Private Luke Sayers
Luke (or Lucas) Sayers was born on 7 September 1896 at Carrick, Kilmacrenan, County Donegal, son of Fanny Maria Sayers. The 1901 Census shows him living at nearby Carnatreantagh with his grandparents, mother, two uncles and an aunt. He was at the same address at the time of the 1911 Census.
Sayers enlisted in the North Irish Horse at Letterkenny on 3 April 1914 (No.935 – later Corps of Hussars No.71169). He embarked for France with A Squadron on 17 August 1914, seeing action on the retreat from Mons and advance to the Aisne.
On 27 November 1914 Sayers was evacuated to England, suffering from rheumatism. It is likely that when he had recovered sufficiently he reported for duty at the North Irish Horse reserve depot at Antrim. Whether he saw any further overseas service is unknown at present.
In June 1918 he was transferred to the Labour Corps (No.593007) and posted to No.609 Agricultural Company.
After the war Sayers worked as an attendant at the Londonderry asylum - from 1919 until his retirement in 1959. He died in June 1986.