Farrier-Sergeant Walter Cooper Sheridan
Walter Cooper Sheridan was born on 6 June 1889 at Dernaglush, Belturbet, County Cavan, the third of seven children of farmer Thomas Sheridan and his wife Elizabeth (nee Faulkner). His father died of cancer when Walter was just 12 years old. By 1911 he was living with his mother and three younger siblings at Glasmullagh, County Fermanagh.
Sheridan enlisted in the North Irish Horse between 11 March and 8 April 1910 (No.505 – later Corps of Hussars No.71029). On 20 January 1915 he embarked for France as part of a reinforcement draft for A and C Squadrons. Evidence suggests that he returned to Antrim soon after and joined D Squadron as it embarked for France via England.
He must have returned to Ireland again later in the war, for on 13 June 1917 he married Sarah Darling at Kinawley, County Fermanagh.
Sheridan was transferred to Class Z, Army Reserve, on 1 July 1919.
At some point in 1919 he joined the 8th (King's Royal Irish) Hussars with the rank of sergeant (No.533949). He may in fact have been attached to that regiment since March-April 1918 when the 1st North Irish Horse Regiment was dismounted and converted to a cyclist regiment.
He saw service with the Hussars in India from 1919-20 and Mesopotamia from 1920-21.
Sheridan's brother Thomas Henry Sheridan also served in the North Irish Horse during the war.
The above images show Sheridan in late November 1914 (first) and with D Squadron sergeants in 1915 (second). The full pictures can be seen here and here.