April 1918

1-11

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

12-16

Naours. Regiment marched from Rubempre to Naours and continued duties as above. 

17

Naours. All Traffic Control Posts furnished by Regiment withdrawn.

18-30

Naours. Training in dismounted action, Scouting, Map Reading, Musketry, Bombing, Lectures, Lewis Gun, and Tactical Schemes in conjunction with 12th Machine Gun Squadron.

Extract from V Corps Routine Orders d/ 7.4.18.
The Corps Commander wishes to express his pleasure at the efficient manner in which the traffic has been controlled by the North Irish Horse, (especially the Corps Traffic Detachment) under the difficult conditions of a retreat. He attributes the comparatively light losses in guns and transport suffered by the V Corps very largely to their self sacrificing devotion to duty.

[Signed] A Hamilton Russell
Major
V Cyclist Regiment
(North Irish Horse)

May 1918

1

Naours. Scheme with 12th Machine Gun Squadron carried out. 5 N.C.O's despatched to V Corps School for course on Lewis Gun.

2

Naours. 3 officers and 97 other ranks proceeded on working party to Varennes.

3-21

Course of Instruction in Bombing and Signalling.

22-26

Training continued, 1 hour each day being devoted to working with Box Respirators on.

27-31

Course of Instruction for officer on Lewis Gun.

[Signed] A Hamilton Russell
Major
V Cyclist Regiment

June 1918

1-30

Naours. 3 officers and 95 other ranks employed on working party at Varennes.
Remainder of Regiment employed on Traffic duties; Corps Guides; Runners at Corps Headquarters and with Ammunition Columns.

[Signed] A Hamilton Russell
Major
Commanding V Cyclist Regiment (N.I.H.)

July 1918

1-31

Naours. Regiment chiefly employed on Working Party with A.D. Signals; Traffic Control Duties; Bridge Guards; Corps Guides & Orderlies at Corps Head Quarters.

10-16

Naours. One hour each day being devoted to working with Box Respirators on.

28-31

Naours. 4 Classes of Instruction on Lewis Gun.

[Signed] A Hamilton Russell
Major
Comdg V Cyclist Regiment (N. I. Horse)

August 1918

1-6

Naours. Regiment employed on Working Parties and Traffic Control Duties.
[6 July] Regiment concentrated for training.

6

Regiment concentrated for training.

7

Regiment moved to Rubempre.

8-23

Rubempre. Daily Training – Drill, Physical & Bayonet Training, Musketry, Scouting, Signalling, Tactical exercises under Company Commanders. Patrolling.

11-18

Rubempre. Lewis Guns of the Regiment employed on A. A. Defences of Ammunition Dumps.

14

Rubempre. 1 officer & 13 OR's to 64th Infantry Bde, 21st Div for Patrol duties, still employed as such.

16

Rubempre. 10oc am. Inspection of Regiment by V Corps Commander Lieut. Gen. Shute.
Lieut Gen Shute explained the role the Regiment would be called upon to fulfil in the coming advance viz Vanguard to the Corps. One Squadron would be attached to each Division and they would be used entirely for tactical work, keeping touch with the enemy as he withdrew.
"A" Squadron under Capt. J.C.G Kirkpatrick allotted to 21st Div.
"E" Squadron under Major I.A Finlay allotted to 38th Div.
"D" Squadron under Capt. H.E.L Montgomery allotted to 17th Div.
Commanding Officer to act as liaison officer between 17th & 21st Divs.
Adjutant to act as liaison officer between 17th & 38th Divs.

20-23

Rubempre. 2 officers & 67 OR's with all Lewis Guns of the Regiment (viz 9) to 62nd Infantry Bde to take part in attack by 21st Div on morning of 21st August.

21-31

Rubempre. 13 OR's with 64th Infantry Bde, 21st Div, Patrol Duties.

23

Rubempre. "E" Squadron under Command of Major I.A. Finlay to 38th Div. HQs and "D" Squadron moved to Toutencourt. "D" Sqdn joined 17th Div under Command of Capt H.E.L. Montgomery.

24

Toutencourt. "A" Sqdn under Command of Capt J.C.G. Kirkpatrick joined 21st Div engaged on Patrol duties to 31st. HQs moved to Beaussart. Lewis Guns of "D" & "E" ordered to join their Sqdns with Divisions.

