Private William McLoughlin

 

The background of this man is not known at present.

William McLoughlin enlisted in the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons Service Squadron between 10 and 14 April 1915 (No. UD/253). On 6 October 1915 the squadron embarked for France, serving as divisional cavalry to the 36th (Ulster) Division. McLoughlin, however, remained at the squadron's reserve depot at Enniskillen. He was sent to join the squadron as a reinforcement in 1916 or the 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. 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 McLoughlin, 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. McLoughlin was issued regimental number 41129.

No information has been discovered about his service with the 9th (NIH) Battalion through the latter part of 1917 and the first months of 1918, but he may have seen action with the battalion at the Battle of Cambrai in November and December 1917, and perhaps in other actions in March and April 1918.

On 16 July 1918 he deserted from the army. It appears that he was not apprehended, and after the war his medals were forfeited. Years later he was formally discharged, 'having been convicted by a civil power' (paragraph 370(xi)(a), King's Regulations 1928).

 

This page last updated 22 July 2023.