Private James Clements
The background of this North Irish Horseman is not known at present, other than that he was from Londonderry.
James Clements enlisted in the North Irish Horse on 3 September 1914 (No.1107). He embarked for France with a draft of reinforcements for A, C and D Squadrons on 2 June 1915.
In May and June 1916 the five North Irish Horse squadrons then in France were brought together to form the 1st and 2nd North Irish Horse Regiments, serving as corps cavalry. A year later the 2nd Regiment was disbanded and most of its men, together with some surplus to the needs of the 1st Regiment, were transferred to the infantry. Like the majority, Clements was transferred to the 9th (Service) Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers – renamed the 9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion – on 20 September. He was issued regimental number 41292 and posted to C Company. He probably saw action with the battalion during the Battle of Cambrai in November and December 1917.
Clements was wounded during the retreat from St Quentin from 21-28 March 1918. He may have been the 'Chuckie Clements of Limavady' who carried his pal James Elliott to safety after he had been wounded during the retreat (see details in James Elliott biography).
He was wounded again during the Advance to Victory offensive from August to November 1918.
Clements was demobilised and transferred to Class Z, Army Reserve, on 22 March 1919.