26

Beaussart. HQs moved to Hamel thence on 27th to Courcelette thence on 30th to Martinpuich.

21-31

Casualties:- Killed 7 OR's Missing believed Killed 1 OR Wounded 2 off 2/Lt. A.H. Cleaver, 2/Lt. J.A. O'Neill 25 OR's.

[Signed] A Hamilton Russell
Major
Commanding V Cyclist Regiment (N.I.H.)

September 1918

A Squadron

1

Map refce 57c. 1/40,000. Beaulincourt. Squadron assisted in capture of village of Beaulincourt. Attached 21st Div.

2

Patrols pushed forward and found Ridge E of Beaulincourt to be strongly held by enemy.

3-4

Resting at N.13.d.3.3.

4-15

Attached to Bdes of Division by troops for reconnaissance and runners.

16-17

Squadron resting at W.22.c. Letter of appreciation of good work done received from G.O.C. 21st Div.

18

Moved to Advanced Bde HQrs of 64th Inf Bde at W.18.c.9.6. One troop went forward with orders to find out if Villers Guislain was held by the enemy. Report received at 3.oc pm. Enemy MG's in SW corner of village. Patrols sent out to gain touch with 51st Bde, which they did.
4.45 pm. Advance troops reported unable to enter Villers Guislain. Party detailed to carry ammunition for KOYLI and East Yorks.

19

Troop with Bde HQrs. Remainder of Sqdn withdrawn to Equancourt.

19-26

Training in Bombing, Lewis Gun and Map Reading.

27

Attached to 38th Division for reconnaissance.

28

3 other ranks awarded the Military Medal, V Corps Routine Order No.838.

29-30

–

[Signed] A.E Phillips
Major
Commandg V Cyclist Regt (N.I.H.)

D Squadron

1

Map Refce 57c. 1/40000. Squadron attached to 17th Div for patrol work. Useful information obtained.

2-3

–

4

Squadron attached to 50th Inf. Bde situated at O.30.c.0.0. Still employed on reconnaissance. Patrols to Ytres and Etricourt. Desired information re position of enemy obtained.

5

6oc AM. Attached to 51st Inf. Bde at P.31.c.6.6. One section employed in keeping 7th Battn Lincolns in touch with Bde. Various patrols sent out and useful work done.

6

Location same as 5th inst. Squadron has been used frequently for various patrols.

7

One troop detailed as orderlies to G.O.C. Bde. Squadron moved to P.31.c.2.6.

8

Various patrols were sent out and runners supplied to Div & Bde. HQrs.

9

Attached to 50th Inf Bde. Work being carried out as before.

10

One troop reported to Bde HQrs for duty.

11

–

12

Lechelle. Division in Rest. Squadron resting at Lechelle.  

13-17

–

18-24

Training in Bombing, Lewis Gun, Map Reading, etc.

24-26

Supplied Working party for C.R.E. 17th Div.

27

–

28

Squadron reported to 21st Divl HQrs for duty with Div. Location W.8.d.5.3 for the night.

29

Squadron reported to 110th Bde for reconnaissance at Gouzeaucourt. Enemy in strength E of village.

30

Location of Sqdn R.21.c.8.5. Letter of appreciation of good work done received from GO.C. 17th Div.

[Signed] A.E Phillips
Major
Commanding V Cyclist Regt (N.I.H.)

E Squadron

1

Map refce 57c. 1/40,000. T.9.b.9.9. Attached 38th Division in Reserve.

2

Joined 113th Inf Bde. 3 patrols sent out to reconnoitre Sailly-Saillisel, report position of enemy troops. Each patrol obtained information required. Squadron withdrew to Hebule for the night.

3

T.12.d.9.1. 2.30 am. Occupied North Copse to prevent enemy from approaching up Valley.
10.55 am. Mesnil reported clear. Attached 114th Bde. Runners detailed to keep up Communication between 13th Welsh Battn & 14th Welsh Battn during advance. Moved to U.10.d.9.7 for night.

4

Runners with Battns HQrs. Squadron detailed to carry ammunition to 14th Battn Welsh Regt. and assist in holding the line.

