Lance Corporal John Brann

 

John Brann was born on 2 March 1888 at Ballynahinch, near Richhill, County Armagh, the second of four children of labourer Alexander Brann and his wife Sarah (née McMullan). At the time of the 1911 Census he was living at 56 Little Distillery Street, Belfast, with his parents and his two surviving siblings.

Brann enlisted in the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons Service Squadron on 12 November 1914 (No. UD/126 – later Corps of Dragoons No.21247). He gave his occupation as motor driver and his address as 23 Aberdeen Street, Belfast. On 6 October 1915 he embarked for France with his squadron, which was then serving as divisional cavalry to the 36th (Ulster) Division.

On 31 December, however, he fell ill with bronchitis. He was evacuated to the UK on 3 February 1916, where he was admitted to the 2nd Western General Hospital in Manchester.

Following his recovery, on 29 March he was posted to his squadron's reserve depot at Enniskillen. He was promoted to lance corporal on 1 September.

Brann remained at the Enniskillen depot until 24 July 1918, when he was transferred to the Army Service Corps, Motor Transport Branch (No. M/403004) at Sydenham. There he trained as a lorry driver, passing his test on 5 October. On 1 August 1919 he was demobilised and transferred to Class Z, Army Reserve, his military character recorded as 'good'.

On 28 November 1919 at Belfast Brann re-enlisted in the Army Service Corps Motor Transport Branch for one year (No. EMT/57033 – later Army No.19799). He was discharged on 9 December 1920, his military character recorded as 'very good'.

Brann died at his home, Springfield Village, Belfast, on 20 May 1935, at the age of 47.

 

This page last updated 28 March 2023.