Private William Campbell

 

The background of this man is not known at present, other than that he was from Belfast.

William Campbell enlisted in the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons Service Squadron in October or November 1915 (No. UD/302). The squadron had embarked for France as divisional cavalry to the 36th (Ulster) Division on 6 October. Campbell, after training at the Enniskillen reserve camp, was sent to join the squadron as a reinforcement in 1916 or the first half of 1917.

In June 1916 the Inniskilling squadron had joined with C and F Squadrons of the North Irish Horse to form the 2nd North Irish Horse Regiment, serving as corps cavalry to X Corps. In August-September 1917 the Regiment was disbanded and its men, following training at the 36th (Ulster) Division Infantry Base Depot at Harfleur, were transferred to the Royal Irish Fusiliers, an infantry regiment. Most, including Campbell, were transferred on 20 September and posted to the 9th (Service) Battalion – renamed the 9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion – joining it in the field at Ruyaulcourt. Campbell was issued regimental number 41553 and posted to D Company.

He probably saw action with the battalion at the Battle of Cambrai in November and December 1917.

Campbell was wounded between 21 and 28 March 1918 during the 9th (NIH) Battalion's fighting withdrawal from St Quentin in the German spring offensive. No further information has been discovered about his service through the remainder of the war.

 

This page last updated 10 February 2023.