---

 

Farrier Sergeant Ernest Gilliland

 

 

Ernest Gilliland was born on 26 February 1883 at Crievagh, Kilmore, County Monaghan, the fifth of eight children of blacksmith George Gilliland and his wife Jane (nee Turbitt). Like his father, Ernest became a blacksmith. By 1911 he was living with his family at Drumar, Ballybay Rural.

Gilliland enlisted in the North Irish Horse between 5 and 12 March 1909 (No.308 – later Corps of Hussars No.71019). He was soon promoted to the rank of farrier sergeant. On 17 August 1914 he embarked for France with A Squadron, seeing action in the retreat from Mons and advance to the Aisne.

He remained with the regiment throughout the war, and on 7 February 1919 was transferred to Class Z, Army Reserve.

 

The image shows Gilliland in 1912. The full picture can be seen here.