Alexander Moore

Gunner Alexander Moore 11060021 445 Battery, 65th Searchlight Regiment, Royal Artillery died on 26th October 1942 aged 42.

Alexander, the third child of John and Frances Elizabeth Moore was born in Woodham Ferrers on 8th September 1900 his birth certificate giving his mother’s name as Fanny Elizabeth Moore formerly Cowen and John a farm labourer. Prior to serving with 65 Searchlight Regiment Alexander had been employed as a cowman later a bus conductor.

His parents had moved around the country prior to his birth as his older sister Anne was born in Cumberland and his brother George was born in southern Scotland. The family moved to Woodham Ferrers sometime prior to Alexander’s birth where John was employed as a horseman on a farm. His mother was recorded on some censuses as Fanny presumably a pet name.

In 1932 when his address was given as Chapel Row, Woodham Ferrers Alex was in court suing a car driver as a result of him colliding with the defendant’s car in June 1931. He came off his motor bike and suffered a skull fracture and a broken wrist and spent seven weeks in hospital. Alex was awarded £159 damages plus costs.

Sadly Fanny died in 1937 and was buried in St Mary’s Churchyard. By the time of the 1939 register John was living on his own at 3 Chapel Row, Woodham Ferrers and Alexander was living elsewhere.

In 1939 the 6th Battalion Essex Regiment, a territorial battalion, was converted to 1/6th and 2/6th Battalions, Essex Regiment (65th Searchlight Regiment) which, by 1940, had been transferred to the Royal Artillery and was part of the defences against the London Blitz. The 445 Battery was based at East Ham now in Greater London. Searchlight battalions were responsible for illuminating enemy aircraft to aid anti-aircraft guns and fighter squadrons to shoot them down and were heavily involved during the London Blitz.

Alexander died on 26th October at Chase Farm Hospital, Enfield of meningitis following a lumbar laminectomy operation for sciatica as a result of the prolapse of an inter-vertebral disc. The meningitis is likely to have been an infection contracted as a result of the surgery which today would have been treated with antibiotics but unfortunately this would not have been available in 1942. His death was registered by A Wool of 3 Council Houses, Woodham Ferrers, his sister Anne.

He was buried in St Mary’s Churchyard, one of the seven graves with Commonwealth War Graves head stones. He left a will which was proved by his father at which time he was still living at Chapel Row, Woodham Ferrers.

John died in 1957 and is also buried in St Mary’s Churchyard.