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Lance Corporal John Gracey

 

 

John Gracey was born on 22 July 1887 at Woodgrange, Downpatrick, County Down, the second or third child of farmer John Gracey and his wife Jane (nee Cochrane). By 1911 he was living with his parents and five of his siblings at Woodgrange and working on the family farm.

Gracey enlisted in the North Irish Horse between 23 February and 2 March 1909 (No.295 – later Corps of Hussars No.71015). He embarked for France on 17 August 1914 with A Squadron, seeing action in the retreat from Mons and advance to the Aisne.

He remained with the regiment throughout the war. He was wounded twice during the Advance to Victory offensive from August to November 1918, while serving with the North Irish Horse cyclist regiment.

On 2 March 1919 he was transferred to Class Z, Army Reserve.

 

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