In 1901, the Scott family were living at 8 Caledonian Road, Perth: Father, James (Dyer’s Starcher) (42); Mother, Ellen (42); Son, Robert (Dyer’s Packer) (18); Daughter, Helen M. (Box Makers Clerk) (17); Son, James (Apprentice Dyer) (15); Son, William B. (10); and Son, Alex (4).

The 4/5th Battalion, Black Watch was formed when the 1/4th Battalion amalgamated with the 1/5th Battalion on the 15th March 1916, in 118th Brigade, 39th Division. They were in action during the Battles of the Somme, including the fighting on the Ancre. The Battle of Thiepval Ridge, The Battle of Ancre Heights and the capture of the Schwaben Reddoubt and Stuff Trench as well as The Battle of Ancre.

In 1917, they fought in the Battle of Piilkem Ridge, The Battle of Langemarck, The Battle of the Menin Road Ridge, The Battle of Polygon Wood and the Second Battle of Passchendale.

In 1918, they were in action at the Battle of St Quentin, The actions at the Somme Crossings, The Battle of Bapaume and the Battle of Rosieres before moving to Flanders.

21st March 1918, the Battle of Saint-Quentin

On the morning of 21st March the British Infantry were attacked in overwhelming strength in thick fog, wearing gas masks for much of the day, finding the fast-moving enemy infantry had broken through gaps in the defences and was rounding them up from behind. Thousands were killed and more captured. Many garrisons of strongpoints held out although surrounded, but the Germans drove deep into the British positions in several areas, precipitating retreat and chaos that developed over the next few days.

Alexander Scott would have died of wounds sustained in this action. He was 21 years old.