5

V.29.a.2.6. Advanced our line as far as V.29.a.2.6 to V.14.c.2.3 then held up by M.G. Fire from V.16 and V.22. Withdrawn to Bde HQrs at 5oc pm. Later to Divnl HQrs at 10oc pm.

6

Moved to Quarry in T.9 for rest. Resting until 10/9/18.

7-10

–

11

Moved to 38th Div HQrs at Etricourt. 5 ORs awarded M.M. V Corps Order No.827.

12

Moved to 114th Bde HQrs. Squadron employed as Runners and establishing touch between Battns.
Ammunition and Ration carriers until 15/9/18.
Letter of appreciation of good work done received from G.O.C. 38th Div.

13-15

–

16

One troop left at Bde HQs. Remainder of Squadron moved to Etricourt where training was carried out.

17-19

–

20

Troop withdrawn. Division in Rest. Squadron training in Bombing, Lewis Gun, Map Reading carried out till 27.9.18.

21-27

–

28

Squadron attd. to 33rd Div for duty.

29-30

–

[Signed] A.E Phillips
Major
Commdg V Cyclist Regt (N.I.H.)

Copy
50th Inf Bde.
Headquarters
17th Division
6th September 1918.

I wish to place on record my appreciation of the good work done by the detachment of the North Irish Horse (Corps Cyclists) under Captain Plum, attached to this Brigade during the recent operations especially on the 4th September 1918.

The patrolling done by the Cyclists and the information which they obtained, has proved invaluable and largely contributed to the success of the operations.

(Signed) G Gwyn Thomas Brigadier General
Commanding 50th Infantry Brigade

Copy
17th Division
25th September 1918.
V Corps

1. The Squadron of Cyclists (N.I.H.) attached to this Division proved invaluable.

They were employed on the following tasks:-

(a) Patrolling
(b) Communications
(c) Liaison

2. (a) During the advance from Rocquigny to the Canal-du-Nord, sections patrolled ahead of the Infantry and sent back most useful reports as to the position of the enemy. One patrol on arrival at Etricourt dismounted and came into action against an enemy Machine Gun Nest on the East bank of the Canal-du-Nord and compelled it to withdraw.

(b) When all the forward telephone wires were cut and the Power Buzzer out of action, the Cyclists riding down the Fins-Gouzeaucourt Road maintained communication from the forward Battns to the Dessart Wood Report Centre.

(c) During the check along the Canal-du-Nord they were used to maintain Liaison with troops on Right and Left, and were most useful.

3. The Cyclists were of the greatest use, their keenness was most marked, and they carried out the tasks allotted to them in a most competent manner.

(Signed) G M Bird Colonel for
Major General
Commanding 17th Division

October 1918

A Squadron

1-2

57C. V.17.a.5.4. One troop attd. H.Q. 38th Div. Two sections with each Bde – 113th 114th and 115th. Employed as runners with Signals & D.R. [despatch rider] work. Officers employed on Reconnaissance with Div HQ.

3

V.17.a.5.4. One troop in line with H.Q. 38th Div. Sections with Bdgs Lewis Gun sections carrying out training.

4

–

5

Sqdn moved to F.1.d.5.2 (sheet 62C NE).

6

(Sheet 62C NE) F.1.d.5.2. Sqdn Employed as above.

7

(Sheet 57B) S.21.cent. Sqdn Employed as above. Three Lewis Gun Sections with H.Q. 1 off[icer] on reconnaissance for 38th Div H. Qrs.

8

(Sheet 57B) S.21.cent. Distribution as before.

9

Sqdn H.Q. moved to Villars Outreax & remained in rest, men employed on communications between Battns & Brigades.

10

–

11

H.Q. moved to Clary on Divn being brought into reserve. Disposition as before.

12

–

13

H.Q. moved to Bertry. Lewis Gun teams training.

14-15

–

16

H.Q. moved to Le Fayt. 2 troops & Sqdn H.Q. att. 115 Inf. Bdge. 1 troop 38th Div H.Q. Men employed as despatch riders for Brigade H.Q.

17-22

–

23

Squadron concentrated at Le Fayt (Troisvilles) and placed under orders of o/c Regiment.

