Lance Corporal Richard McGaffin Fowler
Richard McGaffin Fowler was born around 1887 in New York State, USA, the third or fourth child of weaver (later millworker and yarn dryer) Joshua Fowler and his wife Margaret Jane (née McGaffin). His parents and their first two children had emigrated from Ireland to the US around 1886 but returned in the 1890s. By the time of the 1911 Census, Richard was living at Loughans, Tullylish, County Down, with his parents and two siblings and working as a commercial clerk.
Fowler enlisted in the North Irish Horse between 14 and 29 May 1914 (No.945). He embarked 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 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 infantry. Like most, Fowler joined the 9th (Service) Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers – renamed the 9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion – on 20 September. He was issued regimental number 41275.
It is likely that Fowler saw action with the battalion at the Battle of Cambrai in November and December 1917. No information has been located about his service with the 9th (NIH) Battalion through 1918.
Fowler's name is included on the Gilford Presbyterian Church Roll of Honour.