Second Lieutenant Samuel Alexander
Samuel Alexander was born on 22 November 1892 at Taughboyne, St Johnston, County Donegal, son of commercial traveller and farmer Samuel Alexander and his wife Isabella. He was educated at Connell's Academy and when the war began was working as a hardwarer clerk and living with his family at 14 Princes Street, Londonderry.
He enlisted in the North Irish Horse at Londonderry on 10 September 1914 (No.1195) and by 1 October had been promoted to the rank of corporal. On 9 February 1915 he embarked for France with a small group of reinforcements for the regiment, and on arrival was posted to A Squadron.
In May 1916 A Squadron joined with D and E Squadrons of the North Irish Horse to form the 1st North Irish Horse Regiment. That July Alexander was promoted to the rank of lance sergeant.
On 8 April 1917 he applied for a commission and left for home in June. He arrived at No.2 Cavalry Cadet School, Kildare, on 29 September and received his commission as a 2nd lieutenant on 6 April 1918.
Alexander was posted to the 2nd Reserve Regiment of Cavalry. On 19 September 1919 he was released from military service and relinquished his commission.