Lance Corporal William Knox
The background of this North Irish Horseman is not known for certain, but on the balance of probabilities he would appear to be the William Irvine Knox born on 13 December 1885 at Mullanrody, Ederney, County Fermanagh, the second of seven children of famer Thomas Knox and his wife Alicia (née Law). By the time of the 1911 Census he was living at Mullanrody with his parents and siblings and working on the family farm.
Knox enlisted in the North Irish Horse between 10 and 26 September 1914 (No.1212). On 1 May 1915 he embarked for France with D Squadron, which at the time was serving as divisional cavalry to the 51st Division.
In May and June 1916 A, D and E Squadrons of the North Irish Horse combined to form the 1st North Irish Horse Regiment, and C and F Squadrons joined the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons Service Squadron to form the 2nd North Irish Horse Regiment, each serving as corps cavalry units. 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 Knox, 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. Knox was issued regimental number 41342.
No information has been located about Knox's service with the 9th (NIH) Battalion through the latter part of 1917 and during 1918. In September 1919 he was transferred to the Royal Army Ordnance Corps (No.052894). On 2 March 1920 he was demobilised and transferred to Class Z, Army Reserve.
Knox married Elizabeth Knox in Fermanagh on 27 September 1922.
Records suggest he later emigrated to Canada, at one point living at 350 William Street, London, Ontario.