Corporal John Heenan
John Heenan (or Hennan), was born on 16 September 1889 at Drumanaghan, Clough, County Down, the fifth of ten children of farmer John Hennan and his wife Matilda (nee Thompson). By 1911 he was living at Drumonaghan with his parents and four siblings and working on the family farm.
Heenan enlisted in the North Irish Horse between 16 June and 30 October 1909 (No.390 – later Corps of Hussars No.71021).
According to fellow Horseman James Greene, he was the squadron's best rider. One horse brought in as a remount was known to buck so long and hard that the saddle would move up its neck. The rest of the riders were quickly dispatched, but only Johnny could stay on until the saddle was on the neck.
On 17 August 1914 he embarked for France with A Squadron, seeing action in the retreat from Mons and advance to the Aisne.
He remained with the squadron throughout the war. On 9 February 1919 he was transferred to Class Z, Army Reserve.
Image above sourced from the Mourne Observer, 1 July 1966.