24

L.G. Training.

25

Moved to Forest on becoming attached to 38th Div. Stood to at Forest.

26

Moved to Poix du Nord under orders of 115 Brigade.

27-29

–

30

Moved back to Forest less one troop remained in Poix du Nord with 114 Infantry Brigade.

31

Squadron less 1 troop resting in Forrest.

[Signed] H.G. Elliot
Capt.
Com'g North Irish Horse
V Cyclist Regt

D Squadron

1-2

57C R.25.a.7.5. Attached to 110th Brigade 21st Divn. Patrols sent out to reconnoitre crossings of Canal de L'Escaut reported Bantouzelle occupied by enemy. Bridges burning. Enemy holding Canal with M.G's. West Bank clear of enemy.

3-4

Not required by Bdge. Training in Lewis Gun & map reading.

5

Moved forward to Gouzecourt under orders of 64 Inf Bde 21st Divn to M.32.a.2.4. (57B) and sent out patrols under 2/Lt Blanden to Bonne Enfance Fm and 2/Lt Austin to Montecouvez Fm. Sgt Rainey to Gratte Panche Fm. The first and third reported clear but Montecouvez strongly held by enemy. Patrols rejoined Sqdn at M.35.a where they remained nights of 5th 6th & 7th.

6-7

–

8

Sqdn marched to Ardissart Fm at 9 a.m. & became transferred to 17th Divn. Remained there for day & night. Patrols under 2/Lt Austin, Lt Montgomery sent out to Wallincourt, Selvigny and Caullery. Reported clear.

9

–

10

Sqdn billeted for night in Tronquoy.

11

Moved to rest billets in Inchy. Few men runners with Inf Battn & Brigade. Remainder standing to.

12-13

–

14

Moved back to Montigny - cleaning up & training.

15-16

–

17

Standing to ready to move at 45 minutes notice.

18-21

Moved to Inchy under orders of 52nd Bdge. Standing to but no move (21st) transferred to 51st Brigade.

22

Transferred to 21st Division.

23

Moved to Neuvilly.

24

–

25

Two troops moved to Poix du Nord at 7 a.m. & became attached to 62nd & 64th Brigade. Sqdn HQ & No1. Troop moved to Vendegies at 7 a.m. & became attached to 110th Bdge (21st Divn). This troop remained with Brigade H.Q. at F.13.a.8.6 & Sqdn HQ went into billets at F.7.a.7.3. The situation did not admit of any of these troops being used according to plan of operations. At 18.00 hrs Sqdn concentrated in billets at Poix du Nord under 110th Brigade.

26

Transferred to 52nd Brigade. Standing to but no move.

27

–

28

Sqdn employed on Salvage.

29-31

Transferred to 21st Divn on Salvage work as before and Divisional mobile reserve.

[Signed] H.G. Elliot
Capt.
Com'g (North Irish Horse)
V Cyclist Regt

E Squadron

1-2

(57c) X.22.c.3.1. Attached 100th Inf Brdge 33rd Division. Sent out a patrol under 2/Lt Downey to reconnoitre Canal de St Quentin (S13a (57B)) preparatory to small raiding operations on following night which however never took place.

3

15 ORs. Gassed by gas shelling. Sqdn moved forward to Battn H.Q. owing to report that enemy were retiring. This did not prove to be the case, so Sqdn moved back to previous location and were engaged in afternoon on salvage work.

4-5

Salvage work.

6

Patrols in front of Hindenberg Line as far as village of Aubengheul aux Boix and Mortho Wood, at both points patrols being held up by enemy M.G's. In the evening enemy held line just in front of village. 33rd Divn were then relieved and Sqdn remained in trench S.22d (57B) for 3 days.

7-9

–

10

Moved up with 19th Bdge to just behind Malincourt. One troop under 2/Lt Downey being attached to 1st Queens. 1 troop under Lt. Hodson M.C. to 1st Royal Scots for patrol work. Third troop remaining at Bdge H.Q. for runners. Two advanced troops reached Clary & Troisvilles that night Lt Hodson's troop being transferred to Cameronians.

11

Remained in Troisvilles two nights.

12

Moved back to Hurtevent Fm for rest.

