The Argentina Connection and the First World War

Argentina was a neutral country during the war. However, one third of its population was made up of foreign citizens, including those of countries at war in Europe. The British community was particularly large, and was much involved in the mining industry, the railway network, banking and in agriculture. A large number volunteered to serve in the British armed forces.

In 1920, a book was published called Activities of the British Community in Argentina during the Great War 1914-1919. The book came in two parts: a list of 4852 names of those who volunteered, giving the unit or regiment they joined, and secondly a Roll of Honour recording 569 names of those who died in action, with a subsection containing photographs.There is usually more information recorded about these individuals. Often their employment is given.  Although these records are very extensive, it is acknowledged that they are neither complete nor totally accurate in the information given on individuals. Eg some deaths recorded in the book do not appear in the archives of the Commonwealth War Commission.

An interesting aspect of this record is the mention of a cavalry regiment called King Edward’s Horse (KEH). This began life in 1901 as a regiment for men, resident in UK, who had served or worked in the colonies and dominions. Many of the British in Argentina owned or worked on the giant estancias- sheep and cattle ranches. They were therefore familiar with horses and keen to join such a regiment as the King Edward’s Horse. Two of the Inniskillings listed in the Roll of Honour, Lieutenants Hicks and Talbot are listed as serving for a time in the KEH.

ROLL of HONOUR,

of men domiciled in Argentina who volunteered for war service in the Inniskillings and whose death is recorded.

War Service in the Inniskillings