Marr, Alexander Murray
Rank: Corporal
Regiment: 1st Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers
Biography: Son of Alexander M. Marr, stationmaster, Tillyfourie ; born Peterculter, 19 April 1897 ; educated Kemnay H.G. Public School, from which he entered the University, having gained a bursary at the Annual Competition. At school he was a great favourite, and it was quite evident that he took keen delight in his books, for he made marked progress in English subjects and in Modern Languages. After one session at the University, he succeeded in joining the 3rd Gordons, having been rejected several times for medical reasons. For a time he was in the Labour Battalion and afterwards was transferred to the Royal Scots Fusiliers, acting as a Lewis Gun Instructor. His home service, spent at various centres—Kinross, Catterick—extended over two years. Though repeatedly "turned down" he persisted in volunteering for active service, and was at last allowed to go to France, where he spent six months in the thick of the fighting. He gained the Military Medal on 21 August 1918 by his splendid work and coolness under fire, and was killed in action at Noreuil, 2 September 1918. No better appreciation of him could be given than that written by his Platoon Officer : "He was a very good-natured and unselfish lad, keen at his work and always willing to obey. He was a splendid example to his comrades. He made the supreme sacrifice with his face to the foe, doing and daring for the sake of humanity and his native land."
Honours: Military Medal
Date of Death: 02 September 1918
Burial Details: Name recorded on the Vis-en-Artios Memorial, Panel 6, Column 4.
Publication: Roll of Service, edited by Mabel Desborough Allardyce. Published 1921.
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