Park, Alexander Crichton

Alexander Park was born in Carhill, Scotland on March 12, 1897 to Mr. and Mrs. William Park. He grew up in a family of eight children. In 1910, tragedy struck the Park family when in the space of ten months, Alex’s twin infant sisters passed away, his sister Lizzie was killed in an accident, and his mother passed away in childbirth, as did the new baby. Overwhelmed by grief, and hoping for a fresh start, William Park gathered his remaining children, William Jr., Alex, John, Agnes and Joseph and immigrated to Canada. The Park family made their home in Lethbridge, Alberta where William and the older boys worked in the coalmines. In 1913, their father remarried and moved to the Crowsnest Pass. Alex stayed in Lethbridge and worked at Lethbridge Laundry. On July 17, 1915, Alex Park enlisted with the 63rd Battalion CEF. He arrived in England on May 5, 1916 and shortly thereafter was taken on strength by the 7th Battalion CEF. Pte Park embarked for France on July 30, 1916 with his battalion. He served on the frontlines in France with the 7th Battalion for 2 months seeing action at the Battle of the Somme. On September 27, 1916, Pte Park was killed in action at the Somme. He was laid to rest at London Cemetery and Extension. Alex Park was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. His father, William was awarded the death plaque and scroll in honour of his son