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Private John Gilchrist

 

John Gilchrist was born on 18 October 1896 in Racavan, Ballymena, County Antrim, the fourth of eleven children of farm labourer David Gilchrist and his wife Sarah Jane (née Kevin (or Kevan, Cavan)). At the time of the 1911 Census he was living at Dunaird, Broughshane, with his parents and siblings and working as a farm labourer.

Gilchrist enlisted in the North Irish Horse at Ballymena on 2 June 1917 (No.2466 – later Corps of Hussars No.71850). He was described as standing 5' 9" tall, with a fresh complexion and brown hair. He gave his occupation as a miner.

He trained at the regiment's reserve depot at Antrim, but was reported to have deserted on 30 January 1918. Whether he returned to duty at some later date is not known at present.

 

Two of Gilchrist's brothers also served in the war, David in the Royal Navy, and William in the Royal Irish Rifles.

 

This page last updated 10 January 2024.