6th Inniskillen War Diary

6^th Inniskilling Dragoons (Service Squadron) 36^th Division Divisional Troops October 1915
	Strength of Squadron leaving England: five Officers, 146 Other Ranks, 161 horses, two limbered waggons, three general service waggons, one cooks cart, under command of Captain A Chamberlayne.[2]
5	Bordon. Weather fine. The Service Squadron 6^th Inniskilling Dragoons left Bordon Camp in two trains at 11am and 12pm. Arrived at Southampton at 2pm and 3pm. The men and horses were embarked on board the transport City of Chester. The transport sailed at 5pm that evening and arrived off the port of Le Havre next morning without mishap.
6	Le Havre. Weather fine. Squadron disembarked this day and remained on the wharf at the port till 4pm. Men and horses were marched through the streets to the railway station and entrained. The troop train left with all on board at 9pm.
7	Amiens. Weather fine. Squadron arrived by train at a small siding outside Amiens at 7.15am, disentrained and marched through Amiens to Flesselles and proceeded to billets at Olincourt.
8	–
9	Olincourt. Weather fine. Monsieur S Gilquin reported his arrival as interpreter to the Squadron.
10-11	–
12	Olincourt. Weather fine. Inspection of the Squadron by the Divisional Commander Ulster Division. Captain Hulse and Sergeant Quinn[3] left to attend a bombing class.
13-14	–
15	Olincourt. Weather fine. 2nd Lieutenant Matthews[4], left in charge of details at Bordon, reported his arrival at Olincourt.
16	–
17	Olincourt. Weather fine. Captain Hulse and Sergeant Quinn returned after the course of bombing.
18	Olincourt. Weather fine. Tactical scheme in conjunction with 1^st Indian Cavalry Corps. The Squadron acted as advance guard and after completion of this duty joined the Regiment of the Inniskilling Dragoons and worked under the direction of Colonel Patterson for the remainder of the day.
19	–
20	Olincourt. Weather wet. Eight men per troop selected as bombers under the instruction of Captain Hulse.
21	Olincourt. Weather wet. Tactical scheme with Ulster Division.
22	Olincourt. Weather wet. Squadron left Olincourt by route march to new billets at St Hilaire. All horses are under cover here.
23	St Hilaire. Weather wet. Special order published calling the attention of all ranks to the importance of paying proper compliments to our Allies.
24	–
25	St Hilaire. Weather wet and very cold. The Ulster Division marched to cross-roads Vert Galand and was drawn up on the west side of road running north to Beauval. The Squadron was formed in line with the Royal Field Artillery on the left and the 36^th Cyclist Corp on its right. His Majesty King George accompanied by the French President drove along the front of the Ulster Division in an open car at 3.45pm.
26	–
27	St Hilaire. Weather wet. Special order drawing attention to the distinctive badges of the Officers in the French Army.
28	St Hilaire. Weather wet. Concert for the troops at Divisional Headquarters Domart-on-Ponthieu.
29-31	–

6^th Inniskilling Dragoons (Service Squadron)

36^th Division Divisional Troops

October 1915

Strength of Squadron leaving England: five Officers, 146 Other Ranks, 161 horses, two limbered waggons, three general service waggons, one cooks cart, under command of Captain A Chamberlayne.[2]

Bordon. Weather fine. The Service Squadron 6^th Inniskilling Dragoons left Bordon Camp in two trains at 11am and 12pm. Arrived at Southampton at 2pm and 3pm. The men and horses were embarked on board the transport City of Chester. The transport sailed at 5pm that evening and arrived off the port of Le Havre next morning without mishap.

Le Havre. Weather fine. Squadron disembarked this day and remained on the wharf at the port till 4pm. Men and horses were marched through the streets to the railway station and entrained. The troop train left with all on board at 9pm.

Amiens. Weather fine. Squadron arrived by train at a small siding outside Amiens at 7.15am, disentrained and marched through Amiens to Flesselles and proceeded to billets at Olincourt.

–

Olincourt. Weather fine. Monsieur S Gilquin reported his arrival as interpreter to the Squadron.

10-11

–

Olincourt. Weather fine. Inspection of the Squadron by the Divisional Commander Ulster Division. Captain Hulse and Sergeant Quinn[3] left to attend a bombing class.

13-14

–

Olincourt. Weather fine. 2nd Lieutenant Matthews[4], left in charge of details at Bordon, reported his arrival at Olincourt.

–

Olincourt. Weather fine. Captain Hulse and Sergeant Quinn returned after the course of bombing.

Olincourt. Weather fine. Tactical scheme in conjunction with 1^st Indian Cavalry Corps. The Squadron acted as advance guard and after completion of this duty joined the Regiment of the Inniskilling Dragoons and worked under the direction of Colonel Patterson for the remainder of the day.

–

Olincourt. Weather wet. Eight men per troop selected as bombers under the instruction of Captain Hulse.

Olincourt. Weather wet. Tactical scheme with Ulster Division.

Olincourt. Weather wet. Squadron left Olincourt by route march to new billets at St Hilaire. All horses are under cover here.

St Hilaire. Weather wet. Special order published calling the attention of all ranks to the importance of paying proper compliments to our Allies.

–

St Hilaire. Weather wet and very cold. The Ulster Division marched to cross-roads Vert Galand and was drawn up on the west side of road running north to Beauval. The Squadron was formed in line with the Royal Field Artillery on the left and the 36^th Cyclist Corp on its right. His Majesty King George accompanied by the French President drove along the front of the Ulster Division in an open car at 3.45pm.

–

St Hilaire. Weather wet. Special order drawing attention to the distinctive badges of the Officers in the French Army.

St Hilaire. Weather wet. Concert for the troops at Divisional Headquarters Domart-on-Ponthieu.

29-31

–

6^th Inniskilling Dragoons (Service Squadron) 36^th Division Divisional Troops November 1915
1	–
2	St Hilaire. Very wet. Tactical exercise with Ulster Division. Rum ordered to be issued this night by the Divisional Commander.
3	St Hilaire. Weather fine. Special order issued re sanitationof billets.
4	St Hilaire. Weather fine. Tactical exercise in conjunction with 36^th Cyclist Company.
5	–
6	St Hilaire. A musketry competition was commenced for the purpose of testing Section Commanders.
7	–
8	St Hilaire. Completion of musketry competition which was won by Corporal Reid’s[5] Section with score of 28 points.
9	–
10	St Hilaire. Tactical exercise in conjunction with 36^th Cyclist Company.
11-14	–
15	St Hilaire. Inspection of horses and billets by the Divisional Commander.
16	St Hilaire. Sergeant McKeown[6] sentenced by Field General Court Martial to be reduced to the ranks and undergo No.1 Field Punishment for two months. Crime – Drunkenness.
17	St Hilaire. No.93 Lance Sergeant J Newell[7] to be Sergeant vice No.203 E.W McKeown reduced to Private. No.97 Corporal G.C Reid to be Lance Sergeant vice J Newell promoted. No.133 Lance Corporal J Lockhart[8] to be Corporal vice Corporal Reid promoted to Lance Sergeant.
18	St Hilaire. Promotions: Acting Lance-Corporal Keys J.H[9] to be Lance-Corporal vice No.133 Lance-Corporal Lockhart promoted Corporal. No.71 R Kerns[10] to be Acting Lance-Corporal. No.121 Private E Percy[11] to be Acting Lance-Corporal.
19-27	–
28	St Hilaire. The Squadron moved from St Hilaire to new billets at Famechon. The whole of the month spent at St Hilaire was devoted to training and improving the sanitary conditions of the billets. The weather except for a few fine days was not good and a grerat deal of snow and frost was experienced.
29-30	–

6^th Inniskilling Dragoons (Service Squadron)

36^th Division Divisional Troops

November 1915

–

St Hilaire. Very wet. Tactical exercise with Ulster Division. Rum ordered to be issued this night by the Divisional Commander.

