Three: Private W. Cameron, North Irish Horse

1914 Star (858 Pte., N. Ir. H.); British War and Victory Medals (858 Pte., N. Ir. H.) mounted court style for display, good very fine (4) £220-260

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A fine collection of 1914 Stars to the Cavalry.

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Collection

The North Irish Horse were one of a rather unique concept, that of the Special Reserve. With no ‘Territorial’ units in Ireland, the Special Reserve filled the void left by the lack of such. Members of the Special Reserve were trained to a higher standard than the Territorials: the annual camp being 24 days. One Squadron of the unit was designated an ‘Expeditionary Squadron’ - being available for duty within 48 hours notice.

The North Irish Horse were mobilised immediately on the outbreak of war and ‘A’ Squadron (the Expeditionary Squadron) proceeded to Dublin on 7 August, from where they embarked for France on the 17th, landing on the 19th. They were initially employed as G.H.Q. Troops attached to H.Q. B.E.F. ‘C’ Squadron embarked at Belfast on 20 August, landing in France on the 22nd to join 5th Division. The remaining squadrons did not embark until 1915. Private William Cameron, ‘A’ Squadron, North Irish Horse, entered France on 17 August 1914. He later served with the Corps of Hussars.

With the recipient’s Princess Mary’s Christmas Tin 1914, stamped with his service number, ‘858’ - this a little battered. Also with copied m.i.c. and other research.