Corporal William John McDowell
The background of this North Irish Horseman is not known at present.
William John McDowell enlisted in the North Irish Horse on 31 August 1914 (No.1064 – later Corps of Hussars No.71218). On 1 May 1915 he embarked for France with D Squadron, which at the time was serving as divisional cavalry to the 51st Division.
In May 1916 D Squadron came together with A and E Squadrons to form the 1st North Irish Horse Regiment, serving as corps cavalry to VII, XIX, then V Corps.
On 7 January 1918 McDowell was one of thirteen members of the 1st North Irish Horse Regiment who transferred to the Tank Corps (No.305503).
After training to the Tank Corps depot at Bovington near Wareham, he was posted to the 7th Battalion. This battalion saw action during the Advance to Victory offensive, at Albert on 21, 24 and 25 August 1918, 2nd Bapaume on 31 August and 1 September, Drocourt on 2 September, and Canal du Nord on 27, 28 and 30 September.