12th (Central Antrim) Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles

   The 12th (Central Antrim) Battalion was raised in County Antrim in September 1914. They joined the 108th Brigade, 36th (Ulster) Division at Newtownards. The Ulster Division was formed from the Ulster Volunteer Force in August and September 1914, a process complicated by the tension surrounding the issue of Home rule. In July 1915 they moved to Seaford, Sussex in England. They proceeded to France in the first week of October, landing at Boulogne. The 36th (Ulster) Division concentrated near Flesselles, north of Arras. With training and familiarisation, including periods in the trenches with 4th Division in the front line north of the River Ancre near Albert. On the 21st of October they moved to the area around Abbeville. From the 5th November 1915 to 3rd Feb 1916 the 9th Battalion served with with 107th Bde, 4th Division for winter training. On the 29th August 1917 the 8th amalgamated with 9th Btn to form 8th/9th Battalion The 36th Ulster Division took over the front line in Spring. In 1916 they Division suffered heavily on the first day of the Battle of the Somme where they attacked at Thiepval. In 1917 They were in action at The Battle of Messines, capturing Wytschaete and in the The Battle of Langemarck during the Third Battles of Ypres and the The Cambrai Operations where the Division captured Bourlon Wood. On the 13th of November 1917 the Battalion amalgamated with 13th Btn to form the 11/13th Royal Irish Rifles. In early 1918 the army was reorganised and the 11/13th battalion was disbanded in France on the 18th of February 1918 with the troops transferring to 22nd Entrenching Battalion.

The Ulster Tower, at Thiepval is a memorial to the men of the 36th (Ulster) Division, built as a copy of Helen's Tower at Clandeboye, County Down, where men of the 36th Division trained. There is a small visitor centre with a cafe behind the tower which is staffed by members of the Somme Association. Inside the tower is a small chapel with a number of paintings and plaques from Northern Ireland.
Today Thiepval Wood is owned by The Somme Association and guided tours are available of a section of recently excavated trenches. Please note that Thiepval Wood is not open the public, it is used by French huntsmen who use live ammunition and who will shoot, you are putting yourself at risk by entering without permission. Please go to the visitor centre at the Ulster Tower to arrange a guided tour.
A DVD is now available, released for the official opening of the wood for guided tours on the 1st of July 2006, follows the Community Archaeology Project, undertaken by The Somme Association and No Man's Land, The European Group for Great War Archaeology.
You can order a copy on-line by clicking the image below:

Thiepval Wood 90 Years On:

Revealing History through Archaeology.
Click here for more information.

23rd of November 1914 Reorganisation

6th Feb 1915 Illness

Feb 1915 Inspection

1st April 1915 Illness

3rd April 1915 Funeral

12th of October 1915 Instruction

16th Oct 1915 The Derby Scheme

16th of October 1915 Divisional Exercise

18th of October 1915 Instruction

25th of October 1915 Royal Inspection

1st of November 1915 Marching Orders

3rd of November 1915 Moving to Billets

7th of November 1915 Present Stations

14th of November 1915 Trench Instruction

25th of November 1915 Orders

26th of November 1915 Billets

27th of November 1915 Move

29th of November 1915 Moves Completed

1st Dec 1915 Derby Scheme Armlets

11th Sep 1915 Last day of Derby Scheme Recruitment

19th of December 1915 Movement Instructions

8th of January 1916 Moves

10th Jan 1916 Group System Reopens

2nd of February 1916 Moving to the Trenches

7th of February 1916 New Sector

8th of February 1916 Shelling

9th of February 1916 Villages Shelled

9th February 1916 Call Ups

12th of February 1916 A Line Rearrangement

14th of February 1916 Mine Blown

15th of February 1916 Digging and Mending

16th of February 1916 Collapsing Trenches

18th of February 1916 Lots of MG Fire

19th of February 1916 Under Heavy Fire

20th of February 1916 System for Reliefs

21st of February 1916 Active German Patrols

23rd of February 1916 Weather Turns

25th of February 1916 Heavy Snow and a German Patrol

26th of February 1916 A Store Burns

28th of February 1916 Changes to the Front

29th of February 1916 Active Aeroplanes

1st of March 1916 Reorganisation

2nd of March 1916 Very Strong Enemy Wire

5th of March 1916 Relief Completed

7th of March 1916 Trench Mortars Bombard Village

25th of March 1916 Hostile Aeroplanes

13th of May 1916 Our Patrol Inflicts Casualties

1st of June 1916 Lively Shelling

5th of June 1916 Two Raids

27th of June 1916 Intense Bombardment

1st July 1916 Terrible Losses

2nd of July 1916 A Gallant Plan

10th of July 1916 Entraining Plans

10th of August 1916 A Dead German

15th of August 1916 Back to the Trenches

21st of August 1916 Relieved by 12/RIR

4th of September 1916 New Officers Arrive

16th of September 1916 Unresponsive Enemy

28th of September 1916 Out of the Trenches

1916-10-04

22nd of October 1916 Out to Red Lodge

29th of October 1916

3rd of November 1916 On the Move

9th of November 1916 Another Relief

15th of November 1916 To Red Lodge

21st of November 1916 Another Relief

27th of November 1916 Move to Divisional Reserve

3rd of December 1916 Leaving Bulford Camp

9th of December 1916 To Red Lodge

15th of December 1916 Companies Deployed

21st of December 1916 Going to Bulford Camp

29th of May 1917 Reinforcements Arrive

1st of June 1917 Instructions for the Offensive

7th of June 1917 An Offensive Operation

7th of June 1917 Attack a Complete Success

10th of August 1917 At Uhlan Farm

12th of August 1917 A Bavarian Deserter

16th of August 1917 Under Fire

5th Sep 1917 Relief in Trenches

13th Sep 1917 Reliefs

14th of September 1917 Outpost Line Shelled

21st Sep 1917 Reliefs

29th Sep 1917 Relief  9th Royal Irish Fusiliers moved into the Brigade Reserve at Ruyaulcourt P.15.b.9.8, with relief by 12th Royal Irish Rifles being completed at about 8pm. A very quiet day. One Other Rank was slightly wounded during the day and total casualties in 9th Irish Fusiliers for the tour of duty was three killed, one died of wounds and one wounded.
9th Royal Irish Fusiliers diary WO 95/2505/2

30th of September 1917 Battle Narrative

7th October 1917 Daily Activity

7th of October 1917 A German "Visit"

8th October 1917 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Havrincourt Wood K.31.c.0.0.
Corps have ordered all Battalions to be continually on the offensive while holding the line. Consequently the Battalion will organize patrols nightly (weather permitting) and raids will be carried out at fixed periods. Owing to very bad weather no patrols went out on night of 7/8. Very quiet in the line, afternoon and night very wet and the men got a special issue of rum.
War Diaries

9th October 1917 Daily Activity

10th October 1917 Daily Activity

11th October 1917 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Havrincourt Wood K.31.c.0.0.
Quiet day. Major Ferguson left Headquarters to go to Rouen to check Battalion Records at 3rd Echelon. B Company relieved D Company at R.3 and A Company relieved C Company on Yorkshire Bank.
War Diaries

12th October 1917 Daily Activity

13th October 1917 Daily Activity

14th October 1917 Daily Activity

15th October 1917 Daily Activity

16th October 1917 Daily Activity

17th October 1917 Daily Activity

18th October 1917 Daily Activity

19th October 1917 Improvements

20th October 1917 Daily Activity

21st October 1917 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Church Parades were held in the morning and Rugby football in the afternoon (first practice). A very fine day.
The following decorations have been awarded for gallantry in the field at Ypres on 16th August 1917:

Military Cross.
Captain T.F Given
Captain R.S Flood
Captain O.V Burrows Royal Army Medical Corps
Regimental Sergeant Major C.H Turner

Distinguished Conduct Medal.
17545 Sergeant S Carvell;

Military Medal.
13971 Sergeant J Adams, 14555 Sergeant J McCullough
14720 Sergeant A Jurkington, 16117 Acting Corporal R.W Knaggs
14748 Lance Corporal Whiteside S, 23926 Private Shanks C
20353 Private Rogers J, 24174 Lance Corporal Jackson E
22562 Private Steele G, 14154 Private Elliott J
14566 Private McCormick R.J, 15864 Private Lynn W.J, 14447 Private Morton J.

These awards were announced on 4th October 1917.
War Diaries

22nd October 1917 Daily Activity

23rd October 1917 Daily Activity

24th October 1917 Daily Activity

25th October 1917 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Havrincourt Wood.
a quiet day in the line. On the night of 25/26 Oct., our fighting patrols dislodged the enemy from Wigan Copse and the rifle pits to north of it at 0200.
War Diaries

26th October 1917 Daily Activity

27th October 1917 Daily Activity

28th October 1917 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Havrincourt Wood.
A quiet day in the line. Our artillery was active during both day and night. Some Bosche seen in Dean Copse were dispersed by our Lewis Gun fire.
Weather good with bright moonlight nights.
War Diaries

29th October 1917 Daily Activity

30th October 1917 Daily Activity

31st October 1917 Daily Activity

1st November 1917 Reliefs

2nd November 1917 Daily Activity

3rd November 1917 9th Irish Fusilers form working parties  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers are at Ruyaulcourt. With A & B Companies on working parties today.
At 1630 C Company left Ruyaulcourt and marched up to the line to carry out a raid. The enemy's front line was successfully penetrated from the Canal (K.26.d.05.95) to about 150 yards east of it. The fighting was very severe as the enemy refused to surrender. Our men stayed in the enemy trenches for twenty minutes and bayoneted and shot at least forty Germans.
We suffered some casualties, mostly from bombs: one Officer severely wounded, one Officer slightly wounded; one NCO killed, three Other Ranks missing believed killed, thirteen Other Ranks wounded, one R.E [Royal Engineer] (NCO) severely wounded.
War Diaries

4th November 1917 Daily Activity

5th November 1917 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Ruyaulcourt.
The new ante-room at Battalion Headquarters was lined with canvas and made more comfortable. The whole Battalion with exception of C Company were on working parties.
War Diaries

7th November 1917 Departure for France  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Ruyaulcourt.
A and B Companies carried out scale of parades. C and D Companies were on working parties.
War Diaries

8th November 1917 Daily Activity

9th November 1917 Daily Activity

10th November 1917 Daily Activity

11th November 1917 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Havrincourt Wood.
Battalion in the line. Quiet day. No enemy activity.
War Diaries

12th November 1917 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Havrincourt Wood.
Battalion in the line.
War Diaries

13th November 1917 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Havrincourt Wood.
Battalion in the line. Yorkshire Bank shelled by 5.9 inch guns and trench mortars.
War Diaries

14th November 1917 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Havrincourt Wood.
Battalion in the line. Enemy trench mortar fire on Yorkshire Bank in reply to our pigs who were firing on front line and Havringcourt.
Casualties: Three Other Ranks killed, one Other Rank severely wounded.
War Diaries

15th November 1917 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Havrincourt Wood.
Battalion in the line. Several heavy machine gun Officers reconnoitering the Battalion left sub-sector otherwise a quiet day.
War Diaries

16th November 1917 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Havrincourt Wood K.31.c.0.0.
Battalion in the line. No enemy activity. Several heavy machine gun Officers reconnoitering round the line. Our heavy trench mortars very active firing on enemy front line and west of Havrincourt.
War Diaries

17th November 1917 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Relieved by 2/5th King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry at 2200.
Battalion marched to Bertincourt less one Platoon of C Company who were left behind to form an outpost for 2/5 King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry on Yorkshire Bank.
War Diaries

18th November 1917 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Barastre O.16 (centre).
Battalion moved from Bertincourt and is comfortably encamped in Adrian and Nissen Huts and tents.
War Diaries

19th November 1917 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Velu Wood J.31.c (centre).
Battalion inspected in the morning by the Commanding Officer at Barastre. Moved at 1630 to Headquarters in Velu Wood (on eve of push).
The following 'immediate awards' have been notified by Brigade as result of our Havrincourt raid on 3rd inst.

