Timeline

 

1914

2 October
Recruitment begins at Enniskillen for a squadron to act as divisional cavalry to the 36th (Ulster) Division.

November
Squadron numbers reach 'war strength'. War Office rejects a request that a second squadron be raised.

 

1915

February
Recruiting re-opens for a further forty men for the squadron.

3-7 May
The Squadron, accompanied by the Ulster Division's cyclist squadron, leaves Enniskillen and marches to Belfast, via Armagh, Portadown and Lisburn

8 May
The Squadron leads the parade of the Ulster Division through Belfast.

11-13 May
The Squadron marches to Magilligan Camp via Ballymena, Ballymoney and Coleraine.

September
The Squadron moved to Newtownards Camp.

1-3 October
Around 30 men of the Squadron arrive at Le Havre, attached as batmen to officers in the headquarters of the 36th (Ulster) Division.

5-6 October
The Squadron sails from Southampton and arrives at Le Havre.

7-21 October
Squadron at Olincourt.

22 October to 27 November
Squadron at St Hilaire.

28 November to 2 January
Squadron at Famechon.

 

1916

3 January to 8 February
Squadron at St Hilaire.

9-21 February
Squadron at Lavicogne.

22 February to 3 March
Squadron at Vauchelles-les-Authie.

4-31 March
Squadron at Bertrancourt.

1-6 April
Squadron at Contay.

7-12 April
Squadron at St Ouen.

13-19 April
Squadron at St Riquier.

20-25 April
Squadron at Martainneville.

26-27 April
Squadron at Hangest-sur-Somme.

28 April to 20 June
Squadron at Puchevillers.

21 June
6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons Service Squadron, with B and C Squadrons of the North Irish Horse, form the 2nd North Irish Horse Regiment, attached to X Corps as corps cavalry.

21-29 June
Squadron at Toutencourt.

30 June
Squadron at Forceville (Nos 2 & 4 Troops had moved there on 27 June, No.3 Troop on 28 June. No.3 Troop moved to Acheux on 30 June.)

3 July
First fatality, Private Alexander Watt, killed in action during the Battle of the Somme.

5 July
Two troops of the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons Squadron caught in a German artillery barrage in Aveluy Wood.

9–24 July
Squadron as part of 2nd NIH Regiment clearing Somme battlefield of bodies and equipment.

2 August
Squadron as part of 2nd NIH Regiment moves to Flesselles.

26 October
Squadron as part of 2nd NIH Regiment begins move north to the Ypres front.

18 November
Squadron as part of 2nd NIH Regiment arrives at Boeschepe, where they remains until May 1917.

 

1917

7 June
2nd NIH Regiment held ready to exploit breakthrough at Messines.

mid-June
Orders that 2nd NIH Regiment be disbanded. Other ranks to be compulsorily transferred to infantry.

22 July to 23 August
2nd NIH Regiment moves to Aix-en-Issart and begin ‘dismounting’ process.

14 August
2nd Regiment commences dismount and transfer to infantry.

23 August
Remainder of Regiment entrains for infantry training at 36 Infantry Base Depot, Harfleur.

20 September
Most of the regiment, including men of the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons Service Squadron, transfer to 9th (Service) Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers. Battalion re-named 9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers.

26 October
Three former Inniskillings squadron men serving with the 9th (NIH) Battalion killed by enemy artillery fire.

23 November
Four former Inniskillings squadron men serving with the 9th (NIH) Battalion killed at the Battle of Cambrai.

 

1918

18 April
The Squadron's most decorated officer, Captain Charles Beauclerk Despard, killed in action at Kemmel.

Throughout 1918 the depot at Enniskillen remained in place, but was gradually wound down, with officers and men deployed elsewhere. Captain Moorhead remained in command.

See North Irish Horse timeline for activities of the 9th (NIH) Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers.