Private James Toman

 

The background of this man is not known at present. It is possible that he was the James Toman born on 20 May 1895 at Lisadian, Hillsborough, County Down, the last of four children of weaver James Toman and his wife Annie (née Tippling). At the time of the 1911 Census he was living at Lisadian with his parents and two of his siblings and working as a linen weaver.

Toman enlisted in the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons Service Squadron in late October or early November 1914 (No. UD/100 – later Corps of Dragoons No. D/21239). 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 until September 1917, when the regiment was disbanded and its men transferred to the infantry.

By then, however, it appears that Toman had returned to the squadron reserve at Enniskillen. It is not known if he saw any more overseas service during the war, but it appears unlikely. On 14 March 1919 he was demobilised and transferred to Class Z, Army Reserve.

 

This page last updated 19 March 2023.