Private James Graham
This North Irish Horseman was probably the James Graham born on 4 September 1892 at Ballywatermoy, near Ballymena, County Antrim, the first of six children of farmer Wilson Graham and his wife Maggie (née Greer). By the time of the 1911 Census he was living at nearby Ballyreagh, Clogh, with his parents and siblings and working on the family farm.
Graham enlisted in the North Irish Horse between 25 and 27 November 1915 (No.1983). He trained at the regiment's Antrim reserve camp before embarking 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 August-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 Royal Irish Fusiliers, an infantry regiment. Most, including Graham, were transferred on 20 September and posted to the 9th (Service) Battalion – renamed the 9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion – joining it in the field at Ruyaulcourt five days later. Graham was issued regimental number 41247.
No information has been located about Graham's service with the 9th (NIH) Battalion through the latter part of 1917 and during 1918.
One of Graham's brothers, Andrew Greer Graham, also served in the war, in the Irish Guards. He died of wounds in France on 1 May 1918.