13-16

–

17

Moved up to Bertry. Remained there 2 days.

18-22

–

23

Sqdn attached to 100 Inf Brigade for attack moved to F.21c.8.5 (57B) remained there for night. Patrols were sent out to ascertain dispositions of our troops in front.

24

The Sqdn moved to Paul Jacques Farm, whence to Wagonville when a patrol under 2/Lt Austin was sent out to reconnoitre Englefontaine. Patrol rode through village & located enemy on far side. Later 2 L.G. teams were sent to occupy posts on east side of village, these being taken over by Inf shortly afterwards.

25

Sqdn moved from Wagonville to Poix du Nord owing to heavy shelling.

26

Relieved by 38th Divn and marched back to Troisvilles coming under orders of O/C Regiment.

27-31

Training & Corps Reserve.

[Signed] H.G. Elliot
Capt.
Com'g (North Irish Horse)
V Cyclist Regt

November 1918

A Squadron

1-3

Map sheet 57B 1/40,000. Forest. Half Squadron with 113 Brigade and half with 114 Brigade engaged on patrol & liaison with leading battns and between battns and Brigade.

4

Map sheet 57A 1/40,000. Englefontaine. Two troops on patrol work with 38th Division in Foret de Mormal.

5

Map sheet 57A 1/40,000. Grandes Patures. Squadron moved to Grandes Patures and joined 33rd Division.

6

Sarbaras. Squadron moved to Sarbaras.

7

Squadron was employed as advance Guard to 19 Brigade 33rd Divn from Petit Maubeuge to Pot du Vin where Squadron [w]as heavily engaged with the enemy.

8

Sarbaras. Returned to Sarbaras with Divisional Headquarters for rest.

9

Dimechaux. Squadron moved up and joined 113 Brigade of 38th Divn at Demechaux.

10-11

Sheet 52 1/40,000. Hestrud. Squadron moved to Hestrud and thence to Eccles where outpost line was formed on the general line Hestrud – Cousoire. Outposts withdrawn on cessation of hostilities on 11/11/18.

12-18

Sheet 51 1/40,000. Dimechaux. Squadron withdrawn to Dimechaux. Examining-posts established.

19

Sheet 57B 1/40,000. Berlaimont. Squadron joined Regimental Headquarters at Berlaimont and thence marched with Regiment to Poix du Nord.

20

–

21-30

Poix du Nord. Engaged in Salvage work in Poix du Nord area.

[Signed] A.E Phillips
Major
Comg. North Irish Horse

D Squadron

1-3

Map sheet 57B 1/40,000. Poix du Nord. Squadron employed on Salvage work.

4

Englefontaine. Squadron joined 50th Infantry Brigade and were employed as runners between leading Battns and Brigade Headquarters. Returned to Englefontaine for the night.

5

Map Sheet 51 1/40,000. Patrols sent out through Foret de Mormal. First patrol reached Berlaimont at 09.00 hours, where enemy were engaged until leading infantry took over. Squadron returned to La Tete Noire at 16 hours and rested there for the night.

6

La Tete Noire. Left Tete Noire at 07.00 hours and arrived Berlaimont 09.00 hours.

7

Left Berlaimont at 08.00 hours and passing through Aulnoye arrived at outskirts of Limont Fontaine. Squadron was held up by heavy enemy rifle and M.G. fire. When leading infantry took over, patrols were sent out to locate two M.G. positions which they did, reporting location to G.O.C. 62nd Bdge. Squadron then returned to Bachant for the night.

8

Berlaimont. Squadron moved from Bachant to Berlaimont and returned to rest with 21st Division at Berlaimont.

9

Beaufort. Left Berlaimont at 16.00 hours and reported to leading Brigade at Beaufort.

10

Outpost line established by Squadron on general line Obrechies, Choicies and Quievelon.

11

Squadron still on outpost line when hostilities ceased at 11.00 hours.

12-18

Squadron moved to Choicies and established examining posts at Obrechies; Quievelon; x roads at X20.a.2.8 Sheet 51 1/40,000.

19

Squadron joined Regimental Headquarters at Berlaimont.

20

Moved to Poix du Nord with Regiment.

21-30

Engaged on Salvage work in V Corps area.

