Shoeing Smith Robert Lowry
Robert Lowry was born on 23 September 1895 at Tullyrusk, Glenavy, County Antrim, the first of twelve children of farmer John Lowry and his wife Annie (nee Park). By the time of the 1911 Census he was living with his parents, grandmother and six siblings at Dundesert, County Antrim, and working on the family farm.
Lowry enlisted in the North Irish Horse on 25 May 1915 (No.1608 – later Corps of Hussars No.71469). He embarked for France between 1916 and 1918, probably with E Squadron on 11 January 1916.
In May 1916 E Squadron joined with A and D Squadrons to form the 1st North Irish Horse Regiment, serving as corps cavalry to VII, XIX, then V Corps.
At some point Lowry was transferred to a regiment of the Dragoon Guards. This was probably in February-March 1918, when the 1st North Irish Horse Regiment was dismounted and converted to a cyclist regiment, necessitating to a reduction of 25 per cent in its establishment.
On 11 July 1918 Lowry was admitted to the 18th General Hospital. Another report states that he was wounded during the war, but whether it was at this or some other time is not known.
Lowry was demobilised and transferred to Class Z, Army Reserve, on 13 March 1919.
After the war Lowry returned to farming. On 26 November 1942 he married Ethel (Effie) Smyth. The couple had one child before Robert died at their home, Dundrod, on 27 October 1944. He was buried in Glenavy Churchyard.
"R. Lowry" is written on the back of the photograph above. It is therefore probably Robert Lowry. The photograph is from the papers held by the family of Private William Finlay, kindly provided by Kyle Lerfald.