Private Robert J. Hall
The background of this North Irish Horseman is not known at present.
Robert J. Hall enlisted in the North Irish Horse between 19 September and 19 October 1912 (No.736). He embarked for France with A Squadron on 17 August 1914, seeing action on the retreat from Mons and advance to the Aisne.
In May 1916 A Squadron came together with D and E Squadrons to form the 1st North Irish Horse Regiment, serving as corps cavalry to VII, XIX, then V Corps. Hall was with this regiment when, in late 1916 or early 1917, he fell ill. Evacuated to the UK, he was admitted to the 2nd Western Generan Hospital at Manchester on 13 January 1917.
After he recovered Hall returned to the North Irish Horse reserve depot at Antrim, and soon after re-embarked for France. Whether he was posted to the 1st or 2nd NIH Regiment is not known.
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, Hall joined the 9th (Service) Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers – renamed the 9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion – on 20 September. He was issued regimental number 41542.
Nothing more is known of his service during the war, but there is no record of him becoming a casualty.