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Private William Hugh Nelson

 

William Hugh Nelson was born on 30 June 1898 at Ballyhenry, Carnmoney, County Antrim, the fourth of eight children of farmer (later publican) Thomas Nelson and his wife Jennie (née Robinson). By the time of the 1911 Census he was living at 21 Moss Road, Ballyclare, County Antrim, with his parents and his six surviving siblings. He later worked as a bleacher and dyer.

Nelson enlisted in the North Irish Horse between 1 and 20 November 1916 (regimental number 2291 or 2298 – later Corps of Hussars No.71743).

In January 1918 he embarked for Egypt with a draft of North Irish Horsemen from the regiment's Antrim reserve camp. There he was attached to the 1/1st Nottinghamshire Yeomanry (Sherwood Rangers). At the beginning of July 1918 he was transferred to the Machine Gun Corps (Cavalry) (No.169464).

On 26 February 1919 at Mustapha in Egypt Nelson re-enlisted for two years, in the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons (No.35061 – later army number 392944). On 10 September the following year, however, he was discharged for misconduct (paragraph 392(xi), King's Regulations), his medals and military service being forfeit.