Private Robert Topping
The background of this North Irish Horseman is not known at present, other than that he was from Ladybank (presumably the Ladybank in Fifeshire, Scotland).
Robert Topping enlisted in the North Irish Horse between 29 January and 12 April 1917 (No.2411). Soon after he embarked for France, where he was posted to one of the squadrons of the 1st or 2nd North Irish Horse Regiments.
In August-September 1917 the 2nd NIH 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 Topping, 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. Topping was issued regimental number 41352 and posted to B Company.
Topping 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. No further information has been discovered about his service in the war.