Captain John Beattie
The background of this North Irish Horseman is not known at present, other than that, according to the Presbyterian Church in Ireland's Roll of Honour, he lived at 142 Manor Street, Belfast.
John Beattie enlisted in the North Irish Horse on 1 October 1914 (No.1225), rising to the rank of sergeant over the next year or so.
He embarked for France in 1916, either as part of E Squadron on 10 January, or with a later reinforcement draft.
In late 1916 or early 1917 Beattie applied for a commission and left the regiment for training at an officer cadet school in the UK. He was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant and posted to the 2nd Reserve Cavalry Regiment at the Curragh on 25 August 1917. Soon after he was attached to the South Irish Horse.
On 30 August 1918 Beattie was appointed Brigade Anti-Gas Officer (it is not known to which brigade) with the rank of acting captain, but with the pay and allowances of a lieutenant. On 19 January 1919 he was appointed Brigade Educational Officer, again with the acting rank of captain.
His automatic promotion to lieutenant was confirmed on 25 February 1919.
Beattie remained in his role as Brigade Educational Officer until 18 February 1921, when the job ceased. Four days later he relinquished his commission.