Alexander James Polson was born on 25 January 1877 in Borrowstounness, Lintithgowshire, Scotland, (now known as Bo'ness, West Lothian) the eldest son of Hugh Polson (1841-1928) and Eliza Boswell Polson (1845-1922). His father was an Examining Officer for HM Customs Service. The 1901 census shows that he was living with his parents and younger siblings, John, Eliza and William at 141 Harold Road, West Ham and his occupation was given as a Commercial Clerk.
In 1904 he married Daisy Robinson in West Ham and the 1911 census shows then living at 25 Selbourne Road, Ilford. His wife died in 1923 and in 1927 he married Kathleen Edwards in North Manchester, Lancashire. The 1939 England and Wales Register, that was compiled for the issue of National Identity Cards, shows him as a director - silk and woollen merchants and was residing with his wife at 17 Bucks Avenue, Oxhey, Watford, Hertfordshire, with a female domestic servant.
He was killed as a result of enemy action on 9 February 1945, aged 68 years, at Church House, 98 Tavistock Place, WC1, when it was hit by a V2 rocket. Probate was granted to his widow and his estate totalled £6,475-11s-0d. He is also commemorated in the Civilian War Dead Roll of Honour, located near St. Georges's Chapel in Westminster Abbey, London.
