Patrick O'Brien

Killed in Action on the 07/08/1915 at Gallipoli

On the 16/03/1915 the Battalion sailed from Avonmouth for Gallipoli, going via Alexandria and Mudros, where it halted on the 9th April. They landed at Cape Helles on the 25/04/1915. They were part of the 86th Brigade, 29th Division. Patrick arrived on the 21/07/1915. He was Killed in Action 17 days later. The Regimental Diary of the 1st Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers 07/08/1915 : "2 am: Order to attack was cancelled. Units of the 88th Brigade were ordered to withdraw and later at about 3am, the 1st Royal Dublin Fusiliers were ordered to take over the whole fire line allotted to the 86th Brigade. This was carried out and just before day break the Adjutant of the Essex Regiment reported to our Commanding Officer that a party of Essex Officers and about 40 men were still holding enemy's communication trench leading from our southern barricade. The Essex Regiment was relieved and withdrawn. About 8am a heavy shrapnel fire and bombing were opened on Lieutenant Harman's party who were driven back followed by Turks, leaving some 30 dead and badly wounded in the trench they had held. Some 20 Turks got into our trench and were at once bombed out, good work being done by Captain Carruthers. In all 25 other ranks killed, 30 missing and 150 wounded". Patrick is listed as 3rd BATTALION on the Coatbridge Memorial. See photos for Patrick's Medal Index Card, his Army Register of Soldiers Effects, his Service Medal and Award Rolls x 2, his listing in the Ireland Casualties WW1, his CWGC Grave Registration, his name on the Helles Memorial Panel List, Patrick's Pension Records x 4 and the Royal Dublin Fusiliers Cap Badge.