Trafford

Born on the 26th May 1894 with the birth registered during the September
quarter 1894 in the Manchester R.D. - ref: 8d/251, the younger son of John
& Mary Grace O'Brien (nee Hadfield).  Birth registered as O'BRIEN.

1901 Census - 1 Bemrose Avenue, Broadheath, Altrincham.   O'BRIEN   Son
(Walter O'Brien) - aged: 6 - born: Manchester.  Head of household - John
O'Brien - Married - aged: 30 - occ: Textile Fitter - born: Gosport,
Hampshire.   Also - Mary G,. O'Brien - Wife - aged: 29 - born: Manchester. 
 Plus 1 elder brother and 1 boarder.

Attended Seamons Moss School. 

1911 Census - 1 Bemrose Avenue, Broadheath, Altrincham.  O'BRIAN    Son
(Walter O'Brian) