Regimental numbers and enlistment dates

All men (not officers) in the British Army were assigned a Regimental Number on enlistment. These numbers were linked to the unit in which they served. The North Irish Horse numbering commenced with the formation of that unit in 1908, Squadron Sergeant Major William Moore having the honour to receive Number 1. By the outbreak of the war, the number enlisted had reached more than 950, although by then the great majority were no longer with the North Irish Horse.

When a man moved to a new unit, he was usually given a new number. Thus, the men of the 2nd Regiment North Irish Horse received new numbers (between 41071 and 41645) when they were absorbed into the 9th Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers in September and October of 1917.

In late 1917 a new numbering system was introduced for British cavalry units, with all men still serving in the North Irish Horse (essentialy those in the 1st Regiment) allocated 'Corps of Hussars' numbers commencing at 71000. As this new numbering followed the original order of enlistment, SSM William Moore received Number 71000.

Regimental Numbers are sometimes shown with a letter prefix. Corps of Hussars numbers, for example, may appear with an 'H' prefix, and in the case of the 6th Inniskilling Dragoons (Service Squadron), the prefix was 'UD' - Ulster Dragoons.

A Regimental Number can provide important clues as to the date on which a serviceman enlisted (most enlistment dates were lost with the destruction of the majority of service records in a bombing raid on London in September 1940). Where records still exist, they can give a range of possible enlistment dates for the others. The table below shows these for the North Irish Horse. It is drawn from surviving service records, medal index cards (some of which show enlistment dates) and date of discharge where the man was 'time expired'. Occasionally the numbers appear to have been issued 'out of order'. This can be explained by occasional paperwork delays between initial enlistment (attestation) and clearance by the approving officer.