John Alexander (1877-1935)
John Alexander (1877-1935) director and general manager of Barclay, Curle and Co marine engine and boilermaking department
1935 Obituary.[1]
An outstanding figure in Clyde marine engineering has been lost by the death of Mr. John Alexander, director and general manager of Barclay, Curle and Co.'s marine engine and boilermaking department, which took place at his home, Earleseat, Scotstoun, Glasgow, in the early part of last week.
With the exception of two years spent at Belfast, Mr. Alexander had been associated throughout his whole business career with Barclay, Curle and Co., Ltd. For over eighteen years he held the position of engineering general manager, and four years ago he was appointed to the board of directors. Along with Mr. Archibald Gilchrist, the late chairman of the company, Mr. Alexander played an important part in the introduction of the marine internal combustion engine for propulsion and auxiliary work. He was assistant to Mr. Gilchrist in 1912, when his firm built and engined the first ocean-going twin-screw motor ship "Jutlandia" to be constructed in Great Britain. His long experience with internal combustion engines, particularly with the Doxford type of opposed piston engine and with modern steam machinery, gave him an authoritative place among Clyde marine engineers.