Military Medal
18869 Corporal Mackinson, Henry.
41327 Private Morrison, John.
41256 Private Chambers, Thomas.
41534 Private Averell, Robert.
23438 Corporal Craig, George.

War Diaries

20th November 1917 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Maxwell Avenue K.25.d.9.9.
The Division (109th Brigade) moved to the attack at 0620 with 107th and 108th Brigades in support. Battalion 'details' remain in Velu Wood under command of Major J.G Brew and Transport at Hermies Slag Heap.
2nd Lieutenant E.J.L Turner, Transport Officer, returned from leave.
The Battalion moved to a position 500 yards north-east of Velu Wood at 0820. At 1400 the Battalion moved from this position to Broken Bridge for dinner. At 1530 moved to R.3. The Battalion went into dugouts at 2040 for the night.
War Diaries

21st November 1917 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
The Battalion moved from R.3 at 1500 to enemies old lines near Lock 7 where it slept for the night in dugouts.
War Diaries

22nd November 1917 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Moeuvres.
The Battalion moved up at 0630 to a position north of Bapaume and Cambrai Road arriving at 0830. Here the Battalion waited for an order to attack Inchi when Moeuvres was taken by the 12th Royal Irish Rifles. At 1145 the 12th Royal Irish Rifles captured village of Moeuvres. It was unable to clear trenches east of village.
At 1730 the Battalion moved up to support the 12th Royal Irish Rifles in the village of Moeuvres. At 1745 the 12th Royal Irish Rifles were reported to have been driven out of the village. At 2030 the Battalion less D Company counter attacked the village of Moeuvres, but was driven back to trenches immediately south of the village, where it took up a defensive position for the night.
War Diaries

23rd November 1917 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Moeuvres.
The Battalion attacked Moeuvres at 1030. At 1100 the Battalion reported to be in the village. At 1145 the enemy counter attacked from trenches west of village and by 1315pm the counter attack was driven off.
At 1630 the village was evacuated by the Battalion on account of supports not coming up.
At 1700 C and D Companies took up position on Sunken Road, south of the village while A and B companies went back to the trenches north of Bapaume and Cambrai Road.
Casualties for 22nd and 23rd: Officers killed one; Officers wounded six; Other Ranks 82 casualties.
War Diaries

24th November 1917 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Battalion relieved in the trenches by the 11th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers at dawn.
Proceeded to Hermies for rest and reorganisation.
War Diaries

25th November 1917 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Battalion resting at Hermies.
War Diaries

26th November 1917 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Hermies.
At 1830 the Battalion moved from Hermies to Beaumetz. At 2030 the Battalion arrived at Beaumetz and was put into tents for the night.
War Diaries

28th November 1917 At Rest  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers are resting in Rocquigny. 'A' Company was bathed and had a clean change.
War Diaries

29th November 1917 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Rocquigny.
Battalion entrained at Ytres at 2030 for Beaumetz south of Arras.
Battalion detrained at Beaumetz at 0245 on November 30th and marched to billets at Simencourt, arriving at 0320.
War Diaries

30th November 1917 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Simencourt.
The Battalion left Simencourt at 1400 for Gomincourt, arriving at 1930.
War Diaries

1st December 1917 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Gomincourt.
The Battalion left Gomincourt at 1200 for Rocquigny and arrived at 1930.
War Diaries

2nd December 1917 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Rocquigny.
The Battalion left Rocquigny for Metz-le-Coutre, arrived at Metz 1430 and billeted for the night.
War Diaries

3rd December 1917 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Metz-le-Coutre.
The Battalion left Metz at 2000 and moved up to the line to support the 88th Brigade south of Marcoing. They arrived in the support trenches at 0530 the 4th December.
War Diaries

4th December 1917 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Trenches south of Marcoing.
The Battalion is in the trenches south of Marcoing in support of 88th Brigade. They relieved the Essex and Hants Battalions in the front line at 0430.
War Diaries

5th December 1917 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Trenches south of Marcoing.
Battalion in the line. Captain Flood was killed at 0900 by shrapnel.
War Diaries

6th December 1917 In the Line  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) Royal Irish Fusiliers are in Trenches south of Marcoing. Battalion in the line with two Companies in front line, one in support and one in reserve for use as Battalion counter-attack Company. Enemy shelling position very heavily. Five casualties, four Other Ranks.
9th Royal Irish Fusiliers War Diaries

7th December 1917 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Trenches south of Marcoing.
Battalion in line with Enemy artillery very active, particularly at 1430 when he attacked on our right. Eight casualties to Other Ranks.
War Diaries

8th Dec 1917 Aeroplanes Active  9th Btn. Royal Irish Fusiliers are in trenches south of Marcoing, with heavy shelling by enemy. Enemy aeroplanes very active over our lines, flying very low. Relieved by 12th Royal Irish Rifles at 10.30pm. Fine day.
While in front line 9th Battalion Irish Fusiliers improved trenches, made latrines, wired in front of trenches, and salved several articles of war. The suffered five casualties to Other Ranks. The Battalion goes into Brigade support on being relieved, less D Company who relieved the Buffs and King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry in communication trench running north and south from front line.
War Diaries

9th December 1917 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
South of Marcoing. Battalion in Brigade support.
War Diaries

10th December 1917 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
South of Marcoing.
One-hundred and sixty Other Ranks and four Officers for a working party, carrying up wire to front line. This work in assisting 16th Bn Royal Irish Rifles the Divisions Pioneer Battalion.
War Diaries

11th December 1917 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
South of Marcoing.
Battalion in Brigade support.
There were four Officers and 100 Other Ranks on a carrying party from 1630 to 0200(12th December 1917).
War Diaries

12th December 1917 Daily Activity  South of Marcoing 9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers. are in Brigade support on being relieved by 2nd Battalion Royal Irish Rifles in the line at dusk. C Company on right. B Company on outpost line. A Company on left. D Company in support.
War Diaries

13th December 1917 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
South of Marcoing.
Captured a prisoner at 0430 of the 6th (Reserve Infantry Regiment). Battalion stood to at 0530 to meet a rumoured attack at 0630.
Word received from Division Headquarters at 0330 that the enemy was to attack in great force at 0630. No attack however took place.
War Diaries

14th December 1917 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
South of Marcoing.
Battalion in the line. Two Other Ranks casualties.
War Diaries

15th December 1917 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers. are South of Marcoing. Battalion is in the line. D Company relieved B Company in the outpost line. One Officer 2nd Lieutenant Bray and three Other Ranks casualties.
War Diaries

16th Dec 1917 Post Stormed  9th (North Irish Horse) Btn., Royal Irish Fusiliers. report from South of Marcoing: German post stormed by our patrol at 1700 with Gunner bayoneted and machine gun captured. His identification secured (6th Division Reserve Infantry Regiment). Lieutenant Caulfield, 7th Somersets, buried by our Battalion. Trench very much improved and more wire put out. Relieved by 7th Royal Fusiliers at 2100 and marched to Metz. Fifty rifles salved and several thousand rounds of small arms ammunition, also boxes of grenades salved, cleaned and put under cover.
War Diaries

17th December 1917 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Metz-le-Coutre. Left Metz at 1200 for Etricourt. Billeted in tents at Etricourt.
War Diaries

18th December 1917 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Etricourt.
Entrained at Etricourt for Mondicourt. Detrained at Mondicourt and marched through deep snow to our billets in the village of Coullemont. The heavy snow delayed our transport, which did not arrive till midnight.
War Diaries

19th December 1917 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Coullemont.
Working parties out with Forty Other Ranks and one Officer from each Company clearing the road from Coullemont to Couterelle of snow. This work continued to 1630.
War Diaries

20th December 1917 Cleaning Up  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers are at Coullemont. Men working under Company arrangements. Cleaning up.
War Diaries

21st December 1917 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Coullemont.
Under Company arrangements. Inspection of arms and equipment.
War Diaries

4th February 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
1030. Six enemy 105mm high explosives fired on B13d. We made a reconnaissance of our wire from B.17.a.1.2 to B.17.a.4.2 and found it in good order. Emplacement at B.17.a.8.7 destroyed by our shelling.
1730. Relieved by 12 Royal Irish Rifles and moved to Brigade support B.20.c with one Company at B.15.c.
War Diaries

5th February 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Awards:

Croix de Guerre (Belgian) to Corporal E.A Godeon (MC) and Acting Corporal W Knaggs (MM), D Company.
Decoration Militaire to 14388 Private Stewart, T, B Company.
War Diaries

6th February 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
6-8 February 1918
Occasional enemy shelling. Casualties, two wounded.
War Diaries

6th of February 1918 New Battalion Arrives

9th February 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Strength: 37 Officers, 853 Other Ranks, 36 horses, 16 mules.
Increase: Seven Other Ranks.
Decrease: 2nd Lieutenant Galloway (Medical Board, England), 2nd Lieutenant J.I McCausland (6 months duty, England), 2nd Lieutenant E.V Crothers (transferred Indian Army) and two horses.
Support B.20.c line, left sub-sector. 1730. Relieved by 1st Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers.
After relief, proceeded to relieve 11/13 Royal Irish Rifles in left sub-sector.

Dispositions:
B Company in right sector,
D Company in left sector,
A and C Companies, ½ each counter attack and passive resistance.
War Diaries

10th February 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Front quiet except for occasional shelling. One man wounded by enemy sniper.
War Diaries

10th of February 1918 Reorganisation Complete

11th February 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
1730. Major Brew, Commanding, Padre and Orderly Room Staff moved to B.20.c.1.1. Captain M Henehan MC remaining as acting second-in-command.
War Diaries

13th February 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
13-15 February 1918
Activity mostly in artillery, air and sniping. Occasional bursts of 5.9 inch shells on rear Battalion Headquarters at B.20.c.1.1. Large numbers of enemy aircraft passed over during nights and bombed back areas. Four men wounded by enemy snipers.
War Diaries

17th February 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
17-18 February 1918
Patrols nightly in No man's land but no enemy encountered and wire found good. Officers in enemy front line seen observing our lines through glasses.
War Diaries

19th February 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Lieutenant-Colonel Kelly returned from leave and resumed command. Major Brew at three days conference with President Corps Commander Sir Ivor H Maxse.
One man killed and one wounded.
War Diaries

21st February 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
2nd Lieutenant G.E Scott wounded with small splinter and remained at duty.
War Diaries

22nd February 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
On night 22/23rd the Division Front was reorganised, with one Battalion of each Brigade in the line.
Brigade boundaries as follows:

(a)Right as at present,
(b) between left and centre Brigades: junction of Cabal Trench and old front line (B.8.c.90.60), B.14.a.15.77, A.18.c.10.00, A.16.c.05.70.
(c) between right and centre Brigades: Junction of Borellier Trench and St Quentin, Vendeuil Road (B.10.c.60.40), B.15.a.70.00, A.29.a.9.6, G.4 Central.
(d) left boundary: Canal.

Dispositions: The disposition of Brigades from right to left: 108, 107, 109th. 108 Brigade Garrisons 'C' Subsector of the Battle Zone.

Left sub-sector: at 1730 the Battalion was relieved as follows:
All posts west of boundary between centre and left Brigades, by 9th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
Remainder of Battalion (including) C Company (passive resistance) by 15th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles about 1900.
The Battalion on relief moved to Brigade Reserve at Grand Seraucourt.
War Diaries

23rd February 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
23rd to 28th Feb 1918
Grand Seraucourt. Training and working on cable and other trenches in Battle Zone.

