260214 Private
1/5th Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders, 152nd Infantry Brigade, 51st (Highland) Division
Age: 35
Date of Death: 24.9.17
Buried: Cement House Cemetery III.B.8
Family History: Fourth son of William and Agnes Graham, Elder Place, Tryst Road, Stenhousemuir. He was employed by James Jones and Sons Ltd, Larbert Sawmill, Larbert before he enlisted in the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders later transferring to the Seaforth Highlanders.
Before the war, Alick was a prominent member of the Stenhousemuir Cricket Club for 20 years he was one of the best all rounders in Scotland. Being equally good with the bat as well as bowling. He headed his Clubs batting average three out of seven seasons. Two of his other brothers also played for the Club and they were the best known family triumvirate in Scottish cricket.
The action leading to his death
On the 20 September the Battalion HQ and ’A’ and ’B’ companies moved from the Canal Bank to Cane Trench, which was in the old German support trenches, and relieved two Companies of Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders who had moved up in support of 154th Brigade. The Battalion then came under the orders of the 154th Brigade and the Transport Lines moved from Steenje Mill to Chateau Des Trois Tours.
(Linesman Map showing front line at 18 September 1917)
On the night of the 20/21 September ‘A’ and ‘B’ Companies moved up to Pheasant Trench in support of 154th Brigade and ‘C’ and ‘D’ Companies moved from the Canal Bank to Cane Trench. On the night of the 21/22 September the Battalion relieved the 4th Gordons and 4th Seaforth Highlanders in the line with ‘B’, ‘C’ and ‘A’ Companies in the front line, ‘B’ on the right and ‘A’ on the left. ‘D’ Company were in support near Pheasant Trench with Battalion HQ located at Snipe House. On the 23 September the Battalion positions were subjected to heavy German shelling with the War Diary reporting ‘a few casualties’. They were relieved on the 24 September and moved to Siege Camp.
Medals Awarded
The British War Medal, Victory Medal.
