1st Regiment North Irish Horse

 

The 1st Regiment North Irish Horse was formed on 10 May 1916 from A, D and E Squadrons. It served as Corps Cavalry regiment to VII Corps (10 May 1916 to 15 July 1917), XIX Corps (16 July to 6 September 1917), and V Corps (7 September 1917 to early March 1918). In March 1918 the regiment was dismounted and re-established as the cyclist regiment to V Corps. 

Although the regiment was formed on 10 May 1916, no diary was kept until the following month.

It is sourced from National Archives documents WO 95/874 and WO 95/816.

 

June 1916

1-17

Grouches. Corps Cavalry duties and training.

18

"D" Sqdn detached to 46th Divn Provost duties.
E Sqdn detached to 56th Divn Provost duties.
A Sqdn less 2 troops to 37th Divn Provost duties.
Hdqrs & 2 troops "A" Sqdn remaining for duties with VII Corps.

19-22

28

Hqrs & 2 troops A Sqdn marched to Pas.

29

Pas. Prisoners internment camp taken over.

30

Pas. Guards & escorts furnished.

[Signed] Cole  Major
Commanding North Irish Horse

 

July 1916

1-31

Pas. Corps Cavalry duties.

[Signed] Cole  Lieut Colonel
Commanding 1/North Irish Horse.

 

August 1916

1-31

Pas. Corps Cavalry duties.

[Signed] Cole  Lieut Colonel
Commanding 1/North Irish Horse.

 

September 1916

1-3

Pas. Corps Cavalry Duties.

4

Marched to Coullemont.

5-9

Coullemont. Corps Cavalry Duties.

10

Marched to Humbercourt.

11-30

Humbercourt. Corps Cavalry Duties. Regimental & Corps Training.

[Signed] Cole  Lt. Col.
Comg 1st North Irish Horse.

 

October 1916

1-31

Humbercourt. Corps Cavalry Duties. Squadron, regimental & Corps Troops training.

[Signed] Cole Lt. Col.
Comg 1st North Irish Horse.

 

November 1916

1-30

Humbercourt. Corps Cavalry duties.

[Signed] Cole Lt. Col.
Comg 1st North Irish Horse.

 

December 1916

1-31

Humbercourt. Corps Cavalry Duties.

[Signed] Cole Lt. Col.
Comg 1st North Irish Horse.

 

January 1917

1-31

Humbercourt. Corps Cavalry Duties.

[Signed] Cole Lt. Col.
Comg 1st North Irish Horse.

 

February 1917

1-28

Humbercourt. Corps Cavalry Duties.

[Signed] A Hamilton Russell, Major
for Lt. Col.
Comg 1st North Irish Horse.

 

March 1917

1-31

Humbercourt. Corps Cavalry Duties.
On 22nd The whole Regiment was detached for traffic Control under A.P.M. VII Corps with the exception of one troop (attached to 30th Division for tactical purposes) and Regimental Hd. Qrs. Staff.

[Signed] Cole Lt. Col.
Comg 1st North Irish Horse.

 

April 1917

1-30
24

Traffic control under A.P.M. VII Corps.
11 a.m. Head Quarters of Regiment marched from Humbercourt to Monchiet.

[Signed] Cole Lt. Col.
Comg 1st North Irish Horse.

 

May 1917

1-31
1-25
26-31

Monchiet. Three Troops attached to H.Q. 14th, 18th & 33rd Divisions for tactical purposes.
9 Troops Traffic Control A.P.M. VII Corps.
Bretencourt. One Squadron released from Traffic Control for Training.

[Signed] Cole Lt. Col.
Comg 1st North Irish Horse.

 

June 1917

1-30
14
15
15-30

Three Troops employed on duties under A.P.M. VII Corps, 18th Divn, 21st Divn and 33rd Divn.
Three Troops attached to H.Q. 14th, 18th, 33rd Divns for tactical purposes rejoined Regiment.
Head Quarters of Regiment marched from Monchiet to x.10.b.8.5.
The Regiment less 3 Troops under special Training for Trench Warfare.