February Effective strength: 47 Officers, 1,071 Other Ranks, 36 horses, 16 mules.
Increase: Captain C.J Brennan (from 10th Reserve Battalion), 2nd Lieutenant Slatter, T (from 7/8th Battalion), 5 Other Ranks.
Decrease: Major A Ferguson MC (ordered Medical Board, England).
War Diaries

1st March 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Grand Seraucourt.
1730. Battalion moved to support at Essigny Station in relief of 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers.
War Diaries

2nd March 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
2 March Essigny Station.
Working on defences of Battle Zone daily until 7th March

Effective strength: Officers 46, Other Ranks 1083, horses 36, mules 16.
Decrease: Captain J Grant (Medical Board, England).
Increase: Twelve Other Ranks.

War Diaries

7th March 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
1800. Relieved 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers in line, with 2nd Royal Irish Rifles on left and 8 King's Royal Rifles on right.
War Diaries

9th March 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
9 March - Patrolling and wiring nightly until 14th March.
Our artillery lively cutting enemy wire and sweeping likely places of assembly for enemy attack. Enemy artillery unusually quiet. Great aerial activity owing to fine weather and visibility. One enemy aircraft brought down on enemy line opposite left Battalion front.
1500 9th March Enemy machine gun captured without opposition by 2nd Lieutenant W.G Greenaway and three Other Ranks from position at B.17.a.9.8.
Effective strength: Officers 46, Other Ranks 1076, horses 36, mules 16. Decrease: Seven Other Ranks.
War Diaries

14th March 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
2000. Relieved by 12th Royal Irish Rifles and moved to Grand Seraucourt in reserve.
War Diaries

16th March 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.

Effective strength: Officers 45, Other Ranks 1058, horses 37, mules 18.
Increase: Horses 1, mules 2.
Decrease: Officer 1, 2nd Lieutenant W.G Greenaway transferred to Royal Flying Corps, England; Other Ranks 18.

War Diaries

17th March 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Grand Seraucourt.
St Patrick's Day. Sunday. Church Parade in morning and sports in evening.
War Diaries

18th March 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
18-20 March 1918 Intensive training, by Platoons, in morning. Specialist training in evening.
War Diaries

21st March 1918 Start of German Offensive.  At 2am. 9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) Royal Irish Fusiliers report "Intensive enemy barrage opened on our positions, for a depth of from 4 to 6 kilometres."
At 0600 enemy attacked and Battalion moved to Brigade Headquarters just east of village.

2nd Lieutenant Prenter and four Other Ranks killed.
2nd Lieutenant Perkins and 16 Platoon missing.
Part of 2 Platoons of A Company missing.

War Diaries

22nd March 1918   9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers fell back on Halpincourt, where we remained during the day, falling back on Ollizey in the evening.
War Diaries

24th March 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Remained at Fleuesle for the day, and fell back on Guiscard, remaining there for the night.
Captain Partridge MC killed and Captain Vesey MC wounded during night.
War Diaries

25th March 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
25-26 March 1918 Fell back through Busse to Avrilcourt and then marched via Tilloloy, Popincourt, Grivillers, Marquivillers, Guerbigny to Erches, arriving at 1100 on morning of 26th. Lewis Guns were sent by lorry previous night.
Major Brew and details went into line in front of Erches.
Remainder of Battalion under Captain Despard MC formed reserves west of Erches.
War Diaries

27th March 1918 Enemy Attack  The enemy attacked and the Royal Irish Rifles fell back on 9th Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers in reserve, who fell back with same to a position south of Arvillers, and then south of the village, where they remained the night.
War Diaries

28th March 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
This party under Captains Despard, Crosbie and Dean, and 2nd Lieutenant Davison, fell back, by orders, through Hangesy-en-Santerre, Plessier, Rosainvillers, Moreuil, Mailly-Raineval, Sourdon, remaining there the night.
War Diaries

29th March 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Marched from Sourdon, via Ailly-sur-Noye, Jumel to Taisnil.
War Diaries

30th March 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Marched from Taisnil to Sauleul [Salouël] and remained the night.
War Diaries

31st March 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Entrained from Sauleux [Saleux] to Eu and marched to St Quentain-le-Mott.
War Diaries

31st of March 1918 Account of Operations

1st April 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
St Quentain-Le-Mott. Marched to Ault and had general clean up, some bathing.
War Diaries

2nd April 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
2-3 April 1918 Training parades
War Diaries

4th April 1918 On the Move.  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse), Royal Irish Fusiliers entrained at Eu for Rexpoede at 2am travelling by motor lorries to Herzeele.
War Diaries

4th of April 1918 An Appreciation

5th April 1918 Parades  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse), Royal Irish Fusiliers report "Training parades; two Companies at baths in morning and two in afternoon. Lieutenant-Colonel Kelly returned from Hospital to Battalion."
War Diaries

6th April 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Inspection of Brigade by II Corps Commander.
War Diaries

7th April 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Church Parade.
War Diaries

8th April 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Training parades.

Effective strength: 22 Officers, 728 Other Ranks, 37 horses, 22 mules.
Ration strength: 16 Officers, 547 Other Ranks, 41 horses, 22 mules.

War Diaries

9th April 1918 9th Irish Fusiliers to Siege Camp No.4  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers entrained at Herzeele 0900 for Poperinghe. On arrival marched to Siege Camp No.IV
War Diaries

10th April 1918 Defense  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse), Royal Irish Fusiliers travel by motor lorries to Kemmel and set up to man Kemmel defenses at Lindenhoek Corner.
War Diaries

10th of April 1918 Into Battle

11th April 1918 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers endure shelling  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers defend Kemmel to Messines Ridge. Headquarters at Stinking Farm. Heavy enemy shelling.
War Diaries

12th April 1918 9th Btn. Royal Irish Fusiliers near Wulverghem  At 0200 9th Btn. Royal Irish Fusiliers moved to near Wulverghem with Headquarters at N Midland Farm. Enemy attacked, pressing back our line. Counter attack completely restored position. Casualties heavy, including Medical Officer, Lieutenants Hamilton, Hardy and Miller killed. Captain Dean, Lieutenants Turner and Orr wounded.
War Diaries

13th April 1918 9th Irish Fusiilers relieved  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers are relieved by Sherwood Foresters at midnight.
War Diaries

14th April 1918 9th Irish Fusiliers on Kemmel defences  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers moved back to Kemmel defences.
War Diaries

15th April 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
0900. Moved to Regent Street dugouts. C Company manned outpost positions and was attacked. Captain Crosbie wounded and died same day.
War Diaries

16th April 1918 9th Irish Fusiliers move to Clydesdale Camp  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers moved back to Clydesdale Camp at midnight for rest and reorganisation.
War Diaries

18th April 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
0200. Moved to Kemmel as composite Battalion with 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Kelly.
Heavy casualties, while moving into position, from enemy shelling. Captain Despard wounded and died soon after. 2000. Relieved by French troops and marched to Siege Camp.
War Diaries

20th April 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Colonel Kelly evacuated to Hospital with shrapnel wound.
Reorganisation and training parades.
Ration strength: 11 Officers, 489 Other Ranks, 40 horses, 22 mules
War Diaries

22nd April 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Major G.M Forde MC assumed command
War Diaries

23rd April 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Four Officers and about thirty Other Ranks reinforce.
War Diaries

27th April 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
27th to 30th April 1918.
0400. Move to Yellow Line, Headquarters at Border Camp. Working on defences and training till end of month.
Effective strength: 29 Officers, 651 Other Ranks, 35 horses, 22 mules.
Ration strength: 24 Officers, 507 Other Ranks, 35 horses, 22 mules.
War Diaries

1st May 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Sheet 28 NW E.6.b, 1/20,000. Yellow Line.
Working on defences and training specialists during day. Line manned by skeleton forces by night.

Dispositions:
Two Corps in line, one support and one reserve.
Right boundary Dirty Bucket Corner,
left Alexandra Farm.
Flanking units:
right 12 Royal Irish Rifles.
left Belgian Cyclist Battalion.

War Diaries

3rd May 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse), Royal Irish Fusiliers team beat Belgian team at football by four goals to nil.
War Diaries

4th May 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
1700. Moved to Green Line, in relief of 12 Royal Irish Rifles.
War Diaries

5th May 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers report "Defences worked on by day and manned by night. Brigade specialist classes commenced at transport lines, International Corner.

Effective strength: 32 Officers, 673 Other Ranks, 35 horses and 20 mules.
Ration strength: 27 Officers, 530 Other Ranks, 39 horses and 20 mules.
Dispositions: Four Companies in line, Middlesex Battalion on right Belgian Battalion on left."
War Diaries

10th May 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
1700. Battalion relieved by 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers and moved back to Yellow Line. Billets in (Steentje?) Camp. Headquarters at Fa(?). Work and training continued.
War Diaries

12th May 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.

Church Parades in evening.
Effective strength: 34 Officers, 678 Other Ranks, 33 horses and 21 mules.
Ration strength: 39 Officers, 609 Other Ranks, 37 horses and 21 mules.
Increase: Lieutenant E.A Godson (MC), Lieutenant K Morrow (TO).

War Diaries

17th May 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Sheet 28NW E.6.b 1/20,000. Yellow Line.

2000. Relieved 2nd Royal Irish Rifles in Brigade Reserve in front
system Left Brigade Sector.
Dispositions:
right front, C Company;
left front, B Company;
support, A and D Companies with Headquarters in Canal bank.
Flanking units:
right, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers;
left, Belgian Battalion.

Relief completed about 12 midnight.
Working on defences by night only, to avoid observation. Enemy activity confined to shelling, probably meant for batteries west of canal. One fatal casualty in A Company. Brilliant sunshine and intense heat during six-day tour.
War Diaries

18th May 1918 Strength  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.

Effective strength: 34 Officers, 935 Other Ranks, 32 horses, 21 mules.
Ration strength: 27 Officers, 646 Other Ranks, 36 horses, 21 mules.
Increase: 235 Other Ranks.
Decrease: 1 horse.

