Private Robert Pierson
The background of this North Irish Horseman is not known at present. He may have been the Robert Pierson who, at the time of the 1911 Census, was living at Richhill, County Armagh, aged 16, and working as an apprentice grocer. On 3 July 1914 the Belfast News-Letter reported that a Robert Pearson, UVF squadron leader from Richhill, had won an inter-company shooting contest.
Pierson enlisted in the North Irish Horse between 4 and 7 September 1914 (No.1122 – later Corps of Hussars No.71241). On 1 May 1915 he embarked for France with D Squadron, which at the time was serving as divisional cavalry to the 51st Division.
In May 1916 D Squadron came together with A and E Squadrons to form the 1st North Irish Horse Regiment, serving as corps cavalry to VII, XIX, then V Corps until February-March 1918, when the regiment was dismounted and converted to a cyclist unit, serving as corps cyclists to V Corps until the end of the war.
Pierson remained with the regiment throughout the war. On 5 March 1919 he was demobilised and transferred to Class Z, Army Reserve.