Alexander Mcdougal Westgarth

A Stoker 1st Class with H.M.S. Pembroke, Alexander died on 4th of September 1917 at the age of 32. 

Alexander was born at Newcastle-upon-Tyne on 28 June 1885, a son of James and Jane Westgarth. In 1891 his family lived at 12 Severn Terrace, Carlton Colville, and by 1901 at Worcester Terrace, Carlton Colville. 

Alexander was working as a stoker and fisherman when he joined the Royal Navy on 23 March 1909 as a Stoker 2nd Class. He joined to serve five years full-time and seven with the reserve. Alexander was discharged on 21 March 1914 and joined the Royal Fleet Reserve, number Ch.B./10487, on 22 March 1914. 

On 31 October 1915 Alexander married Mabel Mahala Liffen at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville. Alexander was a Stoker with the Royal Navy and they both gave their residence as Carlton Colville. By 1917 Mable was living at 25 Tonning Street and later she lived at 9 Riverside Road.

Alexander was called out for service on 7 August 1914, and he served with H.M.S. Dido, from 19 August to 31 October 1914; H.M.S. Fearless from 1 November to 27 November 1914; H.M.S. Hecla from 28 November 1914 to 19 April 1916; H.M.S. Faulknor, from 20 April 1916 to 31 December 1916, including service at the Battle of Jutland. He was drafted to H.M.S Attentive II on 1 January 1917 and served until 18 May 1917 when he was given 14 days detention, due to absence. He joined H.M.S. Pembroke on 2 June 1917.  

In September 1917 the Royal Naval Barracks at Chatham was full of ratings and overflow accommodation had to be found at the Drill Hall. On 3 September 1917 Alexander was at Chatham Barracks. That night five German Gotha bombers made a raid on the Medway towns, including Chatham. The Drill Hall took a direct hit and over 130 men were killed or wounded. Alexander was wounded and taken to the Royal Naval Hospital, Chatham, where he died of wounds on 4 September. Ninety-eight of the men were buried at Gillingham, and others, including Alexander, were buried closer to their homes.