War Diaries

23rd May 1918 Reliefs  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse), Royal Irish Fusiliers are in Brigade Reserve, at Canal Bank.
2100. Relieved 12th Royal Irish Rifles, in right sub-sector, front system. Dispositions: right front, A Company; left front, C Company and one Platoon D Company. D Company (three Platoons). Reserve: B Company. Headquarters: Hill Top Farm. Flanking units: Right, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers; left, 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Relief passed off satisfactorily. At 2330 the enemy put down a heavy barrage on the 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers and raided one of their posts. Otherwise the night passed quietly.
War Diaries

24th May 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Ref Special Sheet, St Julien 6B 1/10,000.
Right sector front line. Owing to bad observation the day passed very quietly. During the night our patrols investigated the vicinity of Von Hugel Farm and Cheddar Villa. No signs of enemy were encountered. The night passed unusually quietly, probably owing to a suspected relief.
War Diaries

25th May 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
The day passed quietly. At 0330 and 1630 C.22.e was lightly shelled by 4.5 inch howitzers east sector of our lines at 1115 and were unsuccessfully engaged. Nothing of importance occurred during the day.
War Diaries

26th May 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Our own artillery showed increased activity throughout the day without drawing hostile retaliation. A fighting patrol of two Officers and twelve Other Ranks failed to discover any trace of the enemy between Jasper and Rat Farms.
Enemy machine-guns were lightly active during the night on roads and tracks.
War Diaries

27th May 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
At 0230 hostile bombardment commenced on left of Brigade front and spread north where the enemy attempted to raid the Belgians at 0300 on our left. With the exception of a few shells on Wietje at about 0300, hostile artillery inactive on this front. Our own artillery was active during the day and replied vigorously to enemy bombardment in the morning. A fighting patrol failed to discover traces of the enemy west of Jasper Farm. At 2310 the 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers on our left raided an enemy post near C.17.c.45.45, but found the garrison had cleared. Our artillery continued the bombardment till 2340. 6" Stokes Mortar assisted. During the operation a fire was observed in Rat Farm.
Absence of hostile machine-gun fire, artillery retaliation and Verey Lights was marked.
War Diaries

28th May 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Right sub-sector front line Hill Top.
At 0530 hostile artillery shelled the Battalion on our left, apparently in retaliation for the raid. Owing to excellent visibility there was great aerial activity during the morning and many observation balloons were up. The day passed quietly.
War Diaries

29th May 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
The day passed quietly on this front. The Battalion was relieved in the right sub-sector by the 2nd Royal Irish Rifles, 107th Infantry Brigade, and on relief moved by light railway to Hospital Farm Camp. In spite of hostile shelling on the entraining point, no casualties were suffered during the relief.
Total casualties during this tour: 3 Other Ranks died of wounds, 2 wounded, 1 self-inflicted, 1 W-(?)-D.
Fighting strength: 34 Officers, 974 Other Ranks.
On relief the 108th Infantry Brigade moved into Divisional Reserve.
War Diaries

30th May 1918 9th Irish Fusiliers at Hospital Farm  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers are at Hospital Farm. The day was spent in cleaning up etc.
War Diaries

31st May 1918 Working Parties  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse), Royal Irish Fusiliers are at Hospital Farm in Divisional Reserve.
Provided working party of two Companies on Green Line. Two Companies training. The whole Battalion was bathed during the day. Major R.G Kerr MC reported his arrival and assumed duties of Second-in-Command.
War Diaries

16th July 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Everything normal. Enemy artillery active at Quarry. At midnight 12th Royal Irish Rifles attempted to raid enemy unsuccessfully. A heavy barrage was laid on enemy lines to which he replied feebly.
War Diaries

5th August 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Mont des Cats.
Wesleyan and Presbyterians paraded at 1430 for Church with 12th Royal Irish Rifles. Church of Ireland service was held at 1800. No work was done at night.
War Diaries

6th August 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Battalion was inspected by the Commanding Officer at 1300. At 1500 a lecture was given by Captain Bless on the war. The lecture was good but the weather bad. Work was done as usual.
War Diaries

7th August 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Ordinary parades took place. Between 2330 and midnight enemy fired about 50 rounds of 5.9 inch shells on battery positions immediately in rear of Battalion area. Our guns retaliated. The usual work was done at night.
War Diaries

8th August 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers report "No training done. At night Battalion relieved the 2nd Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers in right of left sub-sector (Meulehouck). Relief done satisfactorily by 0130. Only one casualty through enemy shelling. Remainder of night passed quietly."
War Diaries

9th August 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Reference Sheet 28 Bailleul 1/10000. Meulehouck.
Enemy shelled St Jans Cappel with 5.9s throughout day while our guns replied on Bailleul. Our planes very active. Enemy planes seldom crossed our lines. One fired into our trench early in morning. Slight machine gun activity at night. Two patrols were out during night. One was detected at S.2.c.15.20 and fired on. The other under 2nd Lieutenant J Boyd was fired at and bombed from house at S.3.c.10.10, two men being wounded.
War Diaries

10th August 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
At 0315 enemy detected at our wire at S.2.d.35.60 but disappeared on fire being opened. Three blasts of whistle were heard from enemy trench soon after. Enemy guns were active on front line in morning. Twenty (5.9s) on S.1.d.6.6, our guns active day and night on enemy rear area. Usual aircraft activity.
At 2030 one enemy aircraft was over our line while another was brought down by one of ours. Enemy balloon also brought down in flames south of Bailleul. Patrols were out under Captain J Benson and 2nd Lieutenant Behannah, but did not come into contact with enemy. The latter estimated Shoddy Farm garrison to be forty. At 1830 Lieutenant Dobbyn MC got into enemy trench at S.3.c.8.5 but only found greatcoat and pack. Another patrol under 2nd Lieutenant Burrowes at 1630 got to consolidated shell holes at S.3.c.05.05 where they fired at enemy party.
War Diaries

11th August 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Usual activity on either side. At 0400 twenty rounds of heavy Trench Mortars were fired on left of sector. At 2300 patrol of 32 Other Ranks under Captain J Benson and 2nd Lieutenant Behannah attempted to raid Shoddy Farm but were attacked in rear and after hand-to-hand fight in which casualties were inflicted on either side, returned. Our casualties, Captain Benson missing, two Other Ranks killed, two wounded.
War Diaries

12th August 1918 Quiet day for 9th Irish Fusiliers  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers war diary records: Enemy artillery very quiet, ours active. Usual enemy plane at 0500 and 2030. Night passed quietly.
War Diaries

13th August 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
At 0310 heavy bombardment by our guns in direction of Locre. The day passed as usual. Between 2200 and 2230 enemy put up ten lights bursting into orange rain, but no apparent result or action. Enemy appeared to be working actively in front lines. Our patrols obtained nothing. Our planes very active bombing at night.
War Diaries

14th August 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
At 0130 heavy concentrated bombardment on Bailleul. During day enemy artillery slightly more active. Two of his planes crossed our line at 2030. One returned to his own line, the other surrendered to four of ours, putting out a red flare. He was then escorted back to our own aerodrome.
Lieutenant Dobbyn MC with two others got into enemy line at 1715 at S.3.c.9.5, where they killed a German and wounded another. Six others fled. Patrol at night under 2nd Lieutenant C.A Ross was fired on by Machine Guns and bombs. Three Other Ranks were wounded. Remainder of night passed as usual.
2nd Lieutenant H.L Davies joined from transport lines.
War Diaries

15th August 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Enemy artillery fairly active, shelling St Jans Cappel with 5.9s from 0240 to 0300 and S.2.c.20.50 from 1015 to 1045 with 43 shells of 77mm high velocity. Our artillery was active. At night they fired eight rockets over Bailleul. These are like ordinary Verey lights but much stronger light. From experience it is found that enemy sometimes put up red flares bursting into rain when our patrols are out, as if he has discovered them and so gives warning to sentries.
update 77 mm shells were called whiz-bangs. They travelled faster than sound so you heard the whiz of the passing (hopefully!) shell before the sound of the gun which fired it.
War Diaries

16th of August 1918 An Enemy Raid

17th August 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Reference Sheet 28 Kemmel 1/10000. Mont Noir.
Day was spent in cleaning and inspections. At 2200 two Companies bathed at R.26.d. central. Work was done at tunnel at Battalion Headquarters and salvage at Berthen.
War Diaries

18th August 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Mont Noir.
About 1100 the 9th Division attacked on our right and appeared to get their objectives from observation at Mont Noir.
Two Companies bathed at night, while one worked. Number of fires were seen behind enemy lines.
War Diaries

19th August 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
At intervals enemy shelled battery positions behind Mont Noir with 5.9 inch calibre guns. At night one and a half Platoons worked from 2100 to midnight on communication trench to left of Battalion Headquarters, two Platoons daily from 0600 to 1200 on Blue Line.
War Diaries

20th August 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Enemy artillery were active, shelling behind Mont Noir with 5.9s and field guns. The usual work was done. At night the two Platoons on left of Blue Line were relieved by two of D Company.
The Brigade on the left made a slight advance, capturing about 70 prisoners.
War Diaries

22nd August 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Preparations are made for attack by us on road from S.3.c to S.8.a. At night the Company in Blue Line was relieved by a Company of the 1st Royal Irish Rifles. At 2330 the front line was bombarded with shells of various calibre and gas. Enemy made an unsuccessful counter-attack on Mural Farm.
Working parties at night made dumps of material for consolidating purposes in front line.
War Diaries

23rd August 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Meulehouck.
All NCOs and men instructed in method of attack and final preparations for same were made. At 2030 Battalion moved into the line on right of left sub-sector (Meulehouck) and cut gaps in wire. The night was very quiet on our front but towards Locre the enemy shelled heavily and appeared to attack about 2300. Our artillery opened fire in reply to SOS.
War Diaries

25th August 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Mont des Cats.
The day was spent in cleaning up. Men were paid. Church service was held at 1600. Lieutenant-Colonel P Kelly took over command of Battalion.
War Diaries

26th August 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Companies did training from 0900 to midday and from 1330 to 1430. The "Merry Mauves" gave a performance at 1430 in the open air but it was curtailed owing to rain. 2330. At night C Company went on work party to Blue Line but there were no tools available. Enemy put 60 gas shells into Godewaersvelde.
The Merry Mauves were the Ulster Divisional Troupe originally called "The Follies" which had been entertaining the troops since early 1916 with very popular concerts.
War Diaries

27th August 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Companies did usual training from 0900 to 1200 and from 1330 to 1430. Performance was given by the Divisional Concert Party at 2.30pm.
D Company formed the work party at night and were engaged deepening communication trench between Meulehouck and front line. While passing through gas from enemy shells several men were gassed.
War Diaries

28th August 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
The usual training was done, and concert performance. No work was done at night.
War Diaries

29th August 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Training under Company arrangements in the forenoon and Colonel Kelly addressed the Battalion, congratulating it on the recent success. In the afternoon he addressed the Officers on the training for the coming fortnight when the Division would be out resting.
At night the Battalion was relieved by the 15th Sherwood Foresters and moved into Corps Reserve at P.20.a.60.27 via Godewaersvelde, Eecke, and crossroads at P.30.a.05.22.
War Diaries

30th August 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Reference Sheet 27 Belgium and France 1/40000. St Sylvestre Capelle.
Arrival was complete at 0400. Companies were paid and inspections were held. Equipment was cleaned. Battalion standing-to all day. Battalion move at 1900 by light railway to Godewaersvelde, thence by march route to billets at Mont des Cats.
Relieve 15th Battalion Sherwood Foresters, relief completed by midnight.
War Diaries

31st August 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Mont des Cats.
Orders for Battalion to move in support of 109th Infantry Brigade. Position taken up our front line trenches of the 24th inst. in front of Moulhouck with Battalion Headquarters at Sammy Farm S.2.a.80.80.
War Diaries

3rd September 1918 Daily Activity  At 0700 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers moved to Eastwood Camp (T.14.a.90.60). At 1900 we relieved the 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers and 12th Royal Irish Rifles in the line. Battalion Headquarters was formed at T.9.d.90.60. The line taken over ran through St Quentin Cabaret, T.11.b.60.00, L'Alouette with Comapnies A, B, C and D from right to left, this line being about 500 yards in rear of line expected to be taken over.
War Diaries

3rd of September 1918 In the Line

4th September 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Wulverghem.
At 0800 Battle Headquarters was formed at T.10.d.05.80 and under an artillery barrage the Battalion, in conjunction with other Battalions on flanks, attacked. Good progress was made. D Company lost direction and got as far as Stinking Farm (U.7.a). Not being protected on flanks the enemy attempted to cut them off and the Company had to retire. Our line was established from road (T.6.d.35.80) where touch was made with the 30th Division, along hedge running south through T.6.d.4.0 to rise in T.12.b then along breastwork trench from T.12.c.50.35, T.18.a.80.90. With the gap between B and A Companies, D Company was put in support along road running south through T.6.c and T.12.a.
The enemy were not very numerous but their machine gun fire was heavy. The shelling was fairly heavy but was confined to vicinity of St Quentin Cabaret. During the operation Battle Headquarters was moved to T.5.d.80.40.
Six prisoners were taken, four of whom were sent through 29th Division on the right. Some of our men on the right were cut off and are thought to be made prisoners. The 29th Division took Hill 63 but did not come up far enough to cover our right flank. During the day there was an amount of sniping and machine gun fire and the enemy shelled St Quentin Cabaret and T.12.a with 5.9. In the afternoon he attempted a counter-attack by coming up along railway between B and A Companies, but was driven back by machine gun and rifle fire. At dusk our patrols were pushed forward to get the line behind Bristol Castle but were unable to do so owing to machine gun fire.
War Diaries