St Hilaire. Weather fine. Special order issued re sanitationof billets.

St Hilaire. Weather fine. Tactical exercise in conjunction with 36^th Cyclist Company.

–

St Hilaire. A musketry competition was commenced for the purpose of testing Section Commanders.

–

St Hilaire. Completion of musketry competition which was won by Corporal Reid’s[5] Section with score of 28 points.

–

St Hilaire. Tactical exercise in conjunction with 36^th Cyclist Company.

11-14

–

St Hilaire. Inspection of horses and billets by the Divisional Commander.

St Hilaire. Sergeant McKeown[6] sentenced by Field General Court Martial to be reduced to the ranks and undergo No.1 Field Punishment for two months. Crime – Drunkenness.

St Hilaire. No.93 Lance Sergeant J Newell[7] to be Sergeant vice No.203 E.W McKeown reduced to Private. No.97 Corporal G.C Reid to be Lance Sergeant vice J Newell promoted. No.133 Lance Corporal J Lockhart[8] to be Corporal vice Corporal Reid promoted to Lance Sergeant.

St Hilaire. Promotions: Acting Lance-Corporal Keys J.H[9] to be Lance-Corporal vice No.133 Lance-Corporal Lockhart promoted Corporal. No.71 R Kerns[10] to be Acting Lance-Corporal. No.121 Private E Percy[11] to be Acting Lance-Corporal.

19-27

–

St Hilaire. The Squadron moved from St Hilaire to new billets at Famechon.

The whole of the month spent at St Hilaire was devoted to training and improving the sanitary conditions of the billets. The weather except for a few fine days was not good and a grerat deal of snow and frost was experienced.

29-30

–

6^th Inniskilling Dragoons (Service Squadron) 36^th Division Divisional Troops December 1915
1	Famechon. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. The Squadron has been billeted in a small village named Famechon. Men are accommodated in farm buildings and all the horses under cover. A great deal of work during the next few days will be necessary to put the billets in a good state of sanitation. We are in the area of the 12^th Infantry Brigade and on our left have the 2^nd Battalion Essex Regiment billeted in the town of Ailly-Les-Haut-Clocher, and on our right the 14^th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles at Ergnies and Corenflos. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. Weather wet and cold.
2	Famechon. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. Ref 3^rd Army R.O No.188. Ref Squadron Order No.49. An order was published warning all ranks that shooting of game or (coursing?) hares and rabbits is strictly prohibited. Horses exercised and men employed cleaning up billets etc. A competition to be held to appoint six Squadron snipers who will be issued with optical sights (Barnett Ulster Sight). Weather wet.
3	Famechon. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. 36^th D.O No.157. Order published that all transport vehicles to be washed daily and the woodwork greased. Weather fair but stormy.
4	Famechon. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. The Squadron has been billeted in a small village named Famechon. Men are accommodated in farm buildings and all the horses under cover. A great deal of work during the next few days will be necessary to put the billets in a good state of sanitation. We are in the area of the 12^th Infantry Brigade and on our left have the 2^nd Battalion Essex Regiment billeted in the town of Ailly-Les-Haut-Clocher, and on our right the 14^th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles at Ergnies and Corenflos. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. Weather wet and cold.
5	Famechon. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. Ref 3^rd Army R.O No.188. Ref Squadron Order No.49. An order was published warning all ranks that shooting of game or (coursing?) hares and rabbits is strictly prohibited. Horses exercised and men employed cleaning up billets etc. A competition to be held to appoint six Squadron snipers who will be issued with optical sights (Barnett Ulster Sight). Weather wet.
6	Famechon. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. 36^th D.O No.157. Order published that all transport vehicles to be washed daily and the woodwork greased. Weather fair but stormy.
7	Famechon. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. The Squadron has been billeted in a small village named Famechon. Men are accommodated in farm buildings and all the horses under cover. A great deal of work during the next few days will be necessary to put the billets in a good state of sanitation. We are in the area of the 12^th Infantry Brigade and on our left have the 2^nd Battalion Essex Regiment billeted in the town of Ailly-Les-Haut-Clocher, and on our right the 14^th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles at Ergnies and Corenflos. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. Weather wet and cold.
8	Famechon. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. Ref 3^rd Army R.O No.188. Ref Squadron Order No.49. An order was published warning all ranks that shooting of game or (coursing?) hares and rabbits is strictly prohibited. Horses exercised and men employed cleaning up billets etc. A competition to be held to appoint six Squadron snipers who will be issued with optical sights (Barnett Ulster Sight). Weather wet.
9	Famechon. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. 36^th D.O No.157. Order published that all transport vehicles to be washed daily and the woodwork greased. Weather fair but stormy.
10	Famechon. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. The Squadron has been billeted in a small village named Famechon. Men are accommodated in farm buildings and all the horses under cover. A great deal of work during the next few days will be necessary to put the billets in a good state of sanitation. We are in the area of the 12^th Infantry Brigade and on our left have the 2^nd Battalion Essex Regiment billeted in the town of Ailly-Les-Haut-Clocher, and on our right the 14^th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles at Ergnies and Corenflos. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. Weather wet and cold.
11	Famechon. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. Ref 3^rd Army R.O No.188. Ref Squadron Order No.49. An order was published warning all ranks that shooting of game or (coursing?) hares and rabbits is strictly prohibited. Horses exercised and men employed cleaning up billets etc. A competition to be held to appoint six Squadron snipers who will be issued with optical sights (Barnett Ulster Sight). Weather wet.
12	Famechon. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. 36^th D.O No.157. Order published that all transport vehicles to be washed daily and the woodwork greased. Weather fair but stormy.
13	Famechon. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. The Squadron has been billeted in a small village named Famechon. Men are accommodated in farm buildings and all the horses under cover. A great deal of work during the next few days will be necessary to put the billets in a good state of sanitation. We are in the area of the 12^th Infantry Brigade and on our left have the 2^nd Battalion Essex Regiment billeted in the town of Ailly-Les-Haut-Clocher, and on our right the 14^th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles at Ergnies and Corenflos. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. Weather wet and cold.
14	Famechon. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. Ref 3^rd Army R.O No.188. Ref Squadron Order No.49. An order was published warning all ranks that shooting of game or (coursing?) hares and rabbits is strictly prohibited. Horses exercised and men employed cleaning up billets etc. A competition to be held to appoint six Squadron snipers who will be issued with optical sights (Barnett Ulster Sight). Weather wet.
15	Famechon. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. 36^th D.O No.157. Order published that all transport vehicles to be washed daily and the woodwork greased. Weather fair but stormy.
16	Famechon. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. The Squadron has been billeted in a small village named Famechon. Men are accommodated in farm buildings and all the horses under cover. A great deal of work during the next few days will be necessary to put the billets in a good state of sanitation. We are in the area of the 12^th Infantry Brigade and on our left have the 2^nd Battalion Essex Regiment billeted in the town of Ailly-Les-Haut-Clocher, and on our right the 14^th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles at Ergnies and Corenflos. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. Weather wet and cold.
17	Famechon. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. Ref 3^rd Army R.O No.188. Ref Squadron Order No.49. An order was published warning all ranks that shooting of game or (coursing?) hares and rabbits is strictly prohibited. Horses exercised and men employed cleaning up billets etc. A competition to be held to appoint six Squadron snipers who will be issued with optical sights (Barnett Ulster Sight). Weather wet.
18	Famechon. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. 36^th D.O No.157. Order published that all transport vehicles to be washed daily and the woodwork greased. Weather fair but stormy.
19	Famechon. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. The Squadron has been billeted in a small village named Famechon. Men are accommodated in farm buildings and all the horses under cover. A great deal of work during the next few days will be necessary to put the billets in a good state of sanitation. We are in the area of the 12^th Infantry Brigade and on our left have the 2^nd Battalion Essex Regiment billeted in the town of Ailly-Les-Haut-Clocher, and on our right the 14^th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles at Ergnies and Corenflos. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. Weather wet and cold.
20	Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. 9.30. Bombing under Captain Hulse at Pontremy. Weather wet.
21	8.30. Bombing. Bayonet fighting with gas helmets. 9.45 horses exercised. Order republished warning all ranks to be in their billets by 8.30pm. Weather wet.
22	Ref Squadron Order No.69 21/12/15. Order published that all cafes and estaminets in towns or villages where troops are billeted will be closed to the troops except between the hours of 11am to 1pm – 6pm to 8pm. The purchase of spirits of any kind at cafes, estaminets or other houses is forbidden. Mounted Parade 8.30am. Weather fair. A present of plum puddings was received from Ladies and Gentlemen living in Fermanagh Ireland. The puddings were collected and forwarded to the Squadron by Mr Copeland Trimble, Enniskillen. A letter conveying the thanks of all ranks was sent to the press at Enniskillen. Famechon. 8.30. Mounted Parade for scheme in conjunction with 36^th Cyclist Company. Weather wet.
23	8.45. Horses exercised under Captain Hulse. Distance covered this day 20 miles. Weather fair.
24	8.45. Horses exercised. Trench digging during afternoon. Weather wet.
25	Christmas Day. Church of England Holy Communion at 8.30am. Parade service at 9am. A general holiday was observed this day. Men sat down to their dinner at 1pm and were visited by the Commanding Officer and Officers. The men seemed very pleased with the arrangements that had been made to ensure a good dinner. In addition to the puddings from Enniskillen, puddings were received from the Daily News. Except during the morning the weather was fine.
26	Church of England Parade under Captain Hulse at 10.15am. Weather stormy.
27	Boxing Day. Horses exercised at 9am. Weather fine.
28	10.30. Mobilization Parade (Practice Scheme) with stores packed on waggons and surplus stored. 11.30am. Horses exercised in full marching order. Weather fine.
29	Mounted Parade for scheme in conjunction with 36^th Cyclist Company. 2.15pm musketry for Squadron snipers. Weather stormy.
30	Famechon. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. 8am. Clean billets 8-9. Physical drill Nos 1and 2 Troops and bayonet exercise with gas helmets 9.30. Physical drill and bayonet exercise with gas helmets 10.00. Bombing for Squadron bombers at 9am. 2pm football and hot baths for men. Weather fair.
31	New Year’s Eve. 8.45. Mounted Parade in drill order for route march. The Squadron visited Crêcy. Captain Chamberlayne gave a brief history of the famous battle and pointed out the battlefield. Weather wet.

