Private James Boyd McCracken

 

James Boyd McCracken was born on 12 May 1883 at 25 North Ann Street, Belfast, the first of nine children of foundry moulder Robert McCracken and his wife Sarah (née Boyd). On 25 December 1900 he married Bridget Mallon in the Church of Ireland's Trinity Church, Belfast. The couple had eleven children over the next twenty years. At the time of the 1911 Census they were living in Vere Street, Belfast, James working as a general labourer.

McCracken enlisted in the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons Service Squadron at Belfast on 9 November 1914 (No. UD/119).

On 6 October 1915 the squadron embarked for France, serving as divisional cavalry to the 36th (Ulster) Division. McCracken, however, remained at the reserve depot at Enniskillen. While there he fell ill. On 23 September 1916 a medical board found that he had an enlarged heart, and recommended that he be discharged, being 'no longer physically fit for war service' (paragraph 392 (xvi), King's Regulations). This took place on 7 October. McCracken's military character was recorded as 'very good'. He unsuccessfully applied for a pension, the illness found to be not attributable to his military service.

McCracken died in the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, on 19 February 1927 and was buried in the City Cemetery, Glenalina Extension.

 

A number of McCracken's brothers also served during the war. Private Alfred McCracken (10263) of the 4th (Queen's Own) Hussars died of wounds in France on 14 May 1915 - see image below. William McCracken also served in the 4th Hussars, according to the Presbyterian Church in Ireland's Roll of Honour, and was wounded. John McCracken served in the Canadian Mounted Rifles (225601). Another – either Robert or Edward – served in the Royal Garrison Artillery (according to the Belfast News-Letter of 21 May 1915).

 

Larne Times and Weekly Telegraph, 5 June 1915

 

This page last updated 23 March 2023.