5th Sep 1918 In Action  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) Royal Irish Fusiliers report: "During the night of 4th/5th of August enemy patrols were out and signs of work were heard. A Company of the 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers was ordered to fill up gap between B and A Companies. At 0500 under a very light barrage two Platoons of C Company, two of B, and the Company of the 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers were to attack the line Hanbury Support down to Irish Farm.
The 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers were not in position, in time for the attack. B Company were held up by barbed wire and had to retire. C Company got into King Edward Trench, but being unsupported on either flank had to retire to jumping-off trench after holding out for an hour. The enemy artillery did not reply but his machine guns were active.
The remainder of the day was quiet; occasional bursts of shelling near St Quentin Cabaret and farm at T.12.a.40.40. The Battalion was relieved at night by the 2nd Royal Irish Rifles on the line from road at T.6.d.40.80 along hedge running south through T.6.d.4.0 to river in T.12.b and from T.12.c.50.95, T.18.a.80.90. The Company of 1st Battalion were holding line T.12.b.35.30, T.12.b.20.10 and part of Plum Duff Street.
Our casualties since coming into line were four Officers wounded Lieutenants Murphy, Bell, Laird and Lyons, twenty Other Ranks killed, twenty Other Ranks missing and 103 Other Ranks wounded. We captured one anti-tank rifle, one light trench mortar, and three machine guns including a Vickers. On relief the Battalion moved to Divisional support at Cyprian Farm. The enemy shelled the roads during relief and the Battalion had to pass through gas shelling."
War Diary North Irish Horse

5th of September 1918 Situation Unchanged

6th September 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Keersebrom.
Arrival at billets was completed at 0200. The Strength of Battalion was not reported.The day was spent in cleaning up and re-organisation. The Billets were made more habitable though the day was cold and wet.
War Diaries

7th September 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
A complete change of clothing was made by whole Battalion. Inspections of clothing and equipment were held.
War Diaries

8th September 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Berthen.
At 1400 move was made to Berthen. Battalion Headquarters and A Company at R.16.d.60.50, B and D at Sutton Farm and C Company in Berthen. Route via S.17.c.75.80, Bailleul, St Jans Cappel, Schaexhen.
War Diaries

9th September 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Day was spent in cleaning up equipment and settling billets. Church of Ireland service was held at 1100. The Corps Commander visited the Companies in the afternoon.
War Diaries

10th September 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Battalion Headquarters moved to Chateau at R.22.d.10.95. Battalion bathed at Piebrouck and trained by Companies.
War Diaries

11th September 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Companies did ordinary training. Remainder of Battalion bathed.
War Diaries

12th September 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Berthen.
Companies trained from 0800 to 1300 and in the afternoon Officers and NCOs discussed the day's work also the work for the following day. At 2300 the enemy put a few shells near Chateau.
War Diaries

13th September 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Ordinary training by Companies. Commanding Officer inspected A and C Companies. Rifles were inspected by Armourer Sergeant.
War Diaries

14th September 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Ordinary training. Lieutenant F.W.Vint and 2nd Lieutenants Richey R.A, Hall F.H, Logan S, Humphreys F.D.R, joined the Battalion for duty.
War Diaries

15th September 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Roman Catholic Church Parade at 1000 and Church of England Parade at 1100.
War Diaries

16th September 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Battalion moved to Asylum in Bailleul at 1854 and were all in billets by 2200. Route by Schaaxen, St Jans Cappell.
War Diaries

17th September 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Bailleul.
Companies employed in cleaning up billets. Ordinary training also carried out by Companies. Battalion bathed at St Jans Cappell.
War Diaries

18th September 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Training by companies.
Sergeant Ferguson (D Company) awarded Military Medal.
Signalling competition (C Company winners) and Lewis Gun competition (D Company winners).
War Diaries

19th September 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Battalion moved to Berthen at 1930, route by St Jans Cappel, Shaaxen. Platoon competitions (stretcher bearing and drill). Winners of stretcher bearing A Company, winners of Platoon competition (14 Platoon D Company).
War Diaries

20th September 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Berthen.
Battalion moved to Terdegem. Route by Mont-des-Cats, Godwaersvelde, Steenvorde. The Brigadier 108th Brigade reviewed Battalion marching through Godwaersvelde. Arrived in billets by 2200.
War Diaries

21st September 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers left Terdegem. The Battalion moved to Watou at 1916, route by Steenvorde. Arrived in billets at 2130. Joined the Battalion, 2nd Lieutenants Steele J.H, Inglis J.M, Duncan R.S, and Kernaghan J.
War Diaries

22nd September 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Watou.
Roman Catholic Church Parade at 1100. Church of England Church Parade with band at 1100. Court Martials of Privates Smith and Crockin promulgated. Football in afternoon.
War Diaries

23rd September 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Training. The Commanding Officer inspected the Battalion in the afternoon.
War Diaries

24th September 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Adjutants' parade at 0830. Training by Companies, six men per Company instructed in German machine-gun by Machine Gun Company Sergeant. Football in afternoon, 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers beat 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers, A Company beat B Company, C Company beat D Company.
War Diaries

25th September 1918 Route March  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers undertake Company route marches in morning and were given further instructions on German machine gun.
2nd Lieutenants H.C Burrows and Bryson awarded Military Cross and Lance Corporal Gracey (D Company) awarded Distinguished Conduct Medal for operations on 4th of September 1918.
War Diaries

26th September 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers moved from Watou to Road Camp (St Jan-ter-Beizan) at 2000. Arrived in camp 2130.
War Diaries

27th September 1918 Parade  At Road Camp (St Jan-ter-Beizan). 9th Btn. Royal Irish Fusiliers hold a Battalion parade at 1000. All surplus kits stored and preparations made for move to Siege Camp (near Vlamertinge).
War Diaries

28th Sep 1918 On the Move  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) Royal Irish Fusiliers moved from St Jan-ter-Biezen by rail to Vlamertinge thence by road to Salvation Road, Ypres. Accommodation was very poor.
War Diaries

28th Sep 1918 On the Move

29th Sep 1918 On the Move  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) Royal Irish Fusiliers moved to Rifle Farm on Menin Road at 0400 then to Glen Corse Wood at 0700 and later to Reutel. Position was taken up at J.17.b and d with 12th Royal Irish Rifles on left. At 1900 Battalion moved to west of Becelaere in J.18.a and c. The Commanding Officer received verbal orders at Brigade Headquarters for an advance on Moorseele to begin at dawn. The evening and night were very wet and no rations arrived.
War Diaries

29th Sep 1918 On the Move

30th Sep 1918 Advance Guard  At Becelaere at 5.30am 9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers, covered by an advance guard, moved forward through J.18.b, K.13 central to K.16.c. Information was received from Brigade to the effect that the 109th Brigade held Terhand and Dadizeele. 9th North Irish Horse Battalion was to pass through 1st Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers at 0700. 12th Royal Irish Rifles to advance on our left, Terhand, Vijfwegen Road the inter-Battalion boundary, the first objective to be a line roughly north and south through Vijfwegen (K.24.a); second objective to be railway running north and south (K.20 and K.26 central); third objective to be Mooreseele. The 29th Division was on our right.
At 0700 1st Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers were on a line running south-west through K.21.a and c. The 9th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers were facing south with posts along Terhand, Vinwegen Road. The 1st Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers were held up by machine gun fire and had lost touch with the 29th Division.
A patrol from 9th North Irish Horse Battalion discovered the 1st Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers holding line running south from K.19.a.9.6 through K.19 central, i.e. 2000 yards in rear. B Company 9NIH were sent to move along line of enemy wire through K.21.b, K.22.c and K.29.c to occupy high ground in K.30.a. C Company to move to right rear of B Company to protect flank, to get and keep in touch with 29th Division. A Company to move through K.22 central, K.23 central to K.24.c and to keep touch with 12th Royal Irish Rifles and D Company to move in support along Terhand, Vijfwegen Road.
B and C Companies 9th North Irish Horse came under machine gun fire almost at once after moving through the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, but A Company met with no opposition until they reached the east side of Methuen Wood, when they came under machine gun fire from houses in K.23.d about 9.30am. About this time the reserve Company came under machine gun fire from a pill box on K.24.b.0.3 and Leadenhall Copse which were cleared in spite of stiff resistance by 1230.
Twelve prisoners and two machine guns were captured in this operation, and an Officer with twenty Other Ranks of the enemy being killed.
All further attempts to advance our line beyond the general line of this pill box and Leadenhall Copse were prevented by very heavy machine gun fire from fortified farms on our right flank which was still hanging back.
At about 1800 when the 2nd Royal Irish Rifles passed through the line to attack, the general line ran K.24.b.0.3, Leadenhall Copse, K.23.d.2.5, K.29.b.2.8.
9th North Irish Horse Battalion casualties during the day were six Officers and 130 Other Ranks.
War Diarie North Irish Horse

30th Sep 1918 In Action

1st Oct 1918 Hard Fighting

2nd October 1918 Daily Activity  On the 2nd and 3rd of October 1918 9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) Royal Irish Fusiliers. remained in K.14.a.
War Diaries

2nd Oct 1918 Into Reserve

3rd Oct 1918 In Reserve

4th Oct 1918 Relief  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) Royal Irish Fusiliers relieved the 9th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers on Hill 41. Battalion Headquarters at K.18.c.10.60. Strength of 9th Royal Irish: 13 Officers, 390 Other Ranks. The night passed quietly except for harassing fire on roads behind our lines.
War Diaries

4th October 1918 Reports

4th Oct 1918 Reliefs Completed

4th Oct 1918 Reliefs

5th Oct 1918 Under Fire  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) Royal Irish Fusiliers report "The enemy put down harassing fire for one hour before dawn and dusk, but barrage line was well behind our line and no casualties were incurred. Northern boundary of Battalion adjusted to L.13.c.25.00."
War Diaries

5th Oct 1918 Heavy Shelling

6th October 1918 Under Shellfire  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) Royal Irish Fusiliers. report "The day passed quietly except for heavy enemy counter preparation in which only 4.2s and 77mm were used. During the night Mansard Farm and copse K.24.b.5.3 were occupied without opposition. Few casualties suffered during the night from machine-gun fire. 2nd Lieutenant Bryson was killed on patrol whilst reconnoitering Goldflake Farm which was found to be occupied in force by the enemy."
War Diaries

6th Oct 1918 Line Advanced

7th Oct 1918 Holding the Line  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers report "Between 7th and 9th of October 1918 Nothing of interest to note. Battalion continued to hold the line. Hostile counter preparation was intense at periods, especially before dawn and at dusk. About twenty casualties suffered. Aerial activity greatly increased on the 9th. Each night all wire behind our line was cut in order to facilitate the advance of attacking troops in the near future.
War Diaries

7th Oct 1918 Artillery Active

8th Oct 1918 Heavy Shelling

9th Oct 1918 Heavy Shelling

10th Oct 1918 Shellfire  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) Royal Irish Fusiliers report "Enemy counter preparation at dusk and dawn became very heavy. Our heavies commenced wire cutting in front of Martell Farm. Enemy E.A. very active during the day. Plans for the capture and consolidation of Goldflake Farm were made. Our post at Mansard Farm had been evacuated during the day owing to wire cutting operations and had been reoccupied by the enemy. At dusk a small party rushed the farm under cover of a smoke barrage, capturing one machine-gun. The garrison ran back to their own lines, leaving identifications. A patrol during the night heard enemy digging in the vicinity of Martell Farm."
War Diaries

