Private Hugh Thompson
Hugh Thompson was born on 27 September 1885 at Aughlisnafin, Kilmegan, County Down, the only child of farmer James Henry Thompson and his wife Jane (née McBride). By the time of the 1911 Census he was living with his parents at nearby Ballywillwill, Castlewellan and working on the family farm.
Thompson enlisted in the North Irish Horse at Newcastle, County Down, on 26 January 1914 (No.889). he gave his age as 23 rather than his real age of 28. In mid-1915 he embarked for England with F Squadron, where they waited at Hemel Hempstead for orders for France.
In July, however, Thompson fell ill. Admitted to the "White House" hospital at Hemel Hempstead, he was diagnosed with lumbago – "pain in back legs, appears of a chronic nature" – and was returned to Ireland for further treatment.
On 23 September 1915 Thompson was admitted to Belfast Military Hospital. There he was diagnosed with tuberculosis. He was discharged on 26 October 1915, being no longer physically fit for military service (paragraph 392(xvi), King's Regulations). His military character was recorded as 'good'.
Thompson died of "meningitis (TB)" at the Union Infirmary in Downpatrick on 8 June 1916.