Alexander Dempsey was the son of William Dempsey. Alexander was born in Glasgow in 1881. Alexander served eight years with the King’s Own Scottish Borders. He emigrated to Canada. Private Alexander Dempsey was serving with the 18th Battalion of the Canadian Infantry when he died in Canada before his unit left for overseas. He died of spinal meningitis in Victoria Hospital, in London, Ontario. The CWGC record Private Alexander Dempsey as the son of William Dempsey of Calerion Street, Kilrea, Co. Derry, Ireland, although there is no evidence to suggest Alexander ever lived in Kilrea.
Further Information
Alexander Dempsey was the son of William Dempsey. Alexander was born in
Glasgow on 6th February 1881.
Alexander served eight years with the King’s Own Scottish Borders.
Alexander Dempsey emigrated to Canada.
Prior to enlisting, he was working as a labourer.
Alexander Dempsey enlisted on 28th October 1914 in Windsor, Ontario with the Canadian Expeditionary Forces. He gave his next of kin as his sister, Mrs E Gow, who was living at 32 Mansion Street, Possil Park, Glasgow.
Private Alexander Dempsey was serving with the 18th Battalion of the Canadian Infantry when he died in Canada before his unit left for overseas. He died of spinal meningitis in Victoria Hospital, in London, Ontario.
From the Montreal Gazette dated 26th March 1915: Meningitis at London, Ontario
Spinal meningitis claimed its first victim among the troops in training here this afternoon when Private Alexander Dempsey, of A Company, 18th Battalion, succumbed to the dreaded disease at Victoria Hospital. Dempsey enlisted at Windsor. Every precaution is being taken to prevent the spread of the disease.
Private Dempsey is buried in St Peter’s Roman Catholic Cemetery in London, Ontario, Canada.
The CWGC record Private Alexander Dempsey as the son of William Dempsey of Calerion Street, Kilrea, Co. Derry, Ireland.
There is no evidence to suggest Alexander ever lived in Kilrea.