10th Oct 1918 Heavy Shelling

11th Oct 1918 In Action  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) Royal Irish Fusiliers report from Hill 41. "At dawn a party of thirty Other Ranks under 2nd Lieutenant Darling MC formed up in Twig Farm. At 1000 under cover of a barrage and smoke screen, they rushed Goldflake Farm, capturing fourteen prisoners, three machine-guns, and killing about ten of the enemy. A position about 100 yards south-west of the farm was consolidated.
The hostile barrage was extremely heavy and we retired for the first time. Our casualties were one killed and two wounded. At about 1750 the enemy counter-attacked heavily on Goldflake, Mansard and Twig Farms. The garrison in Goldflake Farm withdrew after inflicting very heavy casualties on the enemy, who were caught in force on the road. The garrison of Mansard Farm was surrounded and fought their way back. The enemy succeeded in reaching Twig Farm but was held up by a small party which still held out in front of the farm. The enemy was finally cleared from Twig Farm by a counter attack. Mansard and Goldflake Farms remained in his hands.
Lieutenant-Colonel P.E Kelly was killed during the day by a shell. Our casualties during the day were two Officers and 25 Other Ranks.
The Battalion was relieved by the 12th Royal Irish Rifles and on relief moved into Brigade reserve in vicinity of Pease Corner."
War Diaries

11th Oct 1918 Counter Attack

12th Oct 1918 Reorganisation  At Dadizeele 9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) Royal Irish Fusiliers spent the day in reserve reorganizing and checking, making up deficiencies. Major R.J.A Tamplin DSO took over command of the Battalion.
War Diaries

12th Oct 1918 Farm Captured

13th Oct 1918 In Reserve  9th Btn. Royal Irish Fusiliers remained in reserve at Dadizeele. At 1700 12th Royal Irish Rifles recaptured Goldflake Farm.
War Diaries

13th Oct 1918 Artillery Active

14th Oct 1918 Attack Made  At 2am 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers moved to area K.15.a, our position in the line being taken over by the 9th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. At 0535 under a very heavy artillery barrage the whole Army attacked, the 107th and 109th Brigades being in the front line, the 108th in support. At 0900 we followed up the advance and took up position in L.20.c.
War Diaries

14th Oct 1918 Attack Made

15th Oct 1918 Advance  At Moorseele at 9am 9th Btn. Royal Irish Fusiliers report "The advance was resumed and we moved to Copper Corner (L.23.a)."
War Diaries

15th Oct 1918 Attack Made

16th Oct 1918 Attack Made  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers. report from Heule, Courtrai. "2 am. Moved to Heule via Moorseele and Gulleghem. Battalion formed up between G.23.d.6.5 and G.24.a.30.00. A and B Companies in front line, A on right, C in support, and D in reserve in readiness for attack. Enemy artillery was very quiet. Patrols of the 9th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers informed us that country was clear of enemy up to River Lys but under artillery barrage we attacked at 0535. The Barrage was poor and short, causing three casualties. No opposition was met with except one machine-gun on railway at H.25.d, which was dealt with. Battalion reached the river, taking up positions commanding the opposite bank. The bridge at H.25.d.3.6 was destroyed and the railway bridge at H.25.a partially so at the opposite bank. C Company formed a defensive flank along railway in G.30.b, and D stayed at G.24.d.
The houses contained numbers of civilians. Touch was kept with 12th Royal Irish Rifles on our left. At 1400 under cover of smoke screen from rifle smoke bombs and artillery supported by trench mortars a section of Royal Engineers bridged the river and 2nd Lieutenants Steele and Logan with party thirty Other Ranks (D Company) crossed and took up positions at H.25.d.30.50 and on the main street and near the bank to cover the bridge.
The smoke screen did not last long enough, however, and the bridge being detected, came under machine-gun fire from railway about H.31.a.80.60 and was partly destroyed. The Royal Engineers section had three Officers and about a dozen casualties and were unable to complete the bridge, leaving our men cut off on the opposite side. This party knocked out two machine-guns and captured six prisoners. At 1800 under cover of night it withdrew, coming across by one of the boats. C Company was moved up and relieved B Company. At 1900 Battalion was relieved by the 23rd Middlesex and on relief moved to area Drie-Masten (L.12.c.05.55).
Total casualties for the day were 2nd Lieutenant Inglis wounded, one Other Ranks killed and 24 Other Ranks wounded."
War Diaries

16th Oct 1918 In Action

16th October 1918

17th Oct 1918 Reorganisation  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse), Royal Irish Fusiliers. are at Drie Masten. The morning was spent in cleaning, reorganization and inspections
War Diaries

17th Oct 1918 At Rest

18th Oct 1918 Medals Presented  9th (North Irish Horse) Btn, Royal Irish Fusiliers paraded at 10am for presentation of medal ribbons by the Divisional Commander at which he gave a short address.
War Diaries

18th Oct 1918 At Rest

19th Oct 1918 Church Parade  Ordinary inspections and Church Parades in morning for 9th (North Irish Horse) Btn, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
War Diaries

19th Oct 1918 At Rest

20th Oct 1918 Baths  9th (North Irish Horse) Btn, Royal Irish Fusiliers. moved at 08.00 via Drie Masten, Winkle St Eloi, Lendelede to area B.19.c.25.20. In the afternoon Battalion bathes at Lendelede in German baths. Moved at 2230 via Hulste to area B.24.a.
War Diaries

20th Oct 1918 Reliefs

21st Oct 1918 Attack Made  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) Royal Irish Fusiliers. report "At 0730 the 108th Infantry Brigade (1st Royal Irish Fusiliers in front line) attacked in conjunction with 107th Infantry Brigade on right flank and French on left without artillery preparation. 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers advanced to railway line in C.28 and later got to Spitaal due south through C.29.d, I.5.c and d to road at I.6.c.00.70 getting into trench with 107th Infantry Brigade on right. French were held up on left by machine-gun fire from area C.23.a. At 09.00 Battalion moved to C.19.d.92.94 via Step Bridge at C.9.a.20.00. During day pontoon bridge at C.14.c.70.60 was shelled at intervals."
War Diaries

21st Oct 1918 Attack Made

22nd October 1918 Bombardment  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) Royal Irish Fusiliers report "Enemy bombardment on French at 0845 seemed to be counter-preparation. Attack by 107th Infantry Brigade and 9th Division at 0920. Enemy shelled Desselghem fairly heavily."
War Diaries

22nd of October 1918 A Combined Attack

23rd Oct 1918 On the Move  9th (North Irish Horse), Royal Irish Fusiliers report "1st Royal Irish Fusiliers reached Heinweg [Heirweg?] but French were held up on railway. At 1330 Battalion moved to Leemput (I.4.b).
Strength of Battalion: 15 Officers, 350 Other Ranks."
War Diaries

23rd of October 1918 Germans Withdraw

24th Oct 1916 Reliefs  At 6pm 9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) Royal Irish Fusiliers. relieved 12th Royal Irish Rifles in support and moved to area I.4.b.
War Diaries

25th October 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Weather fine but dull towards midday. Battalion in support to 12th Royal Irish Rifles in attack on line J.36.c.0.4, J.36.a.3.2 through G in Bergstraat through N in Ansegham to northern boundary at J.24.c.0.0. Heavy machine-gun opposition was encountered and an advance of about 1,000 yards was made.
Strength of Battalion going into action: 12 Officers and 276 Other Ranks. Casualties: Lieutenant F.W Vint and 2nd Lieutenant J Darling MC wounded, 7 Other Ranks killed and 37 Other Ranks wounded
War Diaries

25th of October 1918 Heavy Fighting All Day

26th October 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Weather very fine. Positions captured during 25th consolidated. German observation balloon brought down by our aeroplanes near Worteghem.
War Diaries

26th of October 1918 Enemy Retiring Slowly

27th October 1918 Reliefs  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse), Royal Irish Fusiliers. report "Weather fine in morning but dull towards evening. Battalion was relieved in the line by 4th Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment, 34th Division, and proceeded to billets in Hulste."
9th NIH War Diaries

28th October 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Hulste.
Weather fine. Men in good spirits after night's rest, received kindly attention from civil population who cooked the men's food etc.
War Diaries

29th October 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Weather fine. Battalion moved at 0830 via Bisseghem to Lawe where they were billetted for the night.
War Diaries

30th October 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Lawe.
Weather continues fine. Service for Roman Catholics held in Lawe church at 0800. Usual inspections and reorganisation carried out during morning. Company Commanders lectured their Companies on 'The Course of the War'.
War Diaries

31st October 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Lawe. Weather fine. Usual parades and inspections carried out in morning. In the evening the civil population were invited to a dance held in the School Room Lawe and a pleasant evening was spent.
During the month the Battalion was engaged in almost continuous fighting. Congratulatory messages etc received.
War Diaries

1st November 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Lauwe. Reference Sheet 29 Belgium 1/40,000.
Spell of fine weather continues. Usual parades and inspections carried out in morning. Battalion bathed by Companies at M.21 central. In the evening the civilian population entertained the Battalion, at the School, to a dance. A very pleasant evening was spent. At 2000 the Battalion gave a dinner at which Major R.J Tamplin DSO presided. Among the guests were the Officer Commanding, 12th Royal Irish Rifles, Brigade Major and Staff Captain, 108th Infantry Brigade, and representatives from 1st Battalion, 108th Trench Mortar Battery, etc, etc. A very jolly night was spent notwithstanding the fact that a very strenuous day has preceded it, including a Rugby match between 12th Rifles and 9th Battalion team in which 12th Rifles won by two goals to nil
War Diaries

2nd November 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Weather fine. Battalion moved at 2100 to billets in Luingne south east of Mouscron. In the afternoon a concert was given by the civil inhabitants to the British soldiers and at 1630 the massed drums of the 1st and 9th Battalions played selections in the Grand Place, Muscron, where a large and interested gathering gave them a rousing reception.
War Diaries

3rd November 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Luingne. Weather continues fine. Inspection parades carried out and training continued throughout morning
War Diaries

4th November 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Spell of fine weather broken. Rain fell continuously throughout morning. Usual inspection parades and training carried out during day.
War Diaries

5th November 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Little rain in morning. Usual parades and training continued.
War Diaries

6th November 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Wet in morning. Battalion moved at 1530 to billets in Mouscron.
War Diaries

7th November 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Mouscron. Rain fell throughout the day. Men of the Battalion innoculated.
War Diaries

8th November 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Dull morning and rain towards midday. Captain R.L Emerson joined for duty from 1st Battalion and assumed the duties of Second-in-Command of the Battalion.
War Diaries

9th November 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Very bright morning. Usual parades carried out in afternoon. 2nd Lieutenant E.W Reynolds MC proceeded to UK prior to taking up appointment in Indian Army.
War Diaries

10th November 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Mouscron. Reference Sheet 29 Belgium 1/40,000 and Tournai 1/100,000.
Fine in morning. Church of England parade service in St Joseph's College Mouscron at 1100 and Roman Catholic parade service in St Charles Convent Mouscron at 1030.
News of signature of Armistice received during night 10/11 and great jubilations ensued. Fife & Drum Bands played in the streets and flares and rockets of all description illuminated the sky.
War Diaries

11th November 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Fine morning. News of signature of Armistice confirmed. Civilian population of town very enthusiastically applaud us as their deliverers. Usual parades and training carried on throughout day.
War Diaries

12th November 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Fine morning. Battalion paraded at 0930 and marched to Brigade parade ground for inspection by Divisional Commander who expressed his pleasure at the excellent 'turn out' of the Battalion. Captain A.P Faris joined for duty and posted to D Company.
War Diaries

