Lance Corporal Robert Alexander Hanna
Robert Alexander Hanna was born on 16 September 1892 at Ballynagowan, Magherafelt, County Londonderry, the first of ten children of farmer William John Hanna and his wife Olivia (nee Henry). By the time of the 1911 Census he was living at Ballynagowan with his parents and five surviving siblings.
Hanna enlisted in the North Irish Horse between 26 October and 10 November 1911 (No.630 – later Corps of Hussars No.71048). He embarked for France with A Squadron on 17 August 1914, seeing action on the retreat from Mons and advance to the Aisne.
On 16 December 1916 the Mid-Ulster Mail reported that:
Trooper R. A. Hanna, North Irish Horse (son of Mr. W. J. Hanna, C.Clr., Desertmartin), who has been in France since the beginning of the war, is home on a month's leave. His five years' service having expired, he rejoined for the term of the war, and was granted leave prior to resuming duty in France. He is looking fit, and states that he has never experienced an hour's illness during his long spell of active service.
Hanna remained with the regiment throughout the war. On 12 February 1919 he was demobilised and transferred to Class Z, Army Reserve.
At least one of Hanna's brothers served during the war. William Henry enlisted in the Canadian army in August 1918, serving in the 9th Siege Battery.