Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Col. Sir Alexander MacCormick, M.D., F.R.C.S., (Aust. Army Medical Corps), and Lady A. F. H. MacCormick, of "Kilmory," Woollahra Point, Edgecliff, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

SON OF COLONEL SIR ALEXANDER MAC CORMICK SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

Born in Sydney Australia 23 July 1897 he was educated at Prepatory School there and at Fettes, College Edinburgh; was the Second XV of his college (1914-15) and also in the Shooting VIII (1913-15) and captain during his last year; held the rank of Corporal in the O.T.C. there; left College in July 1915, gazetted 2nd Lieutenant on 30 July 1915 and went to France 06 July 1916.  He was killed in action only three months later while leading a raid on enemy trenches at Loos on 10 October 1916 and was buried in the Philosophe British Cemetery, Mazingarbe.

The Colonel Commanding wrote to this father:

"His death occurred in a raid by our battalion on the German trenches opposite, on the night of 10 October.  He led the attack with the greatest of gallantry and determination, although the task was plainly so dangerous, and received a bullet wound in the head just as he was entering the German trench.  His very last action had been to turn round and cheer his men on, who were following close behind him."

His Comany Commander also: "Your son was carrying out definite orders with spendid heroism.  He knew very well the risk involved, and he did not hesitate an instant.  He carried out his task magnificently, giving his men a grand lead, so that the performance of his and their duties was in full keeping with the traditions of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.  His last words were an effort to cheer his men on.  His men were devoted to him.  If it had been otherwise he could never have been brought in, but the men would not go away leaving him on the field, and brought him off in spine of everything.  I think it is something to be loved like that."