John Taylor and Ann Norman have submitted the following:
Alexander was born in 1898, the son of Joseph and Marion Airey. The family were farm workers and had originally lived in Cumberland. He was the younger brother of Richard Airey who is also remembered on the Cross in the churchyard.
Alexander enlisted at Gateshead on 23rd May 1916 when he was living at Team Colliery, Low Eighton. He was 18 years old and a horseman. He served as a Private firstly with 5th Reserve Battalion, then with 13th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry, regimental number 100552. He was killed in action on the Western Front, on 9th October 1918. After his death it was necessary for the family to give their details to receive his personal effects and medals. His parents, brother and sister were at Team Colliery Farm, Low Eighton and a married sister in Morpeth and all these gave their names in 1919. Their details were countersigned by the vicar of Lamesley. He is remembered on the Cross in St. Thomas churchyard, but not on the Plaque in the nave.
Alexander Airey is remembered at Eighton Banks on E50.01
He is also remembered in The DLI Book of Remembrance page 279
