Private Nicholas Russell
The background of this North Irish Horseman is not known at present, other than that he was from Cambuslang, Glasgow.
Nicholas Russell enlisted in the North Irish Horse between 29 January and 12 April 1917 (No.2399). He embarked for France soon after, and was posted to one of the squadrons of the 1st or 2nd North Irish Horse Regiments.
In August-September 1917 the 2nd North Irish Horse Regiment was disbanded and its men, together with some surplus to the needs of the 1st NIH Regiment, were transferred to the Royal Irish Fusiliers, an infantry regiment. Most, including Russell, were transferred on 20 September and posted to the 9th (Service) Battalion – renamed the 9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion – joining it in the field at Ruyaulcourt five days later. Russell was issued regimental number 41334 and posted to B Company.
He probably saw action with the battalion at the Battle of Cambrai in November and December 1917.
Russell was one of the many wounded during the 9th (NIH) Battalion's fighting withdrawal from St Quentin from 21 to 28 March 1918 during the German spring offensive. Nothing more has been discovered about his service during the war.