Farrier Sergeant Alexander Michael Kennedy
Alexander Michael Kennedy was born on 28 December 1891 at Waringstown, County Down, the first of four children of blacksmith James Kennedy and his wife Ellen Jane (nee McCullough). He grew up with his family at Tullyherron, Waringstown, following his father in the blacksmithing trade.
Kennedy enlisted in the North Irish Horse between 20 August and 16 September 1910 (No.539 – later Corps of Hussars No.71035). He embarked for France with C Squadron on 20 August 1914.
About a week after C Squadron arrived in France, Kennedy was made a prisoner of war, possibly having been left behind when they left St Quentin. One record states that he was wounded in the right knee.
Kennedy was initially reported as missing, and it was some time before his family, who had last heard from him on 23 August, learned of his fate. On 24 February 1915 the Belfast News-Letter reported that:
The parents of Trooper Alex. Kennedy, of the North Irish Horse, who has been reported "missing" for some months past, have received a letter from him stating that he is a prisoner in the hands of the Germans, and is in good health.
Kennedy remained a prisoner throughout the war. Records show him held at Reinbach and Cottbus camps. He was released after the Armistice and returned home in January 1919. On 1 March 1919 he was transferred to Class Z, Army Reserve.
Newspaper image, from the Belfast Evening Telegraph, kindly provided by Nigel Henderson, Researcher at History Hub Ulster (www.greatwarbelfastclippings.com).