Private Thomas Steenson
The background of this North Irish Horseman is not known at present.
Thomas Steenson enlisted at Belfast on 7 November 1916, probably in a regiment other than the North Irish Horse. He was described as being 5' 7" tall, with a fresh complexion, fair hair and blue eyes, and having a slight deformity of his right elbow. He stated that he was aged 19, was born in Shankill, Antrim, and was working as a fitter's helper.
Between 3 and 30 July 1917 he joined the North Irish Horse (regimental number 2618 – later Corps of Hussars No.71913). He trained at the regiment's reserve base at Antrim, but was reported to have deserted on 1 December 1917.
He must have returned to the regiment or been apprehended, for in 1918 he embarked for France. There he was posted to one of the squadrons of the 1st North Irish Horse Regiment. This regiment served as corps cavalry to VII, XIX, then V Corps from its establishment in May 1916 until February-March 1918, when it was dismounted and converted to a cyclist unit, serving as corps cyclists to V Corps until the end of the war.
On 7 January 1920 Steenson was demobilised and transferred to Class Z, Army Reserve.
This page last updated 16 January 2024.