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Corporal Joseph Smith Baile, MM

 

 

Joseph Smith Bailey was born on 20 June 1891 at Tullyvin, Castleblayney, County Monaghan, youngest of seven children of farmer John Bailey and his wife Martha (nee Finlay).

Bailey enlisted in the North Irish Horse between 14 and 31 March 1914 (No.932 – later Corps of Hussars No.71168).

He embarked for France with A Squadron on 17 August 1914, seeing action in the retreat from Mons and advance to the Aisne.

Bailey remained with the squadron throughout the war. In March 1918, as part of the 1st North Irish Horse Regiment, it was dismounted and converted to a cyclist regiment, serving as corps cyclists to V Corps for the remainder of the war.

In September 1918 Bailey and two others were awarded Military Medals for their gallant conduct in the Advance to Victory offensive from 21 August. He was also wounded during this time.

He was transferred to Class Z, Army Reserve, on 15 February 1919.

 

Image from the Belfast Evening Telegraph kindly provided by Nigel Henderson, Researcher at History Hub Ulster (www.greatwarbelfastclippings.com).