Second Lieutenant James Bailey Young MC
James Bailey Young was born on 28 September 1893 in Antrim, son of farmer Robert Young. He was educated at the Academical Institute, Belfast, and was working as a chemist's assistant when he enlisted in the North Irish Horse at Antrim on 5 January 1915 (Service No.1382). By 18 December 1915 he had risen to the rank of Sergeant. He arrived at Le Havre, France, with E Squadron North Irish Horse on 12 January 1916.
Having trained at the Cavalry Cadet School, Netheravon, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the North Irish Horse on 16 April 1917.
Young was transferred to the 9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers, when the 2nd NIH Regiment was absorbed into that Battalion.
Attached to the 108th Light Trench Mortar Battery, he was wounded in the right forearm during an action near Becelaere, Belgium, on 30 September 1918. The Battalion lost 147 killed, wounded or missing during the actions of 28 September to 1 October, mostly from snipers and machine gun fire. A detailed description of the action can be seen here. Young was awarded a Military Cross for his gallantry in this action (see citation below).
Young's wound healed and he was transferred to the Cavalry Reserve before being demobilized on 25 July 1919. He resigned his commission on 8 March 1920.
Supplement to the London Gazette, 1 February 1919, p.1704
Image from the Belfast Evening Telegraph, kindly provided by Nigel Henderson (see Fitzroy Presbyterian Church: Wartime Service and Sacrifice).