In 1901 the Leitch family were living at Osborne Terrace, Wilson Street, Craigie, Perth: Father, Alexander S. (Travelling Salesman) (52); Mother, Kathleen E. (40); Daughter, Helen C. (13); Daughter, Kathleen M. M. (10); Daughter, Alexandria J. (9); and Son, Alexander H. (7). Also living at this address was a boarder, William J. McNab (Inland Revenue Officer).

Alexander (Harold) Percival Leitch was born in Morecambe, Lancashire, and joined the 10th Battalion, Rifle Brigade, in 1917.

From July 1917 to October 1917 the 10th Battalion were in the Ypres Salient. They were involved in the Battle of Langemarck and Eagle Trench, as part of 3rd Ypres.

From October to December 1917 they were involved in the Battle of Cambrai.

From December 1917 to February 1918 they were in the Menin Road area of the Ypres Salient.

The German Offensive on the Somme began in March 1918. While there is no definitive record of how and when Alexander Leitch lost his life it is likely that he died in a Casualty Clearing Station of wounds he received during some stage of this offensive. He was 24 years old.

Perthshire Advertiser, 25th May 1918

“OUR OWN MEN - PERTH OFFICERS"

“Second Lieutenant Harold P. Leitch, London Rifles (died of wounds), was the only son of Mr and Mrs Leitch, 3, Osborne Terrace, Wilson Street, Craigie, Perth. He enlisted in the Black Watch (Territorials) in August 1915, was invalided home from France early in 1917, and on recovery received his commission in the London Rifle Brigade. He was a banker by profession, first in the County and City of Perth Savings Bank, and latterly in the London Branch of the Montreal Bank.”

Alexander Leitch is also commemorated on the Perth West Church War Memorial and the War Memorial at the London Branch of the Bank of Montreal.