William Patrick O'Brien. A Rorke's Drift Veteran's Reminiscences

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There are no Corporals in the 1/ 24th named O'Brien , There is a Pte T. O'Brien . In the 2 / 24th there are also no Corporals named O'Brien , interestingly , there are 2 Pte's named O'Brien , M. O'Brien Medal ' Unclasped ' , and this is a goodie ! , ....... W. O'Brien 1474 Medal with clasp 77-78-79 a note beneath ' No Medal Deserted ' !!!!!! . Shocked

90th

Posts : 2558 Join date : 2009-04-06 Age : 62 Location : UK

He says he's the chap with a Baddage around his head, in the painting of Rorkes Drift. We know some of the defenders are in the painting. But we know models stood in for others who were'nt available. So maybe he did take part in the defence of RD. But only in the painting.

Subject: William Patrick O'brien Sun Feb 08, 2015 10:47 pm

Yes , I think that's as close as he got to RD !!! . I dont have any of JW's , or Kris Wheatley's books here with me , so I can't have a proper look , cant say the name is even familiar ? scratch

90th

Posts : 3384 Join date : 2009-03-03 Location : Devon

I am going to stick my neck on the block here.

It is my opinion this article is a load of old bull.

This man seems to have been everywhere and in all major events and winning a DSO to top it all off.

Posts : 2558 Join date : 2009-04-06 Age : 62 Location : UK

There's no one of that name on the RD roll call.
He exsagirates the wounds inflicted on the Prince's body.

Subject: William Patrick O'Brien Sun Feb 08, 2015 11:13 pm

I think I may go with you Graves , there is a lot of Hokum in newspaper articles regarding ' zulu war Veterans ' more so , I think , out here in the Aussie papers , virtually impossible to check details from out here in those days ! , and probably no different I expect in the UK at the time as well ? .

90th

Posts : 3384 Join date : 2009-03-03 Location : Devon

Hi All

Forum member Lee Stevenson posted back in November 2013 a list of men who were variously reported in the press as being present at the battle of RD, but who do not appear on one of the infamous roll of defenders.

This man "William Patrick O'Brien" is on that list!

https://www.1879zuluwar.com/t7382-rorke-s-drift-men-who-never-were

Salute

Posts : 2558 Join date : 2009-04-06 Age : 62 Location : UK

I expect Lee got his information from the same place you guys get yours.

Posts : 1085 Join date : 2009-10-16

Hi All,
Surprisingly William O'Brien 25/1474 2/24 papers survived. attested 27 Nov 1877 in Kilkenny, age 24, born Huggenstown, Waterford, 1853. to cape 1 feb 1878, various misdemeanours and confinements throughout 1878, finally confined for disorderly conduct, 19 Oct 1878 to 27 June 1879, and deserted on 4 July 1879 in South Africa.
Rai Keynshamlighthorse.

Interesting Rai , I see he did the bolt on the day Ulundi took place ! .
90th Salute

» William Roy DCM Rorkes Drift Defender and Cecilia Williamson.
» RORKE'S DRIFT HEROES S.W. BORDERER VETERANS DINE AT ALDERSHOT
» Poerty from the Zulu War Rorkes Drift, Ulundi & A Hymn.