Duncan Cenotaph – Charles Hoey Park
As part of our project to document the names on Duncan’s Cenotaph in Charles Hoey Park on Canada Avenue, here is what we know about David Arthur Henry Alexander, who died in France on 23 May 1915:
“David Alexander, King Edward’s Horse
A letter received last week end by Mr. and Mrs. D. Alexander, Oak Bank, Duncan, conveyed the sad news that their only son, Trooper David A.H. Alexander, had been killed in action in France, between the 24th and 28th of May last.
David Alexander, better known as “Davie”, left Duncan on November 12th last and went to England to enlist. Unfortunately, upon arrival there he was laid up with sciatica, but on January 21st he joined the 2nd King Edward’s Horse in London.
The regiment was brigaded with the Canadian Cavalry Brigade under General Seeley and the whole was sent to France in May as an infantry unit. They have since taken their share in the severe trench fighting.
David Alexander was born and educated here and, prior to leaving for England, managed his father’s large farm at Oak Bank. He was an excellent sportsman and an athlete, known to a wide circle with whom he was very popular. He was 30 years of age and a member of the local lodge of the A.O.F.
He will be greatly missed in Cowichan. The deepest sympathy of the public is extended to his parents in the loss of their only son. They are among those of the earliest pioneers who remain in Duncan……”
(source: Cowichan Leader, 31 May 1915, from Cowichan Valley Museum & Archives collections)
Commonwealth War Graves Commission Information
David Arthur Henry Alexander; Rank: Private; Service Number: 1400; Date of Death: 23 May 1915; 2nd King Edward’s Horse; Grave: Guards Cemetery, Windy Corner, Cuinchy, France
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