6^th Inniskilling Dragoons (Service Squadron)

36^th Division Divisional Troops

December 1915

Famechon. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. The Squadron has been billeted in a small village named Famechon. Men are accommodated in farm buildings and all the horses under cover. A great deal of work during the next few days will be necessary to put the billets in a good state of sanitation. We are in the area of the 12^th Infantry Brigade and on our left have the 2^nd Battalion Essex Regiment billeted in the town of Ailly-Les-Haut-Clocher, and on our right the 14^th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles at Ergnies and Corenflos. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. Weather wet and cold.

Famechon. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. Ref 3^rd Army R.O No.188. Ref Squadron Order No.49. An order was published warning all ranks that shooting of game or (coursing?) hares and rabbits is strictly prohibited. Horses exercised and men employed cleaning up billets etc. A competition to be held to appoint six Squadron snipers who will be issued with optical sights (Barnett Ulster Sight). Weather wet.

Famechon. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. 36^th D.O No.157. Order published that all transport vehicles to be washed daily and the woodwork greased. Weather fair but stormy.

Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. 9.30. Bombing under Captain Hulse at Pontremy. Weather wet.

8.30. Bombing. Bayonet fighting with gas helmets. 9.45 horses exercised. Order republished warning all ranks to be in their billets by 8.30pm. Weather wet.

Ref Squadron Order No.69 21/12/15. Order published that all cafes and estaminets in towns or villages where troops are billeted will be closed to the troops except between the hours of 11am to 1pm – 6pm to 8pm. The purchase of spirits of any kind at cafes, estaminets or other houses is forbidden. Mounted Parade 8.30am. Weather fair. A present of plum puddings was received from Ladies and Gentlemen living in Fermanagh Ireland. The puddings were collected and forwarded to the Squadron by Mr Copeland Trimble, Enniskillen. A letter conveying the thanks of all ranks was sent to the press at Enniskillen.

Famechon. 8.30. Mounted Parade for scheme in conjunction with 36^th Cyclist Company. Weather wet.

8.45. Horses exercised under Captain Hulse. Distance covered this day 20 miles. Weather fair.

8.45. Horses exercised. Trench digging during afternoon. Weather wet.

Christmas Day. Church of England Holy Communion at 8.30am. Parade service at 9am. A general holiday was observed this day. Men sat down to their dinner at 1pm and were visited by the Commanding Officer and Officers. The men seemed very pleased with the arrangements that had been made to ensure a good dinner. In addition to the puddings from Enniskillen, puddings were received from the Daily News. Except during the morning the weather was fine.

Church of England Parade under Captain Hulse at 10.15am. Weather stormy.

Boxing Day. Horses exercised at 9am. Weather fine.

10.30. Mobilization Parade (Practice Scheme) with stores packed on waggons and surplus stored. 11.30am. Horses exercised in full marching order. Weather fine.

Mounted Parade for scheme in conjunction with 36^th Cyclist Company. 2.15pm musketry for Squadron snipers. Weather stormy.

Famechon. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. 8am. Clean billets 8-9. Physical drill Nos 1and 2 Troops and bayonet exercise with gas helmets 9.30. Physical drill and bayonet exercise with gas helmets 10.00. Bombing for Squadron bombers at 9am. 2pm football and hot baths for men. Weather fair.

New Year’s Eve. 8.45. Mounted Parade in drill order for route march. The Squadron visited Crêcy. Captain Chamberlayne gave a brief history of the famous battle and pointed out the battlefield. Weather wet.

