Alexander received his medical education at Aberdeen University, qualifying M.B. in 1899. He then took a diploma in public health (D.P.H.) in 1901. He joined the Medical Services, at the rank of Lieutenant, on 31st July 1905, then served in Bermuda from 1906 to 1910, during which time he gained promotion to Captain on 31st January 1909. Alexander was serving in Longmoor when war was declared. He embarked for France on 12th August 1914 as the Regimental Medical Officer for the 1st Bn Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment). On 31st October 1914 he was taken captive by the Germans at Ypres, then by the 23rd November was taken to the Gutersich prisoner of war camp in Germany. In June 1915 he was repatriated back to the UK. On 16th September 1915 he served under the rank of temporary Major, then gained promotion to the rank of Major on 15th October 1915. He returned to France in September 1915, serving there until March 1917. In 1915 to 1917 he served as Commanding Officer to the 74th Field Ambulance. From 15th October 1915 to 29th April 1917 he was serving under the rank of temporary Lieutenant Colonel, and from 21st June to 5th September 1919 under the rank of acting Lieutenant Colonel. From March to September 1919 he was stationed in Germany, then went onto the Black Sea from 1920 to 1921. From 1921 to 1924 he was stationed in Gibraltar. He gained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel on 18th May 1929. He retired with pay on 14th August 1933. Alexander died at Aberdeen. He was the son of Alexander M.R.