Alexander Cragghill
Biography
Alexander born in early 1899 was the youngest of seven children, six boys and one girl. His parents were William and Catherine Cragghill of 19 Helmside, Oxenholme. William was 48 and Catherine 42 when Alexander was born. William was a railway engine driver and some of his children also worked on the railway. William died while Alexander was a child.
Service Record
Alexander became 91188 Private A. Cragghill of the 13th Battalion The King’s (Liverpool) Regiment.
Medals
Victory Medal — Alexander Cragghill was entitled to the Victory Medal. This medal was awarded to all who received the 1914 Star or 1914-15 Star and to those who received the British War Medal. Eligibility for this award consisted of having been mobilised and having served in any of the theatres of operations, or at sea, between midnight 4th/5th August, 1914, and midnight, 11th/12th November, 1918.
British War Medal — Alexander Cragghill was entitled to the British War Medal for service in World War One. This British Empire campaign medal was issued for services between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918. The medal was automatically awarded in the event of death on active service before the completion of this period.
How They Died
Alexander was killed on the 28th March 1918. His age was given as unknown but he was probably aged 19.
Where They Rest
He has no known grave. His name is recorded on Bay 3 of the Arras Memorial, in France, as well as the Natland Memorial.
Life timeline
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Born at 19 Helmside, Oxenholme
Youngest of seven children, six boys and one girl, of William (a railway engine driver, 48) and Catherine (42) Cragghill. Several of his older siblings also worked on the railway — like many Oxenholme families, the Cragghills were a railway family.
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Father William Cragghill died while Alexander was still a child
Approximate — exact date not recorded.
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Enlisted as 91188 Private A. Cragghill, 13th Battalion The King's (Liverpool) Regiment
Approximate — exact enlistment date not recorded. Likely under conscription, which had been in force since 1916.
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Start of the German Spring Offensive (Operation Michael)
The German Army's last major attempt to break through Allied lines before American troops could arrive in force. The 13th Battalion Kings (Liverpool) Regiment was caught up in the fighting around Arras.
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Killed in action, aged about 19
Killed during the Spring Offensive's drive against Arras. His age at death was given as unknown but he was probably 19.
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Name recorded on Bay 3 of the Arras Memorial, France
He has no known grave. Also commemorated on the Natland War Memorial.