To hear Alexander’s story read by Noel McKinnie; please press play on the audio file.
You can read his story in full and the stories of 71 of his comrades,
in a new 300 page book
SCONE REMEMBERS
OUR MEN FROM THE GREAT WAR 1914-1918
For details and how to get your copy, email [email protected] or use the comments box
Sergeant Alexander Hamilton Bruce 3006, 5th Pioneer Battalion, Australian Imperial Force (previously 10th Reinforcement, 7th Battalion)
Alexander Hamilton Bruce was born in Guildtown on 6th July 1882. His parents, James and Mary Bruce, married in Forteviot in 1877 and had nine children. The family lived in Guildtown and later in Abbey Road, Scone. Alexander was educated at Guildtown School. On leaving school he served his time as a plumber in his father’s building business. In 1910 he went to Australia, where he set up a business for himself as a builder. In July 1915 he enlisted in the Australian Forces and served first in Egypt, enduring all the vigour’s of the Eastern Front, but was later transferred to the Western Front. Sergeant Alexander Hamilton Bruce was killed in action near Longureval on 15th November 1916 and is buried in Longueval Military Cemetery. He was 34 years old. He was awarded posthumously the 14-15 Star, Victory and British War medals. Alexander’s father received the Australian document “Where the Australians Rest”.