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Sergeant William James Kelly

 

The background of this North Irish Horseman is not known at present.

William James Kelly enlisted in the North Irish Horse between 17 and 20 August 1914 (No.1011 – later Corps of Hussars No.71199). He embarked for France on 28 April 1915 with a draft of reinforcements for A and C Squadrons – it is likely that he was posted to the former.

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 until February-March 1918, when the regiment was dismounted and converted to a cyclist unit. This meant a 25 per cent reduction in the regiment's numbers, and it is likely that this was the time that Kelly was transferred to the 8th (King's Royal Irish) Hussars.

Kelly remained with the Hussars until the end of the war. On 3 February 1919 he was demobilised and transferred to Class Z, Army Reserve.