Private Charles McElhinney

This North Irish Horseman is probably the Charles McElhinney born on 25 June 1895 at Drumnahough, Letterkenny, County Donegal, the first of four children of farmer Robert McElhinney and his wife Annie (née Armour). His father died when he was just eight years old. By the time of the 1911 Census he was living as a boarder at 17 Abercorn Road, Londonderry, and working as a grocer's apprentice.

McElhinney enlisted in the North Irish Horse on 10 August 1914 (No.983 – later Corps of Hussars No.71185). On 1 May 1915 he embarked for France with D Squadron, which at the time was serving as divisional cavalry to the 51st Division.

McElhinney remained with the regiment throughout the war. On 28 April 1919 he was demobilised and transferred to Class Z, Army Reserve.