6^th Inniskilling Dragoons (Service Squadron) 36^th Division Divisional Troops January 1916
1	Famechon. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. Sheet 12. New Year’s Day. 9am to 11am. Bayonet fighting with gas helmets and physical drill. Weather fine.
2	8.40am. Church of England Parade for Divine Service. 9.30am. Presbyterians and Wesleyans. Weather fine.
3	9am. Squadron Parade in full marching order with transport. The Squadron will march under Captain Hulse to their billets in new area. Weather fine.
4	St Hilaire. Ref Map as above. The Squadron marched in yesterday and took over new billets. The general state of the buildings was bad, and a great deal of work will have to be done to render the billets weather proof. Horses of No.I and II Troops malleined today.
5	9am. General fatigues. No.3 and 4 Troops musketry with gas helmets. Weather fair. Inspection by Veterinary Officer of horses malleined.
6	Horses of No.3 and 4 Troops malleined. Inspection of all horses by Veterinary Officer. 10.30. Bombing under Captain Hulse. 2pm. Football. Weather fine.
7	Inspection of horses by Veterinary Officer. General fatigues and exercising horses. Weather fine.
8	8.30. Scheme in conjunction with 36^th Cyclist Company. Ref General R.O No.1343. The name of a place or unit should not be written at the head of a communication. Whenever it is necessary to indicate to the addressee how to address letters etc to the writer, this information should be embodied in the text. It is not necessary and forbidden to mention the name of any place when the writer is with his Unit. Weather fine.
9	St Hilaire. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. Sheet 12. 8.50am. Church of England Parade for Divine Service at Domart. 2.30pm. Presbyterians and Wesleyans for service and Recreation Room at Domart. Stationary Office. Each man is entitled to one green envelope per week which will be issued to him with his pay. Weather fine.
10	General fatigues and repairs to billets. Exercising horses. No.203 Private E.W McKeown rejoined the Squadron today. Privates McKeown and McCullagh will proceed to the Base. No.3 and 4 Troops Riding School at the jumps. Weather fair.
11	8.30. Jumping for Troops 1 and 2. Remainder exercise horses. 2pm. Musketry with gas helmets for 1 and 2 Troops. 3 and 4 Troops clean up and repair billets. Ref D.O No.293. Order published that no officer or soldier (or other person subject to Military Law) is permitted to be in possession of a camera. Order published that many cases have recently come to notice in which men proceeding on leave have taken with them uncensored letters in order that they may be posted in England. Men proceeding on leave will be informed that if at any time during their journey they are found in possession of uncensored letters, they will be placed in arrest and sent back to their Units. Weather fine.
12	Mounted Parade at 8.45am. 2pm. Sniping for Squadron Snipers. Weather wet.
13	St Hilaire. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. 8.45am. Dismounted Parade for route march without arms. 2.15pm. Inspection of line gear and stable equipment. Weather fine.
14	St Hilaire. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. 8.45am. (C.O’s?) parade for march to Raincheval (30 miles to and fro). Weather fine.
15	St Hilaire. Horse Parade at 11am for inspection by Officer Commanding. 2pm. Football match. Weather fine.
16	St Hilaire. No Divine Service was held today for Church of England. Wesleyans and Presbyterians at 10.45am. Weather fair.
17	St Hilaire. 8.45am. Parade under Troop Leaders for range taking and judging distance. 2pm. Foot drill for 2,3 and 4 Troops, Staff to attend. No.1 Troop musketry. Weather fine.
18	St Hilaire. 8.45. Horses exercised under Troop Leaders. 2pm. No.2 Troop musketry. Weather fine.
19	St Hilaire. 8.45. Horses exercised and judging distances under Troop Leaders. 2pm. Foot Drill under the (?) Sergeant-Major for all NCOs and men. Special G.R.O No.1361. The use of the green envelope for multiple letters is intended to enable men to send more than one letter a week of a private nature, which they may not wish to submit for censorship to their immediate commander. They are only to contain letters from the person who signs the certificate on the cover. The practice of enclosing letters from more than one writer is forbidden. Weather wet.
20	St Hilaire. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. 8am. Reconnaissance scheme from St Hilaire to Pt.135. Weather fine.
21	8.15am. Scheme in conjunction with 36^th Cyclist Company. The 14^th Corps Commander witnessed these opertations and was accompanied by the 36^th Divisional Commander. Operations ceased at Le Meillard. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. Weather fine.
22	9am. Mounted Parade under Commanding Officer. Signallers Mounted Parade under Squadron Sergeant-Major. 2pm. Inspection of equipment by Commanding Officer. Weather wet.
23	Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. 8am. Divine Service Parade under Captain Hulse for Service at Berneuil at 8.45am. His Grace the Archbishop of Armagh conducted the Service. Weather fine. Squadron Order No.422. Seditious Literature. A pamphlet by Jane Addams[12] is being circulated to the troops. Specimens of this pamphlet if received are to be sent to the Orderly Room.
24	8.00. Parade at 8.00 (?) Divisional scheme as per secret instructions received. Weather fair.
25	8.45. Musketry by Sections. Semaphore. 2pm. Inspection of saddlery. Weather fine.
26	Parade mounted for Divisional scheme as per secret instructions. 2^nd Lieutenants Matthews and McWilliams[13], Sergeant Quinn and Lance Sergeant Reid proceeded to the Division School of Instruction at Le Meillard (Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000). Weather fine.
27	St Hilaire. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. 8.30. General fatigues in cleaning up billets. 9.45 to 11.45. Musketry, semaphore, bayonet fighting. 2pm. Rifle inspection. Weather fine.
28	Squadron Parade to take part in Divisional tactical exercise. Weather fair.
29	9am. Foot drill for all NCOs and men. 12 noon. Horse inspection. Long distance signalling for Squadron Signallers. Weather fine.
30	9.45. Divine Service Parade at Berneuil for Church of England. Weather fine.
31	Captain Chamberlayne proceeded on leave to England and Captain Hulse assumed command of the Squadron. Captain Chamberlayne gazetted as temporary Major whilst commanding the Service Squadron 6^th Inniskilling Dragoons. 8.30. Horses exercised. Signalling for Squadron Signallers. The rear party at Famechon, having completed their duties, rejoined the Squadron today. Weather fine.

6^th Inniskilling Dragoons (Service Squadron)

36^th Division Divisional Troops

January 1916

Famechon. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. Sheet 12. New Year’s Day. 9am to 11am. Bayonet fighting with gas helmets and physical drill. Weather fine.

8.40am. Church of England Parade for Divine Service. 9.30am. Presbyterians and Wesleyans. Weather fine.

9am. Squadron Parade in full marching order with transport. The Squadron will march under Captain Hulse to their billets in new area. Weather fine.

St Hilaire. Ref Map as above. The Squadron marched in yesterday and took over new billets. The general state of the buildings was bad, and a great deal of work will have to be done to render the billets weather proof. Horses of No.I and II Troops malleined today.

9am. General fatigues. No.3 and 4 Troops musketry with gas helmets. Weather fair. Inspection by Veterinary Officer of horses malleined.

Horses of No.3 and 4 Troops malleined. Inspection of all horses by Veterinary Officer. 10.30. Bombing under Captain Hulse. 2pm. Football. Weather fine.

Inspection of horses by Veterinary Officer. General fatigues and exercising horses. Weather fine.

