Lance Corporal Joshua Paul, MM
Two men named Joshua Paul were born at Crew, Maghera, County Londonderry, but it is not clear which of them served in the North Irish Horse.
The first was born on 5 November 1889, the fourth of five children of farmer Joshua William Paul and his wife Elizabeth Jane (nee McCool). His father died in December 1901. Joshua grew up on the family farm.
The second, Joshua John, was born on 22 August 1895, the fourth of seven children of National School teacher James Paul and his wife Isabella Fleming Paul (nee Shiels). His mother died in July 1903. By 1911 Joshua was living at Crew with his father and three of his siblings, and working as a draper's apprentice.
Paul enlisted in the North Irish Horse between 4 and 10 March 1914 (No.922).
He embarked for France on 17 August 1914 with A Squadron, seeing action in the retreat from Mons and advance to the Aisne. During May 1915 he fell ill and was sent to the No.4 Stationary Hospital.
In September 1917 the 2nd North Irish Horse Regiment (C and F Squadrons) was dismounted and most of its men, as well as some from the 1st Regiment (A, D and E Squadrons), were absorbed into the 9th (Service) Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers (which was re-named the 9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion). Paul, like most of the men, was transferred on 20 September. He was issued a new regimental number (41355).
Paul was wounded during the Battle of Cambrai in November or December 1917.
On 24 August 1918 the 9th Battalion took part in a successful attack on the German lines north of Bailleul. Paul was awarded a Military Medal for bravery during this action. It was at this time, or later during the Advance to Victory offensive, that he was wounded again, in the neck and chest.
Paul was discharged on 18 February 1919. He was granted a pension as a result of his wounds.
The older brother of the second Joshua Paul, 2nd Lieutenant David Paul, was killed in action on 21 March 1918 while serving with the 16th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles.