Private William Christopher Weir

 

William Christopher Weir was born on 26 May 1896 at Killycat, Rossorry, County Fermanagh, the third of six children of farmer Robert Weir and his wife Charlotte (née Weir). His mother died when he was just three years old. At the time of the 1911 Census he was living at Killycat with his father, two of his three surviving siblings and a great aunt.

Weir enlisted in the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons Service Squadron at Enniskillen on 12 October 1914 (No. UD/51), overstating his age by two years. On 6 October 1915 the squadron embarked for France, serving as divisional cavalry to the 36th (Ulster) Division. Weir, however, remained at the squadron's reserve camp at Enniskillen. He was sent to join the squadron as a reinforcement on 27 December 1916.

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 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 41117.

He probably saw action with the battalion at the Battle of Cambrai in November and December 1917. During that time he fell ill, suffering from trench fever. Evecuated to the UK for treatment, on 25 September a medical board classed him as Category B2. Two days later he was transferred to the Labour Corps (No.663241) and posted to the Irish Command.

On 18 March 1919 Weir was demobilised and transferred to Class Z, Army Reserve. His military character was recorded as 'very good'. He was granted a pension due to his illness, which was attributed to his military service. In March 1920 his level of disability was assessed at 40 per cent. By August 1921 this had improved to 15-19 per cent.

 

This page last updated 8 February 2023.