Private Frederick Ernest Carlisle
Frederick Ernest Carlisle was born on 29 January 1892 at 12 Kendal Street, Belfast, one of ten children of foundry labourer Samuel Carlisle and his wife Agnes (nee Thompson). By 1911 he was living with his parents and five of his siblings at Tilley Street in Belfast, and working as a brush maker.
Carlisle enlisted in the North Irish Horse on 2 October 1914 (No.1255 – later Corps of Hussars No.71305). He embarked for France on 24 August 1915, where he was posted to either A of D Squadron of the North Irish Horse.
In May 1916 A, D and E Squadrons came together for form the 1st North Irish Horse Regiment, serving as corps cavalry to VII, XIX and then V Corps until February 1918. In that month the regiment was dismounted and converted to cyclists, serving as corps cyclists to V Corps for the remainder of the war.
It is likely that Carlisle remained with the 1st Regiment in France for much of the war. However by 3 January 1919 he was home, for on that day he married Elizabeth McKitterick at Dundonald, County Down.
He was transferred to Class Z, Army Reserve, on 12 February 1919.
Carlisle died in Belfast on 17 July 1955.
At least two of his brothers also served in the war. David Carlisle, a professional soldier who had seen service in the Boer War, was killed in action at Neuve Chapelle on 12 March 1915 while serving with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles. The Belfast News-Letter reported on 5 April that:
Mrs. E. Carlisle, 21, Bristol Street, Belfast, has been notified that her husband, Private David Carlisle, 1st Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles, was killed on the 10th ult. at Neuve Chapelle. Prior to being called as a reservist deceased was employed as an ironmoulder at the Queen's Island. He served in South Africa during the Boer war. Two of his brothers are also in the army – one in the North Irish Horse, and the other in the Royal Engineer, both being stationed at Antrim. Deceased, who leaves two children, was the eldest son of Mr. Samuel Carlisle, 13, Tilley Street.
Albert Victor Carlisle joined the Royal Engineers on 11 January 1915 but was discharged six months later due to an abcess on his tibia.
Carlisle seated (right) with two North Irish Horse pals
Carlisle with his father Samuel
David Carlisle (left) with, presumably, a younger brother
My thanks to John Carlisle for providing these images of his great grandfather.