[Signed] Cole Lt. Col.
Comg 1st North Irish Horse.

 

July 1917

1-8

Special training for trench warfare.

9-12

Resumed Cavalry training under Instructor from Cavalry Corps

13

Under VII Corps Order No 167 d/- 12/7/17 marched from x.10.b.8.5 to Aubigny

14

Marched from Aubigny to Allouagne

15

Marched from Allouagne to Morbecque

16

Marched from Morbecque to K.9.c.9.9. Map 27 taken on strength of XIX Corps as Corps Cavalry.

17-29

Resumed Cavalry training under Instructor from Cavalry Corps

30

Under XIX Corps Operation Order No 73 d/- 22/7/17 the Regiment marched to Bivouac at G.7.d.3.3. Map 28 N.W.

31

Regiment marched from Bivouac to a point West of Goldfish Chateau.

[Signed] Cole Lt. Col.
Comg 1st North Irish Horse.

 

August 1917

1

Map 28 N.W. G.7.d.3.3. Regiment marched from Bivouac to its Billets at K.9.

2

Map 27 K.9. Cavalry training.

3

Map 27 K.9. Cavalry training.

4

Map 27 K.9. Cavalry training. Commenced Signal training, 1 troop from detd duty A.P.M.

5

Map 27 K.9. Cavalry training.

6

Map 27 K.9. Cavalry training. 2 Troops proceeded to detd duty with 16th and 36th Divns. Working party 22 O.R. Town Major's Ypres relieved.

7

Map 27 K.9. Cavalry training.

8

Map 27 K.9. Working party consisting of 2 Off and 60 O.R. proceeded to 16th and 36th Divns.

9

Map 27 K.9. Cavalry training.

10

Map 27 K.9. Cavalry training.

11

Map 27 K.9. Cavalry training.

12

Map 27 K.9. Cavalry training.

13

Map 27 K.9. Cavalry training.

14

Map 27 K.9. Cavalry training.

15

Map 27 K.9. Cavalry training. 1 Troop to detached duty with A.P.M. XIX Corps.

16

Map 27 K.9. Cavalry training. Working party with Town Major Ypres relieved.

17

Map 27 K.9. Cavalry training. Signal training ceased.

18

Map 27 K.9. Cavalry training. 1 Troop proceeded to XIX Corps School.

19

Map 27 K.9. Training under Squadron arrangements.

20

Map 27 K.9. Training under Squadron arrangements.

21

Map 27 K.9. Training under Squadron arrangements.

22

Map 27 K.9. Training under Squadron arrangements.

23

Map 27 K.9. Training under Squadron arrangements. Working parties with 15th and 61st Divisions relieved.

24

Map 27 K.9. Training under Squadron arrangements.

25

Map 27 K.9. Training under Squadron arrangements.

26

Map 27 K.9. Training under Squadron arrangements.

27

Map 27 K.9. Training under Squadron arrangements.

28

Map 27 K.9. Training under Squadron arrangements.

29

Map 27 K.9. Training under Squadron arrangements.

30

Map 27 K.9. Training under Squadron arrangements.

31

Map 27 K.9. Training under Squadron arrangements.

[Signed] WA Montgomery Capt & Adjt
for Lt.Col.
Comg 1st North Irish Horse.

 

September 1917

1

Sheet 27. K.9.c.9.9. Parades under Squadron arrangements.

2

Sheet 27. K.9.c.9.9. Parades under Squadron arrangements.

3

Sheet 27. K.9.c.9.9. Parades under Squadron arrangements.

4

Sheet 27. K.9.c.9.9. Parades under Squadron arrangements.

5

Sheet 27. K.9.c.9.9. Parades under Squadron arrangements. 67 ORs supernumerary to Est proceeded to 36 Infy Base Depot.

6

Sheet 27. K.9.c.9.9. Parades under Squadron arrangements. 10 ORs working party Ypres wounded (shell Gas).

7

Sheet 27. K.9.c.9.9. Parades under Squadron arrangements.

8

Sheet 27. K.9.c.9.9. Parades under Squadron arrangements.

