David John McCARRON

David John McCARRON. Private D/21218, 6th Inniskilling Dragoons Ulster Division
Previously enlisted aged 17 years 10 January 1896 as Private 3154 with the 83rd Foot (Royal Irish Rifles) and 3 years with the 8th Hussars

Born 12 September 1878 at Frank Place Belfast to David John and Sarah Ann McCarron nee Thompson
He married Annie McGrath, 24 March 1902 at St Anne's Parish Church, Belfast. At the time of marriage' he was residing at 3 Ruby Street, Belfast, and Annie at 24 Foxglove Street, Belfast.
1911 He was residing with his family at 29 Frankfort Street, Beersbridge Road, Belfast. Occupation, general labourer at the ship yard.
Whilst at the shipyard he had worked on ship, Olympic. The he joined the Titanic at Belfast for the delivery trip to Southampton where he disembarked.

Some notes for his service record.
He joined the 6 Inniskilling Dragoons aged 35 years on the 10 October 1914 in Belfast as private UD/24 and later as D/21218 same unit. He was born at Ballymacarrett, Belfast, civilian occupation, red leader painter and the ship yard. Previously served for 3 years with the 8th Hussars and discharged on termination of engagement.
6 October 1915 posted to British Expeditionary Force, France
2 January 1916 on O.C. Orders for disobedience of Squadron Orders. Drunk of active service. Sentence, forfeits 21 days’ pay.
5 January 1916. Admitted to 108 Field Ambulance in the field suffering from tapeworm. Transferred to 30 Casualty Clearing Station 7 January, discharged fit for duty 18 February 1916

11 July 1916 he was attached to as batman to Captain Roche-Kelly of the Army Veterinary Corps.
20 August 1916 attached to 1st Echelon, near Amiens.
23 October 1916 transferred to England from Rouen on SS Lydia. Information not recorded he was posted to a military barracks in Belfast.
27 October 1916, he was employed with Messrs Workman Clark and Co at Spencer Basin shipyards in Belfast.
Medical Board at Inniskilling 3 March 1918
Disability.
Arterial degeneration (arteriosclerosis) with dilatation of the heart. His disability originated at G.H.Q. (General Headquarters) 1st Echelon near Amiens, France.
Facts of the case.
Spitting blood, bronchitis, shortness of breath, rapid heart action. The symptoms began in October 1917 and he reported to Military Barracks, Belfast October 26 or 27. He was advised to continue attending his civilian doctor. His symptoms were aggravated but not caused by war service. He was
found permanently unfit for further service.
4 April 1918 he was discharged to pension as permanently unfit under Para 392 XVI King's Regulations. He was also not to be compulsory posted for service under the Military Service (Reg Ex?) Act 1917

He died, possible of his heart complaint at his home, 4 Athens Street Belfast, 4 July 1918. His widow and daughter, Maria, were granted a joint war gratuity 16 June 1920. He is at rest with his family in Dundonald Cemetery, Belfast in Plot F5 grave 39.