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Private Robert Turner Birnie

 

 

Private Birnie was the son of John and Bridget Ann Birnie. Robert was born in England and was aged 18 when he enlisted in the North Irish Horse in October or November of 1915 (Service No.1832).  Sent to France as a reinforcement in 1916 or 1917, he was transferred to the 9th Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers when the 2nd Regiment North Irish Horse was absorbed into that regiment in September 1917 (Service No.41526). He was later transferred to the Machine Gun Corps (Service No.143851).

 

Image from the Belfast Evening Telegraph, from the second quarter of 1918, kindly provided by Nigel Henderson (see Fitzroy Presbyterian Church: Wartime Service and Sacrifice).