13th November 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Fine morning. Training continued throughout the day. Included in day's programme was firing practice on the 30 meter range. Lieutenant A.L Dobbin MC rejoined from [hospital].
War Diaries

14th November 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Fine morning with touch of frost in the air. Battalion participated in a Brigade exercise in the morning and afternoon was given up to inter-Company football matches etc. Lieutenant K Coomb-Jones joined for duty as Signalling Officer.
War Diaries

15th November 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Fine morning. Training continued. Inter-Company football matches in afternoon.
War Diaries

16th November 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Moescron. Bright morning with touch of frost in the air. Battalion route marched in morning. Afternoon was given up to inter-Company football matches.
War Diaries

17th November 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Bright frosty morning. Special Thanksgiving Service of 2nd Army held in Roubaix attended by four Officers and 65 Other Ranks followed by a march past of troops before Lieutenant-General Sir C Jacob KCB. The usual Church services were held.
War Diaries

18th November 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Brigade Thanksgiving Service held at 1000 at St Joseph's College Mouscron. No further parades.
War Diaries

19th November 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Ordinary training from 0900 to 1200 when a Battalion parade was held, which included an address from the Commanding Officer and a few exercises with march past. Battalion concert was given at 1800.
War Diaries

20th November 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Route march took place, Battalions going independently. The school arranged by the Battalion Education Committee was opened at 1200 at the civilian school but nobody turned up. Officers Riding School in the afternoon.
War Diaries

21st November 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Ordinary training in usual hours. School was held at 1100 when 43 men paraded. The school situated in Convent Schools.
War Diaries

22nd November 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Mouscron. Brigade Inspection was held at T.19.d at 1000. Usual riding class in afternoon. Lieutenant G Robinson MC joins the Battalion.
War Diaries

23rd November 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Photos of Battalion were taken in Companies but camera was unfortunately broken before Officers group was taken. Remainder of morning was spent in cleaning equipment and billets. Afternoon was devoted to football and riding class.
War Diaries

24th November 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Usual services were held at Cinema and Roman Catholic Chapel, Luinge.
War Diaries

25th November 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Battalion route marched via Luinge, Aelbeke. Preliminary heats of 'V.C.' and Mule Race for Battalion. Sports were run in the afternoon.
War Diaries

26th November 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Battalion, headed by bands of 1st and 9th, paraded at 0900 and marched to football ground at Tourcoing, where Battalion sports were held. The events included ordinary flat races, tugs-of-war, mule and 'V.C.' races with wrestling on horseback. A most enjoyable day was spent, the proceedings being also enlivened by selections from the Divisional Brass Band and the drolleries of two clowns. A goodly number of the civilian population were in attendance. The Battalion returned to billets by 1700. A concert was held at 1900 when the prizes were distributed. Captain J.E Gibson and Lieutenant F.C Hartness joined Battalion.
War Diaries

27th November 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Mouscron. Ordinary training by Companies and riding class. Billeting parties went to Luinge.
War Diaries

28th November 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Luinge.
Battalion route marched at 0910. Day turned out very wet. In the afternoon a move was made to Luinge. Battalion Headquarters was made at Chateau at S.23.b.3.0. Good billets were obtained.
War Diaries

29th November 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Ordinary training was held and settling of billets. Cross country run was held in the afternoon. Association football match with 12th Royal Irish Rifles resulted in a draw of two goals each.
War Diaries

30th November 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Inspection of billets was held by Commanding Officer. Ordinary parades were held in remainder of forenoon. Rugby match in afternoon against 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers in which we won by six tries to one try.
War Diaries

1st December 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Luingne. Reference Sheet 1/40,000 Belgium and France 28 & 29. 1000. Photos were taken of Officers and Regimental Football (Association) Team. Usual services were held at Cinema and Mass at Roman Catholic Chapel Luinge. Battalion defeated 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers by six goals to nil in afternoon.
War Diaries

2nd December 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Ordinary Company parades, training and school in morning with a short Battalion route march. Cross country run and practice rugby match in afternoon.
1730. Lecture by Commanding Officer to Officers, Warrant Officers and Sergeants on the inspection by Divisional Commander to be held in the near future.
War Diaries

3rd December 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Battalion bathed. Lectures with training indoors owing to wet weather. Association match against 108 Brigade Trench Mortar Battery in which we won by nine goals to one.
War Diaries

4th December 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Ordinary Company parades and training with school in morning. Battalion cross country runners trained in afternoon.
War Diaries

5th December 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Luingne.
Battalion route marched through Mouscron but orders having been received for a Divisional March Past on the morrow the march was curtailed and we returned to billets, the remainder of morning being spent in cleaning equipment and inspections of same. Football match against 12th Royal Irish Rifles in afternoon which resulted in a scoreless draw.
War Diaries

6th December 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Battalion paraded at 0740 and marched to aviation ground at Halluin (R.21 a & b) where Divisional Review and March Past was held. The cookers accompanied Battalion and dinners were eaten at Reckem; arrival back in Luingne at 1515.
War Diaries

7th December 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Commanding Officer inspected billets. Medical and kit inspections were held and men paid. Six Officers and 150 Other Ranks went to Roubaix in afternoon where His Majesty the King paid a visit.
War Diaries

8th December 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Usual Church services. In afternoon Rugby team beat the remainder of Brigade by 18 points to 8 points.
War Diaries

9th December 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Ordinary Company training with school
War Diaries

10th December 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Ordinary Company training with school. In afternoon Brigade cross-country run was held in which 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers won, 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers came second and 12th Royal Irish Rifles third.
War Diaries

11th December 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Day was wet and training was done indoors. Battalion Boxing Tournament was held in Mouscron and was very successful.
War Diaries

12th December 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Ref sheet 29 & 29 1/40000 Belgium, France. Luingne.
Wet day. The Divisional parade for inspection by the Corps Commander to be held today was cancelled. Training was done indoors. The first man, a coalminer, was sent home today for demobilisation.
War Diaries

13th December 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Lecture was held at Mouscron at 1030 on 'Reconstruction' and was attended by six Officers and 100 Other Ranks. Ordinary training was done by remainder of Battalion. Four more coalminers were sent away.
War Diaries

14th December 1916 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Commanding Officer inspected billets. Medical and kit inspections were also held and men paid. Brigade Boxing Tournament held at Mouscron but none of our entrants were successful.
War Diaries

15th December 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Usual Church parades and services at Cinema and Roman Catholic Chapel at Luingne. We beat 108th Brigade football team by 3 to 1.
War Diaries

16th December 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
The Battalion paraded at 0800 and marched to aviation ground at Halluin (R.21 a & b) where the Division was inspected by the Corps Commander. It was followed by a march past and an advance in review order. The Battalion lunched on the ground and arrived in billets at 1445.
War Diaries

17th December 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Wet day. Training was done indoors and consisted of recreational physical exercises with lectures. In the afternoon C beat A Company by 3 to 1 goals in football.
War Diaries

18th December 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Battalion riding class for Officers formed. It took the form of a lecture on parts of the head and bridle with fitting of same. Ordinary training was done by Battalion. D beat B in football by 5 to nil.
War Diaries

19th December 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Riding class for Officers with practical work was held in morning. Training of Battalion consisted of physical recreational training, ceremonial drill etc. The NCOs were drilled by the Regimental Sergeant Major.
War Diaries

20th December 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Usual riding class and ordinary training were held. The Divisional Commander visited the Battalion and wished us all a Happy Xmas. The Battalion Rugby team beat the 1st Royal Irish Rifles by 8 points to nil.
War Diaries

21st December 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Usual billet inspections were held by the Commanding Officer and also transport were inspected. Riding class was held. In football D Company beat C by 5 goals to 1. C Company held a Whist Drive and B Company a concert.
War Diaries

22nd December 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Usual Church services. Men were paid. In the afternoon a practice Rugby match was held.
War Diaries

23rd December 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
First hour of parade was spent in physical training. At 11.00 Battalion paraded for route march but it was curtailed owing to inclement weather. Officers' riding class took place.
War Diaries

24th December 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Ordinary training. There was a Battalion Whist Drive at (1900?).
War Diaries

25th December 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Church parades were held similar to Sunday. Good dinners were provided for the men, the different messes being tastefully decorated. The Commanding Officer visited the men at meals and drank their health. The Sergeants and NCOs had dinner at 1900 and appeared to enjoy it thoroughly. The Officers had a Battalion dinner at 2000 in C Company's Mess, the proceedings being of a merry nature.
War Diaries

26th December 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
The day was observed as a holiday, or a day of rest.
War Diaries

27th December 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Ref sheet 29 & 29 1/40000 Belgium, France. Luingne.
The weather was bad. Training was done indoors, physical recreation forming part of the programme. Practical lecture on horseshoeing was given to riding class.
War Diaries

28th December 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Usual inspection of billets by Commanding Officer and medical inspection of the men. D Company held a whist drive.
War Diaries

29th December 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Usual Church services.
War Diaries

30th December 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Training consisted of physical recreation, ceremonial drill etc.
War Diaries

31st December 1918 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Usual training in morning. Afternoon observed as a holiday and games were indulged in by Companies.
War Diaries

13th January 1919 Daily Activity  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse) the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Battalion paraded at 0915 and did a few exercises in ceremonial drill. After an hour's physical training the Battalion witnessed a tug-of-war pull against the 12th Royal Irish Rifles in which our boys were successful. Officers' riding class was held in afternoon.
War Diaries

15th of February 1919 Boxing Tournament

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Want to know more about 12th (Central Antrim) Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles?

There are:5637 items tagged 12th (Central Antrim) Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles available in our Library

These include information on officers, regimental histories, letters, diary entries, personal accounts and information about actions during the Great War.

Those known to have served with
12th (Central Antrim) Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles
during the Great War 1914-1918.

Atwell Robert Erskine. Lt. (d.2nd Sep 1918)
Birnie Robert. Rifleman (d.1st July 1916)
Birnie Robert. Rflmn. (d.1st July 1916)
Black John. Rflmn. (d.1st July 1915)
Boomer MC. Walter Charter. Capt. (d.1st Oct 1918)
Campbell Lawford Burne. Lt. (d.1st July 1916)
Campbell William John. Rfmn. (d.1st July 1916)
Coffey Samuel. L/Cpl. (d.15th August 1917)
Coleman Robert John. Rfmn. (d.1st Jul 1916)
Colvin Robert. Rfm. (d.7th Jun 1917)
Davidson Edward. L/Cpl. (d.14th April 1918)
Davies Henry John Herbert. Pte.
Gibson MC & Bar Matthew Henry. Capt. (d.29th October 1918)
Gourley Thomas Chesney. (d.1st July 1916)
Hanna John. Rfmn. (d.2nd Jun 1917)
Hughes William Henry. Rfn. (d.27th Oct 1918)
Jamison William. RSM.
Kane J.. L/Cpl. (d.21st Mar 1917)
Laverty David James.
Magee Robert. Rfm. (d.22nd Mar 1917)
Matthews Thomas. Rfm (d.15th Aug 1917)
McCosh Samuel Osborne. L/Cpl. (d.19th Jun 1918)
McCoubrey James. L/Cpl. (d.2nd Jun 1917)
McCready James Morrison. Rfm. (d.25th Aug 1918)
McKay Matthew. Rfmn. (d.1st Jul 1916)
McKee MID. Harry Olphert. A/Capt
McNeilly David William. Pte.
McNeilly William Hutton. Pte.
Ramsey Robert. Sgt. (d.23rd Aug 1917)
Starrett James. Rfm. (d.21st Mar 1918)
Wade William. Rfmn. (d.2nd Jun 1917)
Watson David. Rfm.
Workman MM. William. Rfmn. (d.21st Mar 1918)

All names on this list have been submitted by relatives, friends, neighbours and others who wish to remember them, if you have any names to add or any recollections or photos of those listed, please Add a Name to this List

Records of 12th (Central Antrim) Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles from other sources.