8.30. Scheme in conjunction with 36^th Cyclist Company. Ref General R.O No.1343. The name of a place or unit should not be written at the head of a communication. Whenever it is necessary to indicate to the addressee how to address letters etc to the writer, this information should be embodied in the text. It is not necessary and forbidden to mention the name of any place when the writer is with his Unit. Weather fine.

St Hilaire. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. Sheet 12. 8.50am. Church of England Parade for Divine Service at Domart. 2.30pm. Presbyterians and Wesleyans for service and Recreation Room at Domart. Stationary Office. Each man is entitled to one green envelope per week which will be issued to him with his pay. Weather fine.

General fatigues and repairs to billets. Exercising horses. No.203 Private E.W McKeown rejoined the Squadron today. Privates McKeown and McCullagh will proceed to the Base. No.3 and 4 Troops Riding School at the jumps. Weather fair.

8.30. Jumping for Troops 1 and 2. Remainder exercise horses. 2pm. Musketry with gas helmets for 1 and 2 Troops. 3 and 4 Troops clean up and repair billets. Ref D.O No.293. Order published that no officer or soldier (or other person subject to Military Law) is permitted to be in possession of a camera. Order published that many cases have recently come to notice in which men proceeding on leave have taken with them uncensored letters in order that they may be posted in England. Men proceeding on leave will be informed that if at any time during their journey they are found in possession of uncensored letters, they will be placed in arrest and sent back to their Units. Weather fine.

Mounted Parade at 8.45am. 2pm. Sniping for Squadron Snipers. Weather wet.

St Hilaire. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. 8.45am. Dismounted Parade for route march without arms. 2.15pm. Inspection of line gear and stable equipment. Weather fine.

St Hilaire. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. 8.45am. (C.O’s?) parade for march to Raincheval (30 miles to and fro). Weather fine.

St Hilaire. Horse Parade at 11am for inspection by Officer Commanding. 2pm. Football match. Weather fine.

St Hilaire. No Divine Service was held today for Church of England. Wesleyans and Presbyterians at 10.45am. Weather fair.

St Hilaire. 8.45am. Parade under Troop Leaders for range taking and judging distance. 2pm. Foot drill for 2,3 and 4 Troops, Staff to attend. No.1 Troop musketry. Weather fine.

St Hilaire. 8.45. Horses exercised under Troop Leaders. 2pm. No.2 Troop musketry. Weather fine.

St Hilaire. 8.45. Horses exercised and judging distances under Troop Leaders. 2pm. Foot Drill under the (?) Sergeant-Major for all NCOs and men. Special G.R.O No.1361. The use of the green envelope for multiple letters is intended to enable men to send more than one letter a week of a private nature, which they may not wish to submit for censorship to their immediate commander. They are only to contain letters from the person who signs the certificate on the cover. The practice of enclosing letters from more than one writer is forbidden. Weather wet.

St Hilaire. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. 8am. Reconnaissance scheme from St Hilaire to Pt.135. Weather fine.

8.15am. Scheme in conjunction with 36^th Cyclist Company. The 14^th Corps Commander witnessed these opertations and was accompanied by the 36^th Divisional Commander. Operations ceased at Le Meillard. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. Weather fine.

9am. Mounted Parade under Commanding Officer. Signallers Mounted Parade under Squadron Sergeant-Major. 2pm. Inspection of equipment by Commanding Officer. Weather wet.

Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. 8am. Divine Service Parade under Captain Hulse for Service at Berneuil at 8.45am. His Grace the Archbishop of Armagh conducted the Service. Weather fine. Squadron Order No.422. Seditious Literature. A pamphlet by Jane Addams[12] is being circulated to the troops. Specimens of this pamphlet if received are to be sent to the Orderly Room.

8.00. Parade at 8.00 (?) Divisional scheme as per secret instructions received. Weather fair.

8.45. Musketry by Sections. Semaphore. 2pm. Inspection of saddlery. Weather fine.

Parade mounted for Divisional scheme as per secret instructions. 2^nd Lieutenants Matthews and McWilliams[13], Sergeant Quinn and Lance Sergeant Reid proceeded to the Division School of Instruction at Le Meillard (Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000). Weather fine.

St Hilaire. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. 8.30. General fatigues in cleaning up billets. 9.45 to 11.45. Musketry, semaphore, bayonet fighting. 2pm. Rifle inspection. Weather fine.

Squadron Parade to take part in Divisional tactical exercise. Weather fair.

9am. Foot drill for all NCOs and men. 12 noon. Horse inspection. Long distance signalling for Squadron Signallers. Weather fine.

9.45. Divine Service Parade at Berneuil for Church of England. Weather fine.

Captain Chamberlayne proceeded on leave to England and Captain Hulse assumed command of the Squadron. Captain Chamberlayne gazetted as temporary Major whilst commanding the Service Squadron 6^th Inniskilling Dragoons. 8.30. Horses exercised. Signalling for Squadron Signallers. The rear party at Famechon, having completed their duties, rejoined the Squadron today. Weather fine.

6^th Inniskilling Dragoons (Service Squadron) 36^th Division Divisional Troops February 1916
1-8	–
9	St Hilaire. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. The Squadron moved from billets to La Vicogne.
10-21	–
22	Lavicogne. On this date the Squadron marched to Vauchelles-Les-Authie and billeted, moving on to Bertrancourt later.
23-29	–
	During the month the Squadron was employed on various duties such as orderlies to Divisional Headquarters and police work on road control. A motor machine gun battery was billeted with us. The Squadron continued its training when weather permitted. Weather during month was bad, much snow having fallen. Leave being open, certain Officers, NCOs and men proceeded to their homes on furlough.

6^th Inniskilling Dragoons (Service Squadron)

36^th Division Divisional Troops

February 1916

1-8

–

St Hilaire. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. The Squadron moved from billets to La Vicogne.

10-21

–

Lavicogne. On this date the Squadron marched to Vauchelles-Les-Authie and billeted, moving on to Bertrancourt later.

23-29

–

During the month the Squadron was employed on various duties such as orderlies to Divisional Headquarters and police work on road control. A motor machine gun battery was billeted with us. The Squadron continued its training when weather permitted. Weather during month was bad, much snow having fallen. Leave being open, certain Officers, NCOs and men proceeded to their homes on furlough.

