Private William Thomas Edward Alexander was the son of Edith Alexander, of Highworth, and grandson of Mrs E J Alexander, also of Highworth. He originally enlisted with the Wiltshire Regiment, before transferring to Airborne service. He became part of C Coy, 156 Parachute Battalion and served in North Africa and Italy.
He returned to the UK as 1st Airborne Division returned from the Mediterranean in early 1944 to prepare for the invasion of North-West Europe. After several aborted operations, Private Alexander took part in the Battle of Arnhem, during Op Market Garden.
Private Alexander was badly injured during the Battle and became a Prisoner of War held at Stalag IVB. After the liberation of the POW camp, he was subsequently transported back to the UK, but died of his wounds on 3 July 1945, aged 23 years old. He is now buried at Highworth Cemetery, Wiltshire.
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Profile photo supplied by Phil JennettArmy Roll of Honour: World War II supplied by Naval and Military Press Ltd
- Name
- William T E Alexander
- Rank
- Private
- Service Number
- 5184730
- Regiment
- Parachute Regt (not otherwise specified)
- Date of Death
- 3/7/45
- Theatre of War
- United Kingdom
