Private William Gilbey
It is probable that this North Irish Horseman was the William Ogilby born on 27 February 1897 at 22 Colchester Street Belfast, one of thirteen children of shoemaker Samuel Ogilby and his wife Mary Ann (née Pinkerton). At the time of the 1911 Census he was living at 125 Glenwood Street, Belfast, with his parents, six of his ten surviving siblings, a nephew and a niece. They moved to 71 Lanark Street soon after.
On 27 January 1916 at Belfast Ogilby enlisted in the Royal Marine Light Infantry, Chatham Division (No.1421). He gave his occupation as machine hand. He was discharged (invalided), however, on 1 May that year, his conduct recorded as 'very good'.
Between 6 and 12 September 1917 he enlisted (using the name William Gilbey) in the North Irish Horse (regimental number between 2678 and 2682 – later Corps of Hussars number 71962). He trained at the regiment's Antrim reserve camp and did not see overseas service.
Gilbey was discharged on 4 April 1922. He unsuccessfully claimed a disability pension for 'chest trouble'.