6^th Inniskilling Dragoons (Service Squadron) 36^th Division Divisional Troops March 1916
1	Ref Amiens Sheet 12 1.80,000. Vauchelles-les-Authie. Eight men who joined the Squadron as a reinforcement from 2^nd Reserve Cavalry Regiment Aldershot paraded for map reading under Commanding Officer. Snow fell.
2-3	–
4	Vauchelles. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. Under orders received the Squadron moved this day to new billets at Bertrancourt. Although only a short distance to cover men and horses felt fatigued on arrival, the march having taken place in a snowstorm. Bertrancourt. 10am. Squadron billeted here. Severe snowstorm.
5	Bertrancourt. Gas helmets inspected.
6	Bertrancourt. No.59 Lance Corporal Keyes proceeded to 36^th Divisional anti-gas school for instruction.
7	–
8	Bertrancourt. Snowstorm.
9	Bertrancourt. Severe frost. 4 Squadron bicycles inspected. Lance Sergeant Reid sent to Officer Commanding 36^th Divisional Train at Lealvillers to look after twenty water carts with personnal and horses.
10-12	–
13	Bertrancourt. No.182 Private Allen, J.[14], appointed temporary (?) Acting Lance Corporal.
14	Bertrancourt. Inspection of wirecutters and horserubbers.
15	Bertrancourt. Sergeant Moffit[15] and Corporal Davies detailed to attend 3^rd Course at the 36^th Divisional School of Instruction at Beauval on 20^th inst.
16	–
17	Bertrancourt. St Patrick’s Day. Squadron beaten 3 goals to 2 by 109^th Field Ambulance at football.
18	Bertrancourt. Lance Corporal Keyes gave good lecture on anti-gas in the Sergeants Mess. Twenty men sent to C.R.E [Chief Railway Engineer/ Royal Engineers?] for tree felling. Twenty men sent to Town Commandant for road clearing.
19	Bertrancourt. No.249 Private McAlister[16] awarded 14 days Field Punishment No.I for not complying with an order.
20	Bertrancourt. 7am. Horse rugs inspected. Two men of 15^th Royal Irish Rifles shot at Mailly-Maillet for desertion. Squadron paraded within earshot.[17]
21	Bertrancourt. Lance Sergeant Reid promoted Sergeant. Corporal Davies promoted Lance Sergeant. 10am. Ten men supplied to Ordnance Dump Acheux. One NCO and eighteen men sent to 32^nd Division Dernacourt for loading stones.
22	Hay nets inspected. No.117 Lance Corporal Hamilton[18] detailed to attend Course of Instruction at St Omar on Hotchkiss Gun.
23	8.30am. Despatch riding scheme.
24	–
25	No.223 Lance Corporal Irvine[19] deprived of paid Lance stripe.
26-31	–
	[Summary of month of March] Bertrancourt. Men and horses were well billeted in this town and very comfortable. Hot baths were arranged. Although training was carried out it was only with difficulty owing to number of roads debarred to mounted troops and crops in the vicinity. Except for a few days the weather on the whole was good. Whilst in Bertrancourt we witnessed a great deal of air reconnaissance and the daily shelling of British and enemy airoplanes.

6^th Inniskilling Dragoons (Service Squadron)

36^th Division Divisional Troops

March 1916

Ref Amiens Sheet 12 1.80,000. Vauchelles-les-Authie. Eight men who joined the Squadron as a reinforcement from 2^nd Reserve Cavalry Regiment Aldershot paraded for map reading under Commanding Officer. Snow fell.

2-3

–

Vauchelles. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. Under orders received the Squadron moved this day to new billets at Bertrancourt. Although only a short distance to cover men and horses felt fatigued on arrival, the march having taken place in a snowstorm.

Bertrancourt. 10am. Squadron billeted here. Severe snowstorm.

Bertrancourt. Gas helmets inspected.

Bertrancourt. No.59 Lance Corporal Keyes proceeded to 36^th Divisional anti-gas school for instruction.

–

Bertrancourt. Snowstorm.

Bertrancourt. Severe frost. 4 Squadron bicycles inspected. Lance Sergeant Reid sent to Officer Commanding 36^th Divisional Train at Lealvillers to look after twenty water carts with personnal and horses.

10-12

–

Bertrancourt. No.182 Private Allen, J.[14], appointed temporary (?) Acting Lance Corporal.

Bertrancourt. Inspection of wirecutters and horserubbers.

Bertrancourt. Sergeant Moffit[15] and Corporal Davies detailed to attend 3^rd Course at the 36^th Divisional School of Instruction at Beauval on 20^th inst.

–

Bertrancourt. St Patrick’s Day. Squadron beaten 3 goals to 2 by 109^th Field Ambulance at football.

Bertrancourt. Lance Corporal Keyes gave good lecture on anti-gas in the Sergeants Mess. Twenty men sent to C.R.E [Chief Railway Engineer/ Royal Engineers?] for tree felling. Twenty men sent to Town Commandant for road clearing.

Bertrancourt. No.249 Private McAlister[16] awarded 14 days Field Punishment No.I for not complying with an order.

Bertrancourt. 7am. Horse rugs inspected. Two men of 15^th Royal Irish Rifles shot at Mailly-Maillet for desertion. Squadron paraded within earshot.[17]

Bertrancourt. Lance Sergeant Reid promoted Sergeant. Corporal Davies promoted Lance Sergeant. 10am. Ten men supplied to Ordnance Dump Acheux. One NCO and eighteen men sent to 32^nd Division Dernacourt for loading stones.

Hay nets inspected. No.117 Lance Corporal Hamilton[18] detailed to attend Course of Instruction at St Omar on Hotchkiss Gun.

8.30am. Despatch riding scheme.

–

No.223 Lance Corporal Irvine[19] deprived of paid Lance stripe.

26-31

–

[Summary of month of March] Bertrancourt. Men and horses were well billeted in this town and very comfortable. Hot baths were arranged. Although training was carried out it was only with difficulty owing to number of roads debarred to mounted troops and crops in the vicinity. Except for a few days the weather on the whole was good. Whilst in Bertrancourt we witnessed a great deal of air reconnaissance and the daily shelling of British and enemy airoplanes.

6^th Inniskilling Dragoons (Service Squadron) 36^th Division Divisional Troops April 1916
1-4	[1-4 April] Contay. Ref Amiens Map 12. Weather like Summer. Engaged on reconnaissance of 36^th Divisional Area, endeavouring to find grassland for bivouac camps. Practically whole area 30 square miles crops and under plough. [4 April] No.III Troops and Officers’ billets changed to allow 96^th Infantry Brigade 32^nd Division to move in. Contay is not in 36^th Divisional Area but 32^nd Division’s.
5-6	–
7	St Ouen. 5pm. Moved here on way to join Meerut Cavalry Brigade for training 13^th to 26^th inst. 36^th Divisional Cyclist Company also join in training. Sheepskin coats, vests, gloves, one man’s blanket and horserugs sent into Ordnance. All horses picketed out. Men one blanket, horses saddle blanket. Nights cold.
8-12	–
13	St Riquier. 11.30am. Attached to Meerut Cavalry Brigade for training. Brigadier-General Edwards 13^th Hussars 3^rd Skinners Horse and 18^th Lancers in Brigade.
14-19	–
20	Martainneville. Ref Abbeville Map 11. 1pm. Marched with Meerut Brigade as far as Moyenville then branched off with 36^th Cyclist Company. Sunday April 16^th General Officer Commanding saw the Squadron and Cyclists do an advance guard scheme. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday a tactical exercise was carried out with the Brigade. The Squadron and Cyclist Company are billeted here till the 26^th being still attached to Meerut Brigade for training. Headquarters of which are now Aigneville.
21	Good Friday. Poured with rain all day.
22	Squadron and Cyclist Officers instruction under Colonel Grimston[20], 18^th Lancers, abandoned owing to wet.
23	–
24	Convoy scheme (Squadron and Cyclists). General Edwards Chief Umpire.
25	Brigade Staff ride.
26-27	Hangest sur Somme. Billeted here the night with Lancashire Hussar Squadron and 30^th Cyclist Company.
28	Puchevillers. 1pm. Leave again open, four vacancies from 30^th every five days. Am now again in 36^th Divisional Area.
29-30	–

6^th Inniskilling Dragoons (Service Squadron)

36^th Division Divisional Troops

April 1916

1-4

[1-4 April] Contay. Ref Amiens Map 12. Weather like Summer. Engaged on reconnaissance of 36^th Divisional Area, endeavouring to find grassland for bivouac camps. Practically whole area 30 square miles crops and under plough.

