MEEK, Alexander

Alexander was one of nine known children born to James and Elizabeth Meek of Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire, Scotland.  He is believed to have had some military training prior to coming to Australia about 1910.  Alexander was a member of the Inverell Pipe Band before he enlisted in January 1916. At this time he stated he was thirty years of age, married and working as a Stationhand at Elsmore.  Alexander joined other district men to form the Second Contingent of The Kurrajongs who left Inverell together on 29 February 1916 for the Narrabri and Armidale camps.

As a member of the 33rd Battalion, 2nd Reinforcement, he was promoted to Acting Sergeant at Armidale.  His Battalion left Australia on HMAT A15 Port Sydney and after arrival in England training was undertaken at Salisbury Plain.  He attended a Lewis Gun and Rifle Course at Tidsworth where he obtained 1st class qualifications and was again promoted.  He went to France on 2 October 1917. His War was short as he went to the Front line four days later and was Killed in Action on 16th October.

Corporal Alexander Meek was buried at Ypres Town Cemetery, Belgium. His wife, Ruby, whom he married in 1913, was sent his few remaining personal effects which included wallet, pouch, Prayer book, Fountain pen and photos. 

At Inverell Alexander Meek has his name inscribed on the town’s Cenotaph and Honor Roll. He was also one of the 215 men for whom a memorial tree was planted in Kurrajong Parade  in 1919.