May 28, 1895

Born in Moncton, New Brunswick to Howard and Mary O’Brien

May 14, 1915

Attested into the 55^th Battalion CEF in Sussex, New Brunswick

Ø  Number 444245

Ø  Next of kin given as Mary O’Brien, mother, 30 Cross St., Moncton, New Brunswick

Ø  Previous occupation given as Labourer

Ø  Previous military experience given as 3 weeks in the 1^st Contingent CEF

Ø  Religion given as Baptist

Ø  Assigned to “D” Company

 
The battalion trained in Sussex, New Brunswick

Jun 15, 1915

The battalion moved to Valcartier, Quebec

Jul 30, 1915

Sentenced to 3 days detention for an unspecified offence

Sep 9, 1915

Sentenced to 4 days detention for an unspecified offence

Oct 30, 1915

Embarked the SS Corsican in Montreal, Quebec

Nov 9, 1915

Disembarked in Devonport, England and the battalion proceeded to the Bramshott camp

Apr 22, 1916

Transferred to the 21^st Battalion

Apr 24, 1916

Arrived at the CBD (Canadian Base Depot) in the Rouelles Camp, Havre, France as part of a draft of 855 reinforcements from England and TOS (Taken On Strength) the 21^st Battalion

May 15, 1916

After leaving the base depot Private O’Brien joined the 21^st Battalion resting in the “B” Camp, near La Clytte, Belgium

Sep 15, 1916

During the battalion’s advance on the sugar refinery south of Courcelette, Private O’Brien was first reported missing in action, then later reported to have been killed in action.  His body was never recovered from the battlefield and his name is honoured on the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, Vimy Ridge, France

 
Following the war the British War Medal, Victory Medal, Plaque (Dead Man’s Penny) and Scroll were sent to his father, Mr. Howard O’Brien, 30 Cross St., Moncton, New Brunswick

 
The Memorial Cross was sent to his mother, Mrs. Mary O’Brien, at the same address