Category: Military
Rank: Sergeant Interpreter
Regiment or Ship: 24th Recruitment Distribution Battn. Training Reserves
Service Number(s): TR/10/192371
Occupation: Chiropodist
Date of Birth: 1876
Place of Birth: Russia
Date of Death: 1933
Address: 37 Sackville Road, Bexhill on Sea
Photos and newspaper articles
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First World War Experience
Luis enlisted on 17th April 1918 “after having attained the age of 40”. He was 5’ 7¼“ tall, with a chest measurement of 38” (expanded by 2”), and weighed 161lbs. He had dark brown hair, a sallow complexion, good physical development, with a 6/60 vision of the right eye, 6/36 of the left. He was single and a Russian Jew. His enlistment form states – “States is suffering enlarged liver, gall stones, chronic bronchitis, ?? of the stomach, and arterios-sclerosis from Syphilis.” He gave his next of kin as Dayad Alexander.
A letter from Buenos Aries dated February 6th 1917 reads:
“Dear Sir. – The bearer is Mr. Luis Alexander, who goes home on his own account to offer his services to the R.A.M.C. or some other similar department, being physically unfit for active service.
He claims to have a knowledge of surgery and chiropody, and has been practising in that capacity here.
His two brothers, Max Alexander and Jack Alexander, are already serving in France, and Mr. Luis Alexander saw service in the South African war with the Army Medical Corps; he has belonged to the Roughriders in the USA.
If you can be of assistance towards helping Mr. Alexander to get into a Corps which he desires, we shall be grateful.”
Another letter from the Standard Bank of South Africa Limited to the War Office dated 30th October 1933 reads:
“Luis Alexander deceased
In connection with the Income Tax Affairs of Madame Helena Alexander, widow of the above-named deceased, we have been advised that the deceased served with the British Forces during the Great War 1914-1918 as Sergeant Interpreter to the 24th R. D. B. Training Reserves.
We shall be obliged if you will kindly confirm this.”