Private Samuel Beresford
Samuel Beresford was born on 26 November 1892 Loughanmere, Donegore, County Antrim, the sixth of seven children of labourer John Beresford and his wife Agnes (née Killen). By the time of the 1911 Census he was living at Town Parks, Antrim Rural, with his parents and three of his four surviving siblings, and working as a printer's compositor.
Beresford enlisted in the North Irish Horse between 25-27 November 1915 (No.1982). He trained at the regiment's Antrim reserve camp before embarking for France in 1916 or the first half of 1917, where he was posted to one of the squadrons of the 1st or 2nd North Irish Horse Regiments.
In August-September 1917 the 2nd NIH Regiment was disbanded and its men, together with some surplus to the needs of the 1st NIH Regiment, were transferred to the Royal Irish Fusiliers, an infantry regiment. Most, including Beresford, 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 five days later. Beresford was issued regimental number 41430.
No information has been discovered about Beresford's service with the 9th (NIH) Battalion through the latter part of 1917 and during 1918.