Private Herbert Ford

 

Herbert Ford was born on 26 July 1898 in Tullow Street, Carlow, the third of four children of draper (later farmer) Adam Ford and his wife Geraldine Louise (née Graham). At the time of the 1911 Census he was living at Ardmore, Brookeboro, County Fermanagh, with his parents, siblings and a cousin. At the time of the Ulster Covenant in 1912, however, he was living with his brother William Graham at 45 Hill Street, Newry.

Ford enlisted in the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons Service Squadron around mid-1916 (regimental number not known – later Corps of Hussars No.21309). After training at the squadron reserve at Enniskillen, in 1917 or 1918 he embarked for service overseas. It appears that he was one of at least a dozen men of the Inniskillings reserve squadron who were attached to the 1st King's Edward's Horse Regiment. During 1917 and 1918 this regiment served as corps cavalry in France and Italy.

On 13 June 1919 Ford was demobilised and transferred to Class Z, Army Reserve.

On 25 September 1924 he married Annie Kirkpatrick Boyd in the Rosemary Street Presbyterian Church, Belfast. Four months later they sailed from London for Australia. The shipping list gives his occupation as a boot merchant.

Following the outbreak of war, on 26 October 1940 Ford enlisted at Claremont, Western Australia, in the 5th Garrison Battalion (No. W/31655) of the Australian Army. Aged 42 at the time, he gave his address as 36 Pearse Street, North Fremantle, and his employment as storeman. He was called up for full-time service on 15 December 1941. On 3 November 1944 he was medically discharged ('constitutional and feet'), having reached the rank of corporal.

Ford died in the Fremantle Hospital on 13 November 1953 and was buried in the Fremantle Cemetery. Three years later his widow wrote to the Army Department:

Will you please let me know if there are any medals for my late husband? He died in November 1953 & I am in receipt of War Pension for myself & son. ... My son would like to have any medals due, as he has now got his Dad's 1st World War medals.

A War Medal and Australian Service Medal were subsequently issued.

 

 

One of Ford's brothers, William Graham Ford, also served in the war, though only briefly. He enlisted in the Royal Irish Rifles at Newry on 19 September 1914 (No.18982), but was discharged two weeks later, having over-stated his age. It is not know if he re-enlisted later in the war.

 

Image sourced from Ancestry.com Public Member Trees - contributor Melanie Winn.

 

This page last updated 21 September 2023.