[4 April] No.III Troops and Officers’ billets changed to allow 96^th Infantry Brigade 32^nd Division to move in. Contay is not in 36^th Divisional Area but 32^nd Division’s.

5-6

–

St Ouen. 5pm. Moved here on way to join Meerut Cavalry Brigade for training 13^th to 26^th inst. 36^th Divisional Cyclist Company also join in training. Sheepskin coats, vests, gloves, one man’s blanket and horserugs sent into Ordnance. All horses picketed out. Men one blanket, horses saddle blanket. Nights cold.

8-12

–

St Riquier. 11.30am. Attached to Meerut Cavalry Brigade for training. Brigadier-General Edwards 13^th Hussars 3^rd Skinners Horse and 18^th Lancers in Brigade.

14-19

–

Martainneville. Ref Abbeville Map 11. 1pm. Marched with Meerut Brigade as far as Moyenville then branched off with 36^th Cyclist Company.

Sunday April 16^th General Officer Commanding saw the Squadron and Cyclists do an advance guard scheme. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday a tactical exercise was carried out with the Brigade. The Squadron and Cyclist Company are billeted here till the 26^th being still attached to Meerut Brigade for training. Headquarters of which are now Aigneville.

Good Friday. Poured with rain all day.

Squadron and Cyclist Officers instruction under Colonel Grimston[20], 18^th Lancers, abandoned owing to wet.

–

Convoy scheme (Squadron and Cyclists). General Edwards Chief Umpire.

Brigade Staff ride.

26-27

Hangest sur Somme. Billeted here the night with Lancashire Hussar Squadron and 30^th Cyclist Company.

Puchevillers. 1pm. Leave again open, four vacancies from 30^th every five days. Am now again in 36^th Divisional Area.

29-30

–

6^th Inniskilling Dragoons (Service Squadron) 36^th Division Divisional Troops May 1916
1	Puchvillers. 2^nd Lieutenant MacWilliam was detailed to instruct twelve men in the use of the Hotchkiss Gun, he having recently been through a short course at St Omar.
2	7.15am. Lance Corporal Percy, 38 Irwin[21], 14 Lewes[22] and 39 Beattie[23] went to 36^th Divisional Signal Company for a course of visual signalling.
3-28	During the month parties were sent up to the trenches for three days at a time to make themselves acquainted with the country held by the enemy in front of them. The weather during the month was gloriously fine. For some weeks parties dialy went to bathe at Bavelincourt but this was afterwards forbidden by the Higher Authorities. Three men every five days were allowed on leave to the United Kingdom – eight days to England and nine days to Ireland. A party of thirty men dialy was supplied unloading ammunition at Puchvillers railhead. Police for 32^nd Division were also supplied. Remaining men exercise etc horses.
29	Detachment went to rifle range at Millencourt for range practise with Hotchkiss Gun. New Hotchkiss Gun arrived. Received instructions that Squadron would [merge] with two Squadrons of the North Irish Horse from the 10^th Corps Cavalry Regiment. The organisation now being one Cavalry Regiment and one Battalion of Cyclists as Corps Mounted Troops, Divisional Cavalry no longer exists.
30	Sergeant Turner[24] left to join the 7^th Cadet Corps in Ireland with a view to obtaining a Commission.
31	–

6^th Inniskilling Dragoons (Service Squadron)

36^th Division Divisional Troops

May 1916

Puchvillers. 2^nd Lieutenant MacWilliam was detailed to instruct twelve men in the use of the Hotchkiss Gun, he having recently been through a short course at St Omar.

7.15am. Lance Corporal Percy, 38 Irwin[21], 14 Lewes[22] and 39 Beattie[23] went to 36^th Divisional Signal Company for a course of visual signalling.

3-28

During the month parties were sent up to the trenches for three days at a time to make themselves acquainted with the country held by the enemy in front of them. The weather during the month was gloriously fine. For some weeks parties dialy went to bathe at Bavelincourt but this was afterwards forbidden by the Higher Authorities. Three men every five days were allowed on leave to the United Kingdom – eight days to England and nine days to Ireland. A party of thirty men dialy was supplied unloading ammunition at Puchvillers railhead. Police for 32^nd Division were also supplied. Remaining men exercise etc horses.

Detachment went to rifle range at Millencourt for range practise with Hotchkiss Gun. New Hotchkiss Gun arrived.

Received instructions that Squadron would [merge] with two Squadrons of the North Irish Horse from the 10^th Corps Cavalry Regiment. The organisation now being one Cavalry Regiment and one Battalion of Cyclists as Corps Mounted Troops, Divisional Cavalry no longer exists.

Sergeant Turner[24] left to join the 7^th Cadet Corps in Ireland with a view to obtaining a Commission.

–

6^th Inniskilling Dragoons (Service Squadron) 36^th Division Divisional Troops June 1916
1-20	Puchvillers. Thirty men of the Squadron were employed night and day unloading artillery ammunition at railhead, Puchvillers. One NCO and nine men were employed on road control under 32^nd Division at Senlis. One NCO and nine men were employed on road control under 36^th Division (Headauville). The remainder of the Squadron exercised horses twice daily, half Squadron at a time.
21[25]	Squadron marched to Toutencourt and joined up with B and C Squadrons North Irish Horse, the three squadrons forming 10^th Corps Cavalry Regiment. From this date the Squadron ceased to be Divisional Cavalry Squadron to the 36^th Division. Ref GHQ OB/1517 Fourth Army 168(G) X Corps GS 216. ‘In consequence of the growth of the Army and the development of the Corps organization, much of the independence of action & movement formerly belonging to the Division has now passed to the Corps. It has been found necessary, therefore to reconsider the organization & distribution of the Mounted Troops hitherto allotted to Divisions. The allotment of these troops was originally made with a view to providing the Divisional Commander with a small mobile force under his immediate control for reconnaissance; protective & escort duties; & on the assumption (originally correct) that the Division would be moving either independently or with one or more roads allotted for its exclusive use. ‘These conditions are unlikely to recur; any future movement will be by Corps, marching & fighting in depth on a comparatively narrow front. The mounted troops belonging to the Corps must therefore be assembled under the direct control of the Corps Commander, and organized as Corps units. The C in C has accordingly decided – (a) To convert the Squadrons of Divisional Cavalry into Corps Cavalry Regiments composed of Headquarters & 3 Squadrons each; one Regiment being allotted to each Corps. (b) To withdraw the Cyclist Companies from Divisions to reconstitute them into battalions of 3 companies each, & to allot one battalion to each Corps. (c) To allot one Motor Machine Gun Battery to each Corps. This battery will normally be attached to the Cyclist Battalion. ‘War establishment of squadron Corps Cavalry Regiment is as follows. Officers 6. Other Ranks 134. Horses 132. Transport 11. Bicycles 4. Previous strength of this squadron was – Officers 6. Other Ranks 153. Horses 150. Transport 11. Bicycles 4.’
22-26	–
27	9am. Nos 2 & 4 troops under Captain Hulse moved from Toutencourt to Forceville.
28	9am. No.3 Troop moved to Forceville for work under 36^th Division.
29	–
30	No.3 Troop moved to Acheux as guard over German prisoners. Headquarters of Squadron moved from Toutencourt to Forceville.