[Signed] A.E Phillips
Major
Comg. North Irish Horse

E Squadron

1-3

Sheet 57B 1/40000. Troisvilles. Squadron resting at Troisvilles.

4

Poix du Nord. Squadron moved to Poix de Nord with Regimental Headquarters.

5

Half Squadron sent 33rd Division and half to 21st Division.

6

Sheet 51 1/40000. Sqdn H.Q. moved to Loquinol & rejoined half Sqdn with 21st Divn and returned to Englefontaine where Squadron concentrated and rested for the night.

7

Berlaimont. Squadron moved from Englefontaine to Berlaimont and reported to 51st Infantry Brigade, moving same evening to Bachant from which place two sections were sent out to act as runners to the two advanced Batts.

8

Limont-Fontaine. Squadron moved from Bachant to V22.c.3.8 near Limont-Fontaine (Sheet 51 1/40000). On the night of the 8th two patrols were sent out to Beaufort to ascertain if village was held by the enemy. Patrols returned and reported village clear clear [sic] of enemy.

9

Damousies. Patrol was sent to reconnoitre the village of Damousies and report on situation. This patrol took one prisoner and reported village clear of enemy. Squadron then moved to Damousies where a report centre was established to receive reports from Cavalry patrols and take them back to H.Q. III Hussars, & Brigade Headquarters at Beaufort. Squadron took over outposts in the evening from Cavalry. Relieved later by infantry and returned to Billets for the night at Beaufort.

10-11

Beaufort. Squadron resting at Beaufort.

12-18

Sheet 51 1/40000. Choisies. Squadron moved to Choisies and examining posts were organised in accordance with orders.

19

Berlaimont. Squadron joined Regimental Headquarters at Berlaimont.

20

Sheet 57B 1/40000. Poix du Nord. Squadron moved with Regiment to Poix du Nord.

21-30

Squadron Employed on Salvage work in V Corps area.

[Signed] A.E Phillips
Major
Comg. North Irish Horse

December 1918

1-31

–

January to March 1919

Vth Cyclist Regt (N.I.H.)

1 Jan.

Vignacourt. Regiment in course of Demobilisation, chief employment Recreation.

11 Jan.

Vignacourt. 4 O.R's awarded M.M. for gallantry in the Field. Authority D.A.Q.M.G. V Corps MM/3928/3931 dated 28/12/18.

25 Jan.

Vignacourt. Lieut D. O'N. Hodson awarded Military Cross for Conspicuous gallantry and Devotion to Duty while in command of a Squadron. Supplement to Gazette d/- 11/1/19.

1 Feb.

Vignacourt. Major A.E. Phillips Mentioned in despatches 8/11/18. Gazette supplement 28/12/18. Major A.E. Phillips Awarded D.S.O. Supplement Gazette 1/1/19.

8 Feb.

Vignacourt. 1 O.R. awarded M.S.M. in recognition of valuable services rendered with Armies in France. Gazette supplement 18/1/19.

1 March

Vignacourt. Lieut. E.A. Atkinson, awarded M.C. for conspicuous gallantry and good leadership during the advance 22/8/18 to 1/9/18 especially 23/8/18 near Le Burgue. Gazette 1/2/19.

19 March

Vignacourt. Regiment reduced to Cadre.

22 March

Vignacourt. 4 O.R's awarded M.M. 21/2/19. Authority V Corps MM/1118 dated 21/2/19.

[Signed ] G Austin, Lt
Vth Corps. Cyclist (N.I.H.)

April 1919

V Cyclist Regt (North Irish Horse)

1-30

Vignacourt. Regiment reduced to Cadre Strength & awaiting orders for dispersal.

[Signed] G Austin
Lieut. Capt. & Adjt.
North Irish Horse

May 1919

1-31

–

June 1919

V Cyclist Regt (N.I.H.)

7

Vignacourt. Retainable O.R.s posted to IV Cyclist Battn Army of Rhine.

9

Vignacourt. Cadre of unit proceeding to U.K. 11-6-19 (Pembroke Docks) with V Corps H.Q. Cadre.

[Signed] R.J. Downey, Lieut
Comdg V Cyclist Regt (N.I.H.)