Lance Corporal William Herbert McCammon

 

William Herbert McCammon was born on 21 January 1885 at Drumgooland, Ballynahinch, County Down, the third of ten children of mill-owner and farmer Andrew McCammon and his wife Madeline Kate McMurray McCammon (née Thompson). Educated at Campbell College, Belfast, at the time of the 1911 Census he was living at Drumgooland with his parents and five of his seven surviving siblings.

McCammon enlisted (as Herbert McCammon) in the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons Service Squadron on 6 October 1914 (No. UD/16). 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.

At some point in late 1916 or early 1917 McCammon fell ill and was evacuated to the UK. Diagnosed as suffering from 'neuritis', he was discharged on 27 June 1917, being 'no longer physically fit for war service' (paragraph 392 (xvi), King's Regulations). He was granted a pension, the illness being attributed to his military service. In June 1920 his level of disability was assessed at 30 per cent.

 

At least one of McCammon's brothers, Charles Duncan McCammon, also served in the war. He was killed while serving as a 2nd lieutenant in the 9th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, on 3 July 1916, and is buried in the Ovillers Military Cemetery.

 

This page last updated 13 January 2023.