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Private Wesley McClelland

 

McClelland

 

Wesley McClelland was born at Derryloran, Cookstown, County Tyrone. He enlisted in the North Irish Horse at Cookstown in January or February 1912 (Service No.663, later 71062 Corps of Hussars). He embarked for France on 17 August 1914 with A Squadron.

In March 1918 his regiment (1st North Irish Horse) was converted to a cyclist unit, V Corps Cyclist (North Irish Horse) Regiment. McClelland was killed in action on 16 August 1918.

He is buried at Ancre British Cemetery, Beaumont-Hamel, Somme, France, grave VII.E.56. Gravestone inscription reads:

71062 PRIVATE

W. MC CLELLAND

NORTH IRISH HORSE

16TH AUGUST 1918

 

Private McClelland's body was recovered in October 1919 from a burial site south-east of Beaumont-Hamel (map ref. 57.d.Q.18.a.2.5) and moved to the Ancre British Cemetery. It had been identified by a cross over the grave. (See Burial Return form below.)

McClelland

 

Image of gravestone kindly provided by Richard Evans. See his website Nelson, Glamorgan and the Great War http://www.nelson-ww1-memorial.org.uk. Image of burial return kindly provided by Peter Woodger.