Private William Andrew McClinton
William Andrew McClinton (seated above) was born at Craigarogan, Templepatrick, County Antrim, on 21 September 1896, the third of nine children of engine employee (later yarn dryer) John McClinton and his wife Mary Ann (Minnie) (nee Stewart). By 1912 he was living with his family in Glenbank Place, Ballysillan, and working as doffer in a flax mill.
McClinton enlisted in the North Irish Horse between 18 and 27 April 1917 (Regimental No. 2428 or 2429 – later Corps of Hussars No.71821).
He embarked for France during 1917 or 1918. At some point during this time (possibly in March 1918 when the 1st North Irish Horse Regiment was dismounted and converted to a cyclist regiment) he was attached to the 6th Dragoon Guards (Carabiniers).
In the early months of 1919 he was formally transferred to the Corps of Dragoons (No. D/32861).
McClinton's older brother Samuel (below) had enlisted in the Irish Guards on 25 February 1913. He died of wounds during the fighting around Ypres on 18 November 1914. His cousin, John Harris McClinton, also served in the North Irish Horse.
Samuel McClinton
The family McClinton was billeted with after the war, probably in Belgium.
A group of recruits, possibly the 15th (North Belfast) Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles. Among them are Billy John Black, Tommy Allen, Alec Peoples, Kincaid, Kelly and Pollock.
Templepatrick Old Presbyterian Church War Memorial
The first photograph shows Private McClinton (seated) with 6th Dragoon Guards pals Bobby Walker (left, D/25225) and "Jock", a Scottish cook. It was taken in Germany soon after the war. All images (apart from the war memorial) kindly provided by William McClinton's grand-daughter, Caroline Dobbin.