Frederick Alexander - Initial Military Service (1926-1936)

In June 1926, Frederick aged 17yrs 4 months joined the British Army as a 'Boy entrant', he stood just under 5 foot 2 inches and weighed 98 pounds,. On discharge his height was recorded as 5' 5"

His service number 6006501 later changed to 1834392.

6 months later on attaining the age of 18 he was promoted to Private and became a regular soldier. He had enlisted to serve for 9 years plus 3 in reserve.

Frederick joined the 2nd Battalion of the Essex Regiment as a bandsman playing the clarinet. He was promoted to corporal and appointed 'Band Corporal' for a period.

He was later awarded the India General Service Medal (NW Frontier) for his service.

In May 1935 he extended his service to 12 years, up to 1939.

However in August 1936 he applied to leave the army early upon payment and returned to civilian life.

His records record his conduct as 'Very Good' with a testimonial of 'Thoroughly honest hard working willing worker. Smart and clean man with good manners. Intellignece above the average. Good Instumentalist Banjoist and Claronetist in Regiment Band. Good all round sportsman'.

His service , like many in the forces, was not without a few hiccups as his disciplinary record records.

The majority of his service was spent in India (1926-1935) with a brief period in Egypt (1936) and Sudan (1936).