Lance Corporal Samuel John Robinson
Samuel John Robinson was born on 16 May 1889 in Castle Street, Ballymena, County Antrim, the first of fourteen children of labourer George Robinson and his wife Margaret Jane (née Service) – his mother had also had another child prior to her marriage to George. By the time of the 1911 Census Samuel was living at Castle Street with his parents and eleven siblings and working as a plasterer.
Robinson enlisted in the North Irish Horse between 14 and 16 October 1914 (No.1316). On 1 May 1915 he embarked for France with D Squadron, which at the time was serving as divisional cavalry to the 51st Division. In May 1916 D Squadron came together with A and E Squadrons to form the 1st North Irish Horse Regiment, serving as corps cavalry to VII Corps.
On 1 October 1916 Robinson transferred to the Military Mounted Police (No.P/4810) with the rank of lance corporal. He remained in that role until 29 June 1918, when he returned to the UK, perhaps sick or injured. On 27 May 1919 he was demobilised and transferred to Class Z, Army Reserve.