On 13 March 1917, The Courier reported on the death of 143620 Gnr. Alexander Lang Halkett, C Battery, 87th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery.
Halkett was a well known professional footballer who represented Dundee, Aberdeen and St Johnstone. His brother, John, also played for Dundee.
‘Ecky’ Halkett, born in Dunfermline. He was a wheelwright to trade, working at the Rosyth Naval Base before enlisting.
At the time of his death his parents resided at 1 Park Avenue, Dundee, and his wife in Kingussie.
Gnr. Halkett was killed in action on 21 February 1917, aged 36.
He is buried in Sailly-au-Bois Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France, II. A. 6.DUNDEE FOOTBALLER IS KILLED IN ACTION. THE LATE GUNNER ALEX. HALKETT. A large circle of his friends in Dundee and the North of Scotland will learn with regret that Gunner Alexander L. Halkett, of the Royal Field Artillery, has been killed in action.
A son of Mr and Mrs John Halkett, 1 Park Avenue, Dundee, the deceased was well known as a footballer player. He began his career with Parkmore F.C. a Dundee junior club, from which his elder brother, John, also passed to the city’s premier club. Alexander played many sterling games at Dens Park, left half-back being his favourite position, and subsequently he signed for Aberdeen, with which club he probably reached the very height of his ability as a footballer. Later he played for St Johnstone, and his quiet unassuming disposition made him a favourite everywhere.
A wheelwright by trade, he was engaged for a considerable time at Rosyth Naval Base, but about a year ago he joined the army, and went to France on 17th December last. Gunner Halkett, who was 36 years of age, was married about the time he enlisted, and his widow resides in Kingussie. The Courier, Tuesday, 13 March 1917, 4