In memoriam

Private William Lindsay

 

 

William Lindsay was born on 10 January 1887 at Lisbellaw, County Fermanagh, the first of nine children of agricultural labourer James Lindsay and his wife Margaret (nee West). In 1901 he was living with his family at Aughrim, Gardenhill, Fermanagh, by 1911 at Moylehid, Lisbofin, and by 1914 at Raholland, Letterbreen.

Lindsay enlisted in the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons Service Squadron at Enniskillen between 19 and 26 October 1914 (No. UD/60). He embarked for France as a reinforcement for the squadron in the second half of 1916 or 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 until August 1917. The following month the regiment was disbanded and most of its men transferred to the infantry. After a brief period of training at the 36th (Ulster) Division's Infantry Base Depot at Harfleur, Lindsay was transferred to the Royal Irish Fusiliers on 20 September and soon after was posted to the 9th (Service) Battalion – renamed the 9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion. He was issued regimental number 41084. He probably saw action with the battalion during the Battle of Cambrai in November and December 1917 and perhaps also during the retreat from St Quentin from 21 to 28 March 1918.

On 9 April 1918 the 9th Battalion was on the Ypres front when the Germans began their offensive in that sector. The battalion saw severe fighting between Wulverghem and Kemmel for more than a week and suffered many casualties. Lindsay was initially listed as missing, but his death was later accepted.

It is likely that he died in the early morning of 18 April when a composite battalion of 400 men from the 9th and 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers, and 12th Royal Irish Rifles, were caught in an enemy bombardment while moving to positions on the western slopes of Mount Kemmel. According to the battalion diary for that day:

2 am. Moved to Kemmel, as composite Bn with 1st R. Ir. Fus. cmd. by Lt. Col. Kelly. Heavy casualties, while moving into position, from enemy shelling. Capt. Despard wounded and died soon after.

... and the 108 Brigade diary:

Battalion moved to Kemmel Hill, but whilst halted near foot of N. slope was heavily shelled, losing Captain Despard killed ... and about 70 other casualties.

Having no known grave, Private Lindsay is commemorated on Panel 141, Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.

 

 

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This page last updated 10 February 2023.