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Private William McCalister

 

The background of this North Irish Horseman is not known at present, other than that he was from Belfast and was born about 1892.

William McCalister (or McCallister, McAllister) joined the North Irish Horse (either enlisted or posted from another regiment) between 2 and 12 April 1918 (Corps of Hussars No.72060). He trained at the regiment's Antrim reserve camp until 18 October 1919, when he was discharged. (It is possible that he may have served in France, but if so, he would not have arrived there until after the Armistice on 11 November 1918.)

McCalister was granted a pension for some form of disability caused by his army service, which was assessed at 20 per cent in April 1920. Later that year as a final settlement he was granted £50 towards the purchase of a horse, cart and harness.

Following his discharge he lived at 7 Carnmoney Street, Belfast and worked as a labourer. He died on 20 September 1938 and was buried in the City Cemetery – Public Grounds.