SOE Alexander, David Richard Watson

John Robertson

Administrator
Staff member
  • SURNAME
Alexander
  • FORENAME
David Richard Watson
  • UNIT
Force 136 SOE
  • RANK
Major (A/Lieutenant Colonel)
  • NUMBER
EC 6150
  • AWARD
Member of the Order of the British Empire
  • PLACE
Malaya 1945
  • ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
parent unit 12th Frontier Force Regiment, Indian Army
Glasgow Herald
Thursday 10 July 1997
David Richard Watson Alexander, CBE; born August 12, 1918, died June 19, 1997
David Alexander's commitment to public service lasted throughout his working life and his talents were recognised during military service, as a colonial administrator, and latterly as a senior regional councillor. Trevor Clark, a colleague who worked with him for many years, says: ''He was a fine advertisment for the Scottish education system of the time. Public service was an essential part of his life and he acquitted himself with great distinction. Despite a modest manner he was a very clear-thinking and perceptive person whose persistence got things done.'' A dux of Montrose Academy, David Alexander graduated in modern languages from the University of Edinburgh in 1939. Later in his life he would learn another six languages, including Cantonese. At the outbreak of war he volunteered for the 2nd Bn of The Royal Scots, hoping that he might use his language skills as an interpreter. It was not to be and and instead he was sent to Hong Kong, which was to play an important part in his subsequent career. By 1943, as a captain, he volunteered to join the Special Operations Executive (S.O.E.). In March 1945 he was dropped behind enemy lines in Malaya, only his second parachute jump. Months of guerrilla action followed, disrupting Japanese communications and encouraging local people against the Japanese invaders. When the Japanese capitulated after the dropping of the bombs at Hirsohima and Nagasaki, Lieut-Col Alexander took their surrender at Ipoh. He was awarded the MBE ( Military) for ''gallant and distinguished services.'' In 1946 he commenced a career in what was then the administrative branch of the Colonial Service. A brief posting to Nigeria, where his ability was not recognised, was followed by a secondment to the War Office's British Military Administration in Cyrena ica (Libya) eventually being Chief Secretary to the independent United Kingdom of Libya's Ministry of the Interior. In 1953 he was transferred to Hong Kong where he was put in charge of the Essential Services Corps and the Civil Aid Services, which was responsible for protecting families in the event of a major emergency or disaster. He stayed in Hong Kong until his retiral in 1975. His final appointment was as Director of Urban Services which carried with it membership of the Governor's Legislative Council. Until 1973 he was chairman of the Housing Authority. His approachable and friendly management style made him one of the most popular of Hong Kong's senior administrators. His duties of providing administrative support to the Urban Council meant that at times he came into conflict with local tycoons and other power brokers. This might have cost him further advancement. He was created CBE in 1973. On returning to Scotland in 1975 he was appointed a part time Commissioner of Income Tax and then was asked to stand as a Conservative candidate for a seat in Lothian regional Council. Despite a dislike of partisan political dispute he was successful and between 1982 and 1986 was chairman of the Planning and Development Committee. Fellow Conservatives describe him as an unassuming man who was extremely helpful, and hard working - not above cleaning the floor of the local constituency offices if necessary. 'He was totally honest and had great integrity. You knew exactly where you stood with him. He was more than gentlemanly - one of the nicest people I have ever met,' says a friend. He married in 1947 and had two children, Richard and Elaine. His first wife died in 1973 and he married Peggy James in 1982.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Top