197 of the 13th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry (DLI).
Private Boyd was to spend some time in England before being transferred with his battalion to France. While there he was involved in the early days of the Battle of the Somme where he was injured. Alexander was admitted to the No 34 Casualty Clearing Station with a gunshot wound to his back on 11 July 1916. That same day he was evacuated to hospital in Etaples by the No. 22 Ambulance Train. It seems he recovered quickly, as Alexander was not returned to Britain for a period of recuperation. Instead he remained in hospital for a few weeks before returning to duty.
Just over a month after his injury on 24 August 1916, Alexander was posted to the 14th Battalion of the DLI with him joining them the following day. Just one day later on the 26 August 1916 Alexander was severely wounded after a shell explosion. He was found to have multiple shell wounds, and gunshot wounds to the back, neck, and left hand.
He was transferred to the No. 1 General Hospital in Etretat, and it was here that he died of his injuries on 9 September 1916. He is buried in the Etretat Churchyard where the inscription on his grave stone reads:
“For God, Home & Country”
Civil Parish: West Hartlepool
Birth date: 1884
Death date: 9-Sep-1916
Armed force/civilian: Army
Residence: 29 Hart Road, Hartlepool (1901 census)
30 St Oswald’s Terrace, West Hartlepool (service record)
Religion: Church of England
Employment: Shipbuilders Apprentice (1901 Census)
Builder’s Labourer (enlistment papers)
Family: Parents: Ann Boyd, Alexander Boyd
Siblings: Annie Boyd, Arthur Boyd, Janet Boyd, Charles William, Florence, Sarah, Kate, Ethel May
Military service:
Private 17197
13th Battalion Durham Light Infantry
14th Battalion Durham Light Infantry
Medal(s): 1914-15 Star
British War Medal
Victory Medal
Gender: Male
Contributed by Gemma, Durham University Intern
