---

 

Corporal Samuel James Mervyn

 

Samuel James Mervyn was born on 5 February 1896 at Mountcastle, Dunamanagh, County Tyrone, the last of eleven children of carpenter David Mervyn and his wife Matilda (nee Ferguson). His father died when he was just eight years old. By 1911 he was living with his mother and five older sisters at 78 Spencer Street, Londonderry, and working as a clerk in a stock and shares broker's office.

Mervyn enlisted in the North Irish Horse on 9 or 10 September 1914 (No. 1192 – later Corps of Hussars No.71274).

He embarked for France betwen 1916 and 1918, probably as part of E Squadron on 11 January 1916. In May 1916 E Squadron became part of the 1st North Irish Horse Regiment. In February-March 1918 the 1st Regiment was dismounted and converted to a cyclist regiment.

Mervyn served with the regiment until the end of he war. On 4 March 1919 he was transferred to Class Z, Army Reserve