Lieutenant Henry Alfred Chandler
Henry Alfred Chandler was born on 31 December 1896 at 19 Tritonville Road, Dublin South, the first of six children of hatter (later fruit-shop keeper) Henry John Chandler and his wife Georgina Emily (nee Thomas). Educated at St Columba's College in Dublin, by 1911 he was living with his parents and siblings at 1 Albert Terrace, Clontarf East, Dublin, and working as an assistant in his father's fruit shop.
Chandler enlisted in the North Irish Horse at Dublin on 25 November 1915 and joined the regiment at Antrim six days later (No.1998 – later Corps of Hussars No.71664). He embarked for France on 10 August 1916, where he was posted to E Squadron of the 1st North Irish Horse Regiment. He remained with the squadron in France until 26 November 1917, when he applied for a commission in the infantry, with a preference for the Royal Irish Rifles.
Two weeks later Chandler returned to the UK and after a period of leave, on 8 February 1918 reported for duty at No.10 Officer Cadet Battalion at Gailes Camp, Ayrshire. After training there he was assessed as having average education and powers of command, good military knowledge, below average leadership, and special qualifications as a kite balloon signaller. He was "capable & good organiser, requires keeping up to the mark."
On 11 September 1918 Chandler was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant and posted to the 3rd (Reserve) Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles. He was demobilised on 19 November 1919, promoted to lieutenant on 11 March 1920, and relinquished his commission on 1 April 1920.
After the war he lived at 68 Holmscroft Street, Greenock, Scotland, and then Newcastle-upon-Tyne, where on 10 July 1933 he married Marguerita Culshaw. He died at Preston, Lancashire, on 23 November 1974.
Images sourced from Ancestry.com - first image contributor 'bbraden43', second image 'd1466'.