Lance Corporal Thomas Gibbons
The background of this North Irish Horseman is not known at present, other than that he was from Belfast.
Gibbons enlisted in the North Irish Horse between 8 and 10 August 1914 (No.974 – later Corps of Hussars No.71181). Just days later, on 20 August, he embarked for France with C Squadron, seeing action on the retreat from Mons and advance to the Aisne.
On 23 August 1915 while serving at General Headquarters, Gibbons faced a Field General Court Martial, charged with 'behaviour to the prejudice of good order and military discipline' (Army Act s.40). He was found not guilty.
In May and June 1916 C Squadron combined with F Squadron and the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons Service Squadron to form the 2nd North Irish Horse Regiment, and A, D and E Squadrons combined to form the 1st North Irish Horse Regiment, each serving as corps cavalry units. At some point Gibbons was posted to one of the squadrons of the 1st NIH Regiment.
In late October 1917 Gibbons suffered from 'ICT' (inflammation of the connective tissues) of the right hand. He was evacuated to England, where he was admitted to the 2nd Eastern General Hospital at Brighton.
No information has been located about Gibbons' service with the North Irish Horse through 1918. It is likely that after he recovered he was posted to the regiment's reserve depot at Antrim.
On 17 March 1919 Gibbons was demobilised and transferred to Class Z, Army Reserve. He returned to Belfast, where records show him living at 35 Kilmood Street, and 156 Ardgler Park.