Corporal Thomas Copeland

 

The background of this man is not certain. However he may be the Thomas Copeland born at Sheeptown, Newry, County Down, the second of nine children of stone-cutter (later farmer) John Copeland and his wife Emily (née Truesdale). At the time of the 1911 Census he was living at Sheeptown with his parents, six siblings, two grandparents and another relative, and working as a general labourer.

Copeland enlisted in the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons Service Squadron between 3 March and 9 April 1915 (No. UD/238). On 6 October 1915 he embarked for France with his squadron, which was then serving as divisional cavalry to the 36th (Ulster) Division.

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 Copeland, 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. Copeland was issued regimental number 41504 and posted to C Company.

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

Copeland was posted as missing following the 9th (NIH) Battalion's fighting withdrawal from St Quentin in the German spring offensive from 21 to 28 March 1918. It is assumed that he was later located and returned to his battalion, for he does not appear on lists of those captured or wounded.

On 18 March 1919 Copeland was demobilised and transferred to Class Z Army Reserve.

 

This page last updated 13 February 2023.