---

 

Private John McConnell

 

The background of this North Irish Horseman is not known at present.

John McConnell enlisted in the North Irish Horse between 19 and 22 May 1915 (No.1562 – later Corps of Hussars No.71443). He trained at the regiment's Antrim reserve camp before embarking for France sometime between 1916 and 1918, possibly with E Squadron on 11 January 1916.

In May 1916 E Squadron came together with A and D Squadrons to form the 1st North Irish Horse Regiment, serving as corps cavalry to VII, XIX, then V Corps until February-March 1918, when the regiment was dismounted and converted to a cyclist unit. It then served as corps cyclists to V Corps until the end of the war.

McConnell remained with the regiment throughout the war. On 8 April 1919 he was demobilised and transferred to Class Z, Army Reserve.