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Rflmn. Robert Birnie 12th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles (d.1st July 1916)

Robert Birnie was my Great Grandfather. He was 33 years of age and a Lewis Gunner, all we know is that he was B Coy and was killed on the first day of the Somme. His wife was still looking for information about him a year later as he has no known grave.
Robert Birnie

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Rfm. David Watson 12th Btn. Royal Irish Rifles

My grandfather, David Watson, told me he was a stretcher bearer and that he remembers seeing a hill in flames and because he came from farming background he said he walked through "acres and acres of wounded". He had already fought at the Somme, in 1917 he was 33yrs old, he went on to live to the ripe old age of 99.
Austin Cheevers

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L/Cpl. Samuel Coffey 12th (Central Antrim) Battalion Royal Irish Rifles (d.15th August 1917)

Samuel Coffey served with the 12th (Central Antrim) Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles. He is buried at Tyne Cot Cemetery.
Joanne Hanna

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Thomas Chesney Gourley 12th (Central Antrim) Battalion Royal Irish Rifles (d.1st July 1916)

Thomas Gourley was born in 1890 in Ahoghill, Co. Antrim. He was the son of James Gourley and his wife Elizabeth nee Chesney. The family moved to Larne and it was there that Thomas joined the 12th Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles, part of the 36th Ulster Division. Thomas was killed in action in the Battle of the Somme at Thiepval on the 1st of July 1916. He was 26 years old. A memorial to Thomas is to be found in Larne Cemetery.
Roy Greer

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Capt. Matthew Henry Gibson MC & Bar 12th Btn. Royal Irish Rifles (d.29th October 1918)

Matthew Gibson died, aged 28, while serving with the 12th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles. He was buried in Duhallow ADS Cemetery. Matthew was the son of David and Annie E. Gibson of 1 Chestnut Gardens, Cliftonville, Belfast.

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Capt. Walter Charter Boomer MC. 12th (Central Antrim) Btn. D Coy. Royal Irish Rifles (d.1st Oct 1918)

Captain Walter Boomer died of wounds on 1st October 1918 while serving with the 12th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles. He is buried in Dadizeele New British Cemetery. He was aged 27 when he died. He was the son of Richard Walter and Jane Armstrong Boomer, Knockmore Cottage, Lisburn.

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Rfn. William Henry Hughes 11th (South Antrim) Btn. B Coy. Royal Irish Rifles (d.27th Oct 1918)

My Uncle William Hughes was born in Lisburn in 1896 joined 11th Btn Royal Irish Rifles serving in B Company. He was a Lewis Gunner. The family all died not knowing his date of death, thinking he was just missing.
He had actually transferred at some time to the 12th (Central Antrim) Btn, Royal Irish Rifles. It was not until 2003 I found him in my internet searches. The family all died expecting him to come home, sad that after all this time, he was buried in France.
David Connor

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Lt. Lawford Burne Campbell 12th Btn. Royal Irish Rifles (d.1st July 1916)

Lawford Campbell was born on the 4th of November 1895 and was killed in the Battle of the Somme on the 1st of July 1916.
s flynn

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L/Cpl. Edward Davidson 12th Btn. (d.14th April 1918)

Teddy Davidson served with the 12th Btn. Royal Irish Rifles.
Peter Jackson

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L/Cpl. Samuel Osborne McCosh 12th Btn. Royal Irish Rifles (d.19th Jun 1918)

Samuel McCosh is my wifeâ€™s Great Uncle but unfortunately all I know about him is that he served with the 12th Royal Irish Rifles, was born in Lisburn, Belfast and was killed in France.
Henry Marshall

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Pte. William Hutton McNeilly 12th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles

Billy McNeilly served with the 12th Royal Irish Rifles
Nicki McNeilly

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Rfmn. Matthew McKay 12th Btn Royal Irish Rifles (d.1st Jul 1916)

Matthew McKay was my mother's uncle. I believe he was born in Dunluce, Co. Antrim and lived on Ballyclough Road, which is where my grandma, who was Matthew's sister also my great grandma and my mother along with 6 other siblings lived. I am so proud of my great uncle Matthew. He gave his life for his country, what more could a brave and courageous 21 year old do. God Bless him. His name is on the memorial at Thiepval in France.
Lesley Gray

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Lt. Robert Erskine Atwell 4th Btn. Connaught Rangers (d.2nd Sep 1918)

Lieutenant Robert Atwell was born on October 26th 1882 in Sandymount, Dublin. He was the son of Sarah Margretta Atwell, of 10 Braid Hills Road, Edinburgh, and Richard Atwell, of Blackrock, County Dublin. Before enlisting in December 1914 he worked at the Head Office of Standard Life Assurance Company, Edinburgh. From 1914 to 1917 he served in the Lothians and Border Horse, and on 25th January 1917 he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 4th Connaught Rangers. He then travelled to France in March of that year.
For the first three months he was attached to the 6th Connaught Rangers, and from August 1917 to April 1918 he was back in Scotland recovering from shell shock. A few months after returning to France in August 1918 he was promoted to Lieutenant having been attached to the 12th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles. Robert Atwell was 35 years old when he was killed in action near Neuve Eglise, France, and he is buried in Wulverghem-Lindenhoek Road Military Cemetery. He is commemorated on the Standard Life Assurance Company Memorial, Edinburgh.
S Flynn

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Rfmn. William John Campbell 12th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles (d.1st July 1916)

William Campbell's family knew that he had been killed long before they had been informed by the war office. A neighbour, unknown, was home on leave and had been beside William when he died in France. I would love to know more.
Tony Douglas

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Pte. David William McNeilly 12th Btn. Royal Irish Rifles

After joining up under age ,my great grandfather, David William McNeilly, enlisted in the 12th Royal Irish Rifles at the outset of the war. He along with two other men were the unit's first casualties. He and another man had shrapnel injuries while the third man died. He moved around with the 12th until they got their orders to attack on the first day of the Somme. There with the rest of his platoon under Lieutenant Lemon they advanced to the 2nd line German trench.On the retreat he along with a corporal we're the only two left from their platoon. Swept up by the Royal Irish Fusiliers he went over a further three times that day and survived. Throughout the rest of the war he was with the 12th and fought in all the major battles around Ypres. Surviving the war, he returned home,married and had a family.
When war came around again he was already in the Merchant Navy and serving on board the coal ship Corbet. On the 4th May 1941 as the Corbet was leaving Liverpool Harbour under a heavy air raid, the ship was hit by an explosion. The ship had hit a mine which had been laid previously in another air raid. Unfortunately his luck finally ran out. On watch that night,in the panic of the getting under way, he left the ship's glasses below deck and went down to get them, leaving another seaman on watch. That man was the only one to survive the sinking ship.
Tracing my great grandfathers military history has been a revelation as nobody knew or was interested. But being interested in military history I set about it with my gran, his daughter to see what I could find. She gave me his Army book, small book, bible and some information on his Merchant navy employment.This helped greatly along with the library of books I now have. If you haven't already done so then I recommend finding out about your past,as if you don't know where you have been, you don't know where you are headed.

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Sgt. Robert Ramsey 12th Btn. Royal Irish Rifles (d.23rd Aug 1917)

Sergeant Robert Ramsey regularly wrote home in one letter, when he was promoted to Lance Corporal he relates how the officers warned him not to associate as closely as before with his lower ranking friends, however Robert replied that they had always been his pals and nothing was going to change that, not even stripes. In his letters he also writes of the death of his friend, Joseph Watson of Rasharkin, at Le Touret and also of Robert John Coleman who lived close to the Ramseyâ€™s home, who was killed on 1st July 1916 along with 16 other men from the 12th Battalion, where once Sergeant Ramsey had been amongst a crowd of friends from the Culmore district, now he was one of only three. A few days later, the 12th Battalion was moved to the Messines area of Belgium, and it was here on the evening of 22nd August 1916, that Sergeant Ramsey, then 21 years old, wrote his last letter home. The next morning at 10. 30am he was killed, shot in the head by a sniper. He had just fired five rounds and inadvertently stood up straight to re-load his rifle. He is buried at Ration Farm Cemetery.
S. Flynn

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Rfmn. William Wade 12th Btn. Royal Irish Rifles (d.2nd Jun 1917)

On the morning of 2 June 1917, during the preparations for the Battle of Messines Ridge, three young Ballymoney friends, Rifleman Wade, Rifleman Hanna, Lance Corporal McCoubrey were killed when a single shell landed in the midst of their group. A fourth friend, Rifleman George Wales, was fortunately sheltered from the direct blast though was injured by the shell. Wade, Hanna and McCoubrey and were buried together in Pond Farm Cemetery.
S. Flynn

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L/Cpl. James McCoubrey 12th Btn. Royal Irish Rifles (d.2nd Jun 1917)

Friends, Lance Corporal McCoubrey, Rifleman Hanna and Rifleman Wade, were killed instantly by a shell on the morning of the 2nd of June 1917 whilst preparing for the Battle of Messines. A fourth friend, Rifleman George Wales, was sheltered from the direct blast and only injured by the shell, but sadly he was killed later that year at Cambrai. McCoubrey, Hanna and Wade were buried close together, in Pond Farm Cemetery.
S. Flynn

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Rfmn. John Hanna 12th Btn. Royal Irish Rifles (d.2nd Jun 1917)

18 year old John Hanna was one of four young Ballymoney friends preparing for the Battle of Messines Ridge, when on the morning of the 2nd of June a single shell landed in the midst of them. John Hanna, Lance Corporal McCoubrey and Rifleman Wade, died instantly, they were buried together, side by side, in Pond Farm Cemetery, Belgium. The fourth man, Rifleman George Wales, was fortunately sheltered from the direct blast and was injured by the shell, but was killed later that year at Cambrai.
S. Flynn

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Rfmn. William Workman MM. 12th Btn. Royal Irish Rifles (d.21st Mar 1918)

In May 1917 William Workman was on early morning sentry duty when he saw a German raiding party, advancing on a nearby British Lewis gun position. William opened fire and killed the German officer leading the attack, then also killed five and wound another eight of the raiding party whilst under fire. Faced with such an overwhelming counter-attack the Germans retreated, forced back by the lone sentry. It was later discovered that the German Officer had been decorated with the Iron Cross, and Rifleman Workman was presented with his trench dagger. For these heroic actions Rifleman William Workman was awarded the Military Medal. William was killed on the 21st March 1918. It is thought that one of his comrades accidentally shot him during a battle. He is commemorated at Kilraughts Presbyterian Church.
S. Flynn

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The Wartime Memories Project
- 12th (Central Antrim) Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles during the Great War -

12th (Central Antrim) Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles

Thiepval Wood 90 Years On:

Revealing History through Archaeology.

Want to know more about 12th (Central Antrim) Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles?

Those known to have served with
12th (Central Antrim) Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles
during the Great War 1914-1918.

Can you help?

If you enjoy this site please consider making a donation.

Announcements

Recomended Reading.

Links

The Wartime Memories Project - 12th (Central Antrim) Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles during the Great War -

12th (Central Antrim) Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles

Thiepval Wood 90 Years On:

Revealing History through Archaeology.

Want to know more about 12th (Central Antrim) Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles?

Those known to have served with12th (Central Antrim) Battalion, Royal Irish Riflesduring the Great War 1914-1918.

Can you help?

If you enjoy this site please consider making a donation.

Announcements

Recomended Reading.

Links

The Wartime Memories Project
- 12th (Central Antrim) Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles during the Great War -

Those known to have served with
12th (Central Antrim) Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles
during the Great War 1914-1918.