6^th Inniskilling Dragoons (Service Squadron)

36^th Division Divisional Troops

June 1916

1-20

Puchvillers. Thirty men of the Squadron were employed night and day unloading artillery ammunition at railhead, Puchvillers. One NCO and nine men were employed on road control under 32^nd Division at Senlis. One NCO and nine men were employed on road control under 36^th Division (Headauville). The remainder of the Squadron exercised horses twice daily, half Squadron at a time.

21[25]

Squadron marched to Toutencourt and joined up with B and C Squadrons North Irish Horse, the three squadrons forming 10^th Corps Cavalry Regiment. From this date the Squadron ceased to be Divisional Cavalry Squadron to the 36^th Division.

Ref GHQ OB/1517 Fourth Army 168(G) X Corps GS 216. ‘In consequence of the growth of the Army and the development of the Corps organization, much of the independence of action & movement formerly belonging to the Division has now passed to the Corps. It has been found necessary, therefore to reconsider the organization & distribution of the Mounted Troops hitherto allotted to Divisions. The allotment of these troops was originally made with a view to providing the Divisional Commander with a small mobile force under his immediate control for reconnaissance; protective & escort duties; & on the assumption (originally correct) that the Division would be moving either independently or with one or more roads allotted for its exclusive use.

‘These conditions are unlikely to recur; any future movement will be by Corps, marching & fighting in depth on a comparatively narrow front. The mounted troops belonging to the Corps must therefore be assembled under the direct control of the Corps Commander, and organized as Corps units. The C in C has accordingly decided –

(a) To convert the Squadrons of Divisional Cavalry into Corps Cavalry Regiments composed of Headquarters & 3 Squadrons each; one Regiment being allotted to each Corps.

(b) To withdraw the Cyclist Companies from Divisions to reconstitute them into battalions of 3 companies each, & to allot one battalion to each Corps.

(c) To allot one Motor Machine Gun Battery to each Corps. This battery will normally be attached to the Cyclist Battalion.

‘War establishment of squadron Corps Cavalry Regiment is as follows. Officers 6. Other Ranks 134. Horses 132. Transport 11. Bicycles 4. Previous strength of this squadron was – Officers 6. Other Ranks 153. Horses 150. Transport 11. Bicycles 4.’

22-26

–

9am. Nos 2 & 4 troops under Captain Hulse moved from Toutencourt to Forceville.

9am. No.3 Troop moved to Forceville for work under 36^th Division.

–

No.3 Troop moved to Acheux as guard over German prisoners. Headquarters of Squadron moved from Toutencourt to Forceville.

[1] Official War Diaries (Ref. 95/2496, 95/874) kept and signed by Captain Adrian Hulse (later a Major in the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers), and Captain (then Major) A Chamberlayne, commanding Service Squadron 6^th Dragoons.

[2] Major A Chamberlayne, commanding Service Squadron 6^th Inniskilling Dragoons. Transferred as Second in Command 11^th Battalion Border Regiment on 13 July 1916. Major Acting Lieutenant Colonel 20^th Deccan Horse. (Possibly Athelstan Chamberlayne of the 76^th Punjabis, served in the South Africa Campaign and France 1915-17, died 14 January 1920 aged 41, buried Janola Cemetery.)

The Squadron is attached to the 36^th (Ulster) Division. The 36^rd (Ulster) Division comprised the 107^th Brigade (8, 9, 10 and 15 Royal Irish Rifles [East, West, South and North Belfast Volunteers]), the 108^th Brigade (11, 12, 13 Royal Irish Rifles, 9 Royal Irish Fusiliers [South Antrim, Central Antrim, Down, and County Armagh Volunteers]), and the 109^th Brigade (9, 10, 11 Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers [Tyrone, Derry, Donegal and Fermanagh Volunteers], 14 Royal Irish Rifles [Young Citizens Volunteers of Belfast]). On 27 April 1915 the Division was allocated to the Fifth New Army. In July the Division left Ireland and concentrated at Seaford. On 26 September it began its move to France and by 9 October concentration was completed around Flesselles.

[3] Probably No.18 Sergeant W.A Quinn, later No.41097 Company Quartermaster Sergeant Royal Irish Fusiliers.

[4] 2^nd Lieutenant Ernest George Matthews, later Captain in Labour Corps.

[5] Corporal George C Reid (No.14116), later a Private in the Royal Irish Fusiliers (No.41529). Reid was killed on 26 October 1917 (either on patrol or by a direct hit from an enemy heavy trench mortar). He was aged 32, the son of William and Elizabeth Reid, of Farnaconnell, Boho, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh. He is buried at Neuville-Bourjonval British Cemetery.

[6] Sergeant Edward W McKeown (No.UD/203, later No.D/2/257)

[7] No.UD/93 John Newell, later 2^nd Lieutenant in Sherwood Foresters and Machine Gun Corps.

[8] No.133 Lance-Corporal John Lockhart, later Sergeant, No.41148 Royal Irish Fusiliers.

[9] No.59 Corporal John H Keys, later No.41502 Royal Irish Fusiliers.

[10] No.71 Private Robert Kerns, later Corporal, No.41503 Royal Irish Fusiliers.

[11] No.121 Lance Corporal (Samuel) Ernest Percy, later 2^nd Lieutenant, No.41150 Royal Irish Fusiliers.

[12] Jane Addams was a prominent American peace campaigner.

[13] Possibly Lieutenant T.A MacWilliams, formerly Private in the South Irish Horse (No.567).

[14] Private John Allen (No.182), later Corporal in the Royal Irish Fusiliers (No.41149).

[15] Probably Sergeant William T Moffitt (No.15), later in the Royal Irish Fusiliers (No.41571).

[16] Private Thomas McAllister (No.249), later in the Royal Irish Fusiliers (No.41128).

[17] Private James Templeton, Rifleman (No.15/890) 15th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles, aged 20, executed on Sunday 19th March 1916 for desertion. Son of Mr Templeton, 12 Enfield Street Belfast; Rifleman James F McCracken (No.15/13211) 15th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles, aged 19, executed on Sunday 19 March 1916 for desertion, son of John McCracken. Believed to be from Belfast. They are buried at Mailly-Maillet Communal Cemetery Extension, Grave reference C.20 & 21.

[18] Private James Hamilton (No.UD/117), later in the Corps of Dragoons (No.D/21245).

[19] Private Harold Irvine (No.UD223), later in the Corps of Dragoons (No.D/21264).

[20] Lieutenant-Colonel S.B Grimston, 18^th Lancers, and Indian Army.

[21] Private John Irwin (No.UD/38), later in the Corps of Dragoons (No.D/21225).

[22] Private Samuel Lewis (No.UD/14).

[23] Private H Beattie (No.139), later Royal Irish Fusiliers (No.41124).

[24] Possibly Sergeant Edward J.L Turner (No.UD/99).

[25] On this day, B and C Squadrons and the Service Squadron of the 6^th (Inniskilling) Dragoons from the 36^th Division become the 2^nd North Irish Horse at Toutencourt as the X Corps Cavalry Regiment.