VC Action: Major General Ernest Wright Alexander VC, CB, CMG (2 October 1870- 25 August 1934) was 43 years old, and a major in the 119th Bty, Royal Field Artillery, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On August 24 1914 at Elouges, Belgium during the retreat from Mons the dismounted men were gradually withdrawn. During the course of one of these withdrawals, the flank guard was attacked by a German corps. Captain Francis Grenfell, 9th Lancers, noticed Major Alexander, of the 119th Battery, in difficulties with regard to the withdrawal of his guns. All his horses had been killed, and almost every man in the detachment was either killed or wounded. Captain Grenfell offered assistance, which was gladly accepted, and presently he returned with eleven officers of his regiment, and some forty men. The ground was very heavy but Major Alexander handled his battery against overwhelming odds with such conspicuous success that all his guns were saved, notwithstanding that they had to be withdrawn by hand under a ceaseless fire. This enabled the retirement of the 5th Division to be carried out without serious loss. Subsequently Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander (then Major) rescued a wounded man under a heavy fire with the greatest gallantry and devotion to duty.

Major Alexander was mentioned in despatches nine times during the war; created a C.M.G. in June 1915; received the Military Order of Savoy (Cavalier) in September 1918; was created a C.B. in January 1919; received the French Croix de Guerre in August 1919; and was created Grand Officer of the Military Order of Avis on 21 August 1919.

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