Private James Ramsay
This man was probably the James Alexander Ramsay born on 8 July 1896 at Buncrana, County Donegal, son of stationmaster Archibald Ramsay and his wife Martha (nee Ferguson).
He enlisted in the North Irish Horse in late January or early February 1913 (No.790).
On 17 August 1914 he embarked for France as part of A Squadron, seeing action in the Retreat from Mons and Advance to the Aisne. It is likely that he returned to Ireland during 1914 or 1915, perhaps sick, wounded or injured, and on his recovery joined F Squadron, which embarked for France on 17 November 1915.
In June 1916 F Squadron (re-named B Squadron), joined with C Squadron and the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons Service Squadron to form the 2nd North Irish Horse Regiment. The regiment was then based on the Somme front. On 10 July 1916 the regimental war diary included the following entry:
7.0 pm The regt under Major Waring strength 80 per Squadron proceeded to clear up the battlefield in La-Boisselle. Horses were left W of Albert. The Squadrons were attached to 7th & 75th Inf. Brigades. during work they came under continual heavy shell fire. Work was discontinued just before dawn. The Regt arrived back in Camp at 5.A.M. Casualties. Wounded. 790 Pte Ramsay J 'B' Squadron N.I.H., 991 Pte Williamson T.J. 'C' Squadron.
Ramsay was evacuated home for treatment. Although he recovered he was never well enough to resume front-line duties. On 9 July 1917 he was transferred to No.664 Home Service Labour Company, Army Service Corps (No.333719).