The successful transport of Cleopatra’s Needle to the Thames Embankment in 1877 serves as the most prominent legacy of James Edward Alexander, a Scottish officer and geographer. His extensive career spanned multiple continents, combining active military service with systematic exploration, scientific observation, and the chronicling of his diverse travels throughout the nineteenth century.
Military Service and Early Travels
Born in Stirling in 1803 to Edward Alexander and Catherine Glas, he received early training in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. He joined the British East India Company army in 1820 before transferring to the British Army in 1825. His initial deployments included service as an aide-de-camp in Persia, where he observed the conflict between Persia and Russia. He later documented the Russo-Turkish War of 1828–1829 and the War of the Two Brothers in Portugal.
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As a co-founder of the Royal Geographical Society, he directed an expedition into Namaqualand and Damaraland between 1836 and 1837. This mission involved gathering geological specimens, animal pelts, and indigenous artifacts. His cartographic data enabled John Arrowsmith to refine regional maps, and his efforts were formally recognized through the naming of Alexander Bay at the Orange River mouth. Throughout these travels, he maintained meticulous records of local languages and natural history.
Command and Later Career
His military trajectory involved significant responsibilities, including a role in the 6th Cape Frontier War and duty in Canada. During the Crimean War, he commanded the 14th (Buckinghamshire) Regiment of Foot at the Siege of Sevastopol in 1855. Later, he held command positions during the New Zealand Wars from 1860 to 1862. Following his retirement from active service in 1877, he was granted the honorary rank of general in 1881.
Fast facts
- Born: 1803, Stirling
- Died: 1885, Ryde
- Military Rank: General
- Education: Royal Military College, Sandhurst
- Spouse: Eveline Marie Mitchell
- Knight Bachelor: 1838
- Key Achievement: Placement of Cleopatra's Needle
Questions readers ask
Where is James Edward Alexander buried?
He is buried in the Old Logie Churchyard near Stirling.
What rank did he reach in the British Army?
He reached the honorary rank of general on 1 July 1881.
Achievements
- Companion of the Order of the Bath
- Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh
- Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society
- Knight Bachelor
- Recorded as geographer, military personnel and naturalist
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