Alexander was educated at Hariot's School, Edinburgh, and on leaving became an apprentice as an Engineer with Messrs McTaggart and Scott. He joined the R.A.M.C. on 31st August 1914, then entered the war in France on 23rd July 1915. Alexander was wounded during the Battle of the Somme in September 1916. He was killed east of the Ypres-Menin Road, near Hooge. He was buried where he fell. Lt/Col E J Kavanagh wrote: "I liked him very much indeed, and often had long talks with him about his work in private life and his hope for the future; when I say I liked him I do so sincerely, and not with any object of saying pleasant things to you. He was killed instantaneously by a shell; he and three others went out together to lift a stretcher, when a shell burst on the top of them, killing your son and one of the other men, badly wounding the third, and bruising the fourth..... He was an excellent lad, hard-working, well liked by all the unit, and always gave a fine example of good work and cheerfully done." Alexander was the youngest son of William (a Road Surveyor) and Margaret (daughter of Alexander Cameron of Aberfeldy, co. Perth) Ellacott of Cameron Villa, Maryfield Place, Bonnyrigg, Midlothian. (341053 Pte William Martindale R.A.M.C. also died that day serving with the 63rd (2/2nd West Lancashire) Field Ambulance]