Private Robert James Middleby
Robert James Middleby (or Maddleby, Madderby) was born on 24 June 1889 at Tyranden, Kilmore, County Monaghan, one of at least three children of labourer Joseph Middleby and his wife Eliza (nee Mackin). After his father died in 1893 the family lived at Losset, north of Ballybay.
Middleby enlisted in the North Irish Horse at Monaghan on 5 October 1908 (No.218). He was recorded as absent on 4 May 1911 at the annual training camp, but rejoined on 19 January 1912. He may have been overseas, as he doesn't appear in the 1911 Irish Census.
On 1 May 1915 Middleby embarked for France with D Squadron of the North Irish Horse. However he chose to leave the army and return home when his period of engagement ended on 4 October that year. His record of service was marked as 'good'.
Although he was entitled to a 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal, it appears these were never issued.
Middleby died at Cornasoo, Kilmore, County Monaghan, on 27 May 1960.