9

Sheet 27. K.9.c.9.9. Parades under Squadron arrangements.

10

Sheet 27. K.9.c.9.9. Parades under Squadron arrangements.

11

Sheet 27. K.9.c.9.9. Parades under Squadron arrangements.

12

Sheet 27. K.9.c.9.9. Parades under Squadron arrangements.

13

Sheet 27. K.9.c.9.9. Parades under Squadron arrangements. 2 Off 50 O.Rs to detached duty A.D. Signals V Corps.

14

Sheet 27. K.9.c.9.9. Parades under Squadron arrangements.

15

Sheet 27. K.9.c.9.9. Parades under Squadron arrangements.

16

Sheet 27. K.9.c.9.9. Parades under Squadron arrangements.

17

Sheet 27. K.9.c.9.9. Parades under Squadron arrangements.

18

Sheet 27. K.9.c.9.9. Parades under Squadron arrangements.

19

Sheet 27. K.9.c.9.9. Parades under Squadron arrangements.

20

Sheet 27. K.9.c.9.9. Parades under Squadron arrangements.

21

Sheet 27. K.9.c.9.9. Parades under Squadron arrangements. 1 Off 50 O.Rs to detd duty P.O.W. 1 Off 20 OR. to 55th Div. 1 Off 20 OR. to 9th Divn.

22

Sheet 27. K.9.c.9.9. Parades under Squadron arrangements.

23

Sheet 27. K.9.c.9.9. Parades under Squadron arrangements.

24

Sheet 27. K.9.c.9.9. Parades under Squadron arrangements.

25

Sheet 27. K.9.c.9.9. Parades under Squadron arrangements.

26

Sheet 27. K.9.c.9.9. Parades under Squadron arrangements.

27

Sheet 27. K.9.c.9.9. Parades under Squadron arrangements.

28

Sheet 27. K.9.c.9.9. Parades under Squadron arrangements.

29

Sheet 27. K.9.c.9.9. Advance party consisting of 1 Off & 10 O.Rs proceeded from K.9.c.9.9. (Sheet 27) to N.13.d.9.9 to take over new billets.

30

Sheet 27. K.9.c.9.9. Regiment marched from K.9.c.9.9. (Sheet 27) to N.13.d.9.9 (Sheet 27).

[Signed] Cole Lt. Col.
Comg 1st North Irish Horse.

 

October 1917

1-9

Bussycheure. Squadron Training.

10

Molinghem. Marched from Bussycheure to Molinghem.

11

Divion. Marched from Molinghem to Divion.

12-31

Divion. Continued Training.

[Signed] Cole Lt. Col.
Comg 1st North Irish Horse.

 

November 1917

1

Divion. Squadron Training

2-10

11

Divion. Squadron Training

12

Divion. Marched to Etree-Wamin under V Corps Operation Order No 180 d/- 10-11-17.

13

Etree-Wamin. Marched to Sarton

14

Sarton. Marched to Ribemont

15

Ribemont. Squadron Training.

16

Ribemont. Marched to Dernancourt

17

Dernancourt. Training

18

Dernancourt. Training

19

Dernancourt. Marched to Bapaume

20

Bapaume. Regiment less 1 sqdn attached to 40th Divn for tactical duties, remaining sqdn left at disposal of 5th Corps

21-25

Bapaume. Regiment stood by ready to move at one hours notice

26

Bapaume. Regiment recalled from 40th Divn to V Corps. Training resumed.

27

Bapaume. Marched to Sarton

28-30

Bapaume [sic]. Training Continued

[Signed] Cole Lt. Col.
Comg 1st North Irish Horse.

 

December 1917

1-8
4

Sarton. Training Continued
2 troops, complete, employed at Headquarters V Corps.

9


9-21

Sarton. 5 Officers & 123 ORs employed under 59th Division for work on the Bilhem–Chapel Wood Switch
The Hotchkiss Gunners forming a permanent Garrison in the line
Sarton. Remainder of Regiment resumed Training during afternoons

22

Sarton. Marched from Sarton to Barly.

23

Barly. Resumed usual Routine of work 1 man to 4 horses.

24

Barly. 4 Officers & 110 ORs returned to Unit from 59th Division

25-26

27-31

Barly. 3 Officers & 76 OR employed under the 63rd Division for work, on the Bilhem–Chapel Wood Switch
The Hotchkiss Gunners employed at V Corps HQ
Resumed Training during afternoon

[Signed] WA Montgomery Capt & Adjt
for Lt.Col.
Comg 1st North Irish Horse.

 

January 1918

1-5

Barly. Training during afternoons continued

6

Barly. 2 officers and 77 O.R. Transferred from 59th Div for duty under A.P.M. V Corps

7

The Hotchkiss Gunners under the command of Lieut Hodson lent to 17th Div for the Defence of Hermies in Reserve Line.

8-26

Training as above continued

27

Hotchkiss Gunners relieved for one week & billeted at H.Q. V Corps

28-29

Training

30

Lieut A.P. Noyce relieved Lieut Hodson i/c of Hotchkiss Guns

31

Training

[Signed] A Hamilton Russell, Major
for Lt. Col.
Comg 1st North Irish Horse.

 

February 1918

1-17

Barly. Training continued.

18

Barly. Officer Commanding Regiment informed by G.S. V Corps of the conversion of the Regiment, into North Irish Cyclist Regiment.

19

Barly. Letter from C in C British Armies in France promulgated to the Regiment, expressing his appreciation of the Regiment during its service as a Mounted Unit.

20-23

24

Barly. 14 Riders Class III, 10 Pack, 20 Light Draught transferred to Field Remount Section.

25

26

Barly. 134 Riders Class I, 12 Greys & 18 Chargers transferred to 2nd Cavalry Divisions

27-28

Barly. Returning to ordnance all stores on mobilization Store Table.

[Signed] A Hamilton Russell, Major
for Lt. Col.
Comg 1st North Irish Horse.

 

March 1918

1-13

Barly. Regiment employed forming new Establishment
         173 Riders transferred to Base Remount Section Marseilles
         21 Vehicles transferred to A.H Transport Abbeville
         38 Draught Horses transferred to A.H. Transport Abbeville
         13 Horses to Veterinary Hospital Abbeville
         10 A.S.C. Drivers transferred to A.H. Transport Abbeville
         9 Officers & 63 ORs transferred to Machine Gun Base Depot Camiers
         3 ORs to British Cavalry Base Depot Rouen

14

Barly. Regiment moved by train from Barly to Bapaume, & marched to Villers-au-Flos

15-20

Villers-au-Flos. Regiment employed re-equiping as Cyclists and Training under Squadron arrangements

21-22

Villers-au-Flos. Regiment held in readiness to move at short notice owing to Tactical reasons

23

Morlancourt. Regiment retired on Morlancourt. No H/71525 Pte Rainey J. H/71529 Pte Loughlin J. Wounded

24

Morlancourt. At 11.45 pm Regiment retired to Toutencourt
No H/71689 LCpl McNabb S C H/71593 LCpl Cassidy E H/71074 Pte Matchett G Wounded

25

Morlancourt [sic]. Regiment marched to Pas was ordered to withdraw, rested the night Terramesnil

26

Rubempre. Regiment marched to Rubempre 11.55 am. Killed H/71643 Pte Armstrong, H/71655 Pte Durneen J.

27

Rubempre. Regiment employed on Traffic duties and Training Lewis Gunners. H/71096 Cpl McCormick Killed

28-31

Regiment chiefly employed as Corps Guides, Traffic Control duties, and Runners to V Corps H.A.

[Signed] A Hamilton Russell, Major
for Lt. Col.
Comg 1st North Irish Horse.

Abbreviations

AD - Assistant Director
AH  - Army Horse
APM - Assistant Provost Marshall
ASC - Army Service Corps
C in C - Commander in Chief
Detd - Detached
Est - Establishment
GS - General Staff
HA - Heavy Artillery
i/c - in charge
Off - Officer
OR - Other ranks
POW - Prisoner of war