Private Robert Weir

 

 

Robert Weir was born on 25 November 1896 at 16 Keswick Street, Belfast, the fourth or fifth of nine children of machine man Albert Weir and his wife Agnes (née McClelland). At the time of the 1911 Census he was living at 73 Emerson Street, Belfast, with his parents and his two surviving siblings, and working as a spindle maker. Records show that prior to enlisting he worked for the textile machinery manufacturer James Mackie & Sons, of Springfield Road.

Weir enlisted in the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons Service Squadron between 2 and 6 November 1914 (No. UD/75). 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. 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 Weir, 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. Weir was issued regimental number 41140.

Weir was wounded on 22 or 23 November 1917 in the fighting for the village of Moeuvres during the Battle of Cambrai. He rejoined the battalion at some point during 1918.

He was wounded a second time during the Advance to Victory offensive, possibly on 4 September in the attack near Wulverghem.

On 23 March 1919 Weir was demobilised and transferred to Class Z, Army Reserve.

Following his discharge he returned to 73 Emerson Street, working as a machinist for James Mackie & Sons for the rest of his life. He died at home on 7 May 1960 and was buried in Carnmoney Cemetery.

 

Image from the Larne Times of 5 October 1918 kindly provided by Nigel Henderson, Researcher at History Hub Ulster.

 

This page last updated 18 February 2023.