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Private Richard Heaslip

 

The background of this North Irish Horseman is not certain, but it is probable that he was the Richard Heaslip born on 20 June 1890 at Moher, Denn, County Cavan, one of at least three children of farmer Thomas Heaslip and his wife Margaret (née Fleming). By the time of the 1911 Census he was living at Moher with his widowed mother and older brother Samuel and working as a farm servant.

Heaslip enlisted in the North Irish Horse between 17 and 20 October 1913 (No.873 – later Corps of Hussars No.71141). Enlisting at the same time were William Heaslip and James Heaslip. Thomas Heaslip had joined three years earlier. All four were from Denn, County Cavan, and it is probable that Richard and William were brothers.

Richard (with William) embarked with a reinforcement draft for France on 9 February 1915. He remained with the regiment throughout the war. On 2 March 1919 he was demobilised and transferred to Class Z, Army Reserve.