Blacklaws, Alec Stuart
Son of Mr David Blacklaws, City Councillor of Kimberley, South Africa, entered Guy's Hospital in May 1914, as a third year Dental Student.
During his studentship at Hospital he showed himself an enthusiast at all branches of sport and was very conspicuous as a member of the Hospital football eleven.
He qualified for the L.D.S. in May, 1916. He immediately joined the Officers' Training Corps, and was appointed 2nd Lieutenant to the Royal Field Artillery, on 12th March 1917. For gallantry and distinguished service in the field he was awarded the Military Cross.
He was killed in action in France on the 7th January 1918. Guy's Hospital Reports Vol.LXX, War Memorial Number
Biographical
| Surname(s) | Blacklaws |
|---|---|
| First name(s) | Alec Stuart |
| Family details | Son of David S. F. Blacklaws, of Clock Na Ben, Memorial Road, Kimberley, South Africa, and the late Elizabeth Sterling Blacklaws |
| Previous education | Kimberley High School |
| College | Guy's Hospital |
| Dates at college | 1914-1916 |
| Dept / course | L.D.S. |
| Qualifications | L.D.S. 1916 |
| Military unit | Royal Horse Artillery, Royal Field Artillery ''D'' Bty. 161st Bde |
| War / conflict | World War One (1914-1918) |
| Campaigns | France and Flanders |
| Decorations / medals | Military Cross |
| Citation(s) | For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When in charge of convoys taking ammunition to forward gun positions he persisted in his efforts, though under very heavy shell fire, to deliver the ammunition. Though the road was being heavily shelled throughout the day and almost impassable for traffic, he succeeded in getting a portion of his convoy through. The remaining portion being broken up by shell fire, he returned and collected it, and led it forward successfully to the position. Later in the day, on making a third attempt with a fresh convoy, he again succeeded in completing his task. He showed great determination and resource. |
| Date of death | 7 January 1918 |
| Age at death | 25 |
| Rank at death | Second Lieutenant |
| Cause of death | Killed in action |
| Burial place | Duhallows A.D.S. Cemetery |
| Commemoration(s) | Guy's Hospital Memorial |
| Sources | Guy's Hospital Medical School Records, King's College London Archives; Commonwealth War Graves Commission; University of London OTC 1914-1919 |