Private William Fleming

 

This soldier was probably the William Fleming born on 21 July 1893 at Dring, County Fermanagh, the first of four children of agricultural labourer George Fleming and his wife Mary Anne (née Maguire). His mother died when he was just eleven years old. At the time of the 1911 Census he was living at Drumsluice, Rockfield or Killaclean, County Fermanagh, with his father, step-mother and her mother, his one surviving sibling and two half-brothers, and working as a labourer.

Fleming enlisted in the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons Service Squadron between 13 and 19 October 1914 (No. UD/36). 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 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 Fleming, 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. Fleming was issued regimental number 41104.

He probably saw action with the battalion at the Battle of Cambrai in November and December 1917, and perhaps also during the retreat from St Quentin from 21 to 28 March 1918.

Fleming was wounded during the the Advance to Victory offensive, probably in the successful attack near Bailleul on 24 August.

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

 

This page last updated 1 February 2023.