Corporal John McIntosh

 

 

John McIntosh was born on 23 November 1875 at Ballinamallard, Irvinestown, County Fermanagh, the first of nine children of shoemaker John McIntosh and his wife Jane (née Aiken). At the time of the 1901 Census he was living at Athgaine Little, Balrathboyne, County Meath, on the estate of Richard Blakiston-Houston, where he worked as a domestic groom. At the following Census in 1911 he was with his parents at Shanmullagh, Ballycassidy, County Fermanagh, and working as a farm labourer.

McIntosh enlisted in the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons Service Squadron between 13 and 19 October 1914 (No. UD/45). Soon after he was promoted to the rank of corporal. On 6 October 1915 he embarked for France with his squadron, which was then serving as divisional cavalry to the 36th (Ulster) Division.

In June 1916 the Inniskilling squadron joined with C and F Squadrons of the North Irish Horse to form the 2nd North Irish Horse Regiment, serving as corps cavalry to X Corps.

According to the regimental diary of 7 October 1916:

An F.G.C. Martial [Field General Court Martial] assembled at 10.am to try Corpl McIntosh A Squadron on a charge of absent from duty and Drunk.

McIntosh was found guilty and on 12 October was reduced to the rank of private.

In August-September 1917 the 2nd NIH Regiment was disbanded and its men, following training at the 36th (Ulster) Division Infantry Base Depot at Harfleur, were transferred to the Royal Irish Fusiliers, an infantry regiment. Most, including McIntosh, were transferred on 20 September and posted to the 9th (Service) Battalion – renamed the 9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion – joining it in the field at Ruyaulcourt. McIntosh was issued regimental number 41086.

No information has been discovered about McIntosh's service with the 9th (NIH) Battalion through the latter part of 1917 and during 1918.

On 22 March 1919 he was demobilised and transferred to Class Z, Army Reserve.

 

 

Images sourced from Ancestry.com Public Member Trees – contributor 'aesfamily'.

 

This page last updated 6 February 2023.