Private William Hoey

 

The background of this man is not known at present, other than that he was born in Belfast (according to the War Office Weekly Casualty List) and had some connection to County Tyrone.

William Hoey enlisted in the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons between 13 and 20 November 1914 (No. UD/152). On 6 October 1915 the squadron, which was then serving as divisional cavalry to the 36th (Ulster) Division, embarked for France. Hoey, however, remained at the reinforcements depot at Enniskillen. He was sent to France as a reinforcement for the squadron in 1916 or the first half of 1917.

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 Hoey, 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. Hoey was issued regimental number 41125.

He was wounded on 22 or 23 November 1917 in the fighting for the village of Moeuvres during the Battle of Cambrai.

Nothing more is known of his military service during the war, other than that at some point he served in the Labour Corps.

Following the war his address was recorded as Beltrim Castle, Gortin, County Tyrone.

 

This page last updated 11 April 2023.