Private John Tilson

The background of this North Irish Horseman is not certain. He was most likely the John Joseph Tilson born on 28 January 1896 at Kilagoan, Belturbet, County Cavan, the third of six children of farmer Thomas William Tilson and his wife Annie Elizabeth (née Hewitt). Alternatively, he may have been the John Richard Tilson born on 6 June 1894 at Cornagrow, Kilnaleck, County Cavan, the first of two children of farmer Humphrey Tilson and his wife Jane (née McCawley).

Tilson enlisted in the North Irish Horse between 19 March and 2 April 1913 (No.820 – later Corps of Hussars No.71116). He embarked for France with C Squadron on 20 August 1914, seeing action on the retreat from Mons and advance to the Aisne.

Tilson remained with the regiment throughout the war. On 15 April 1919 he was demobilised and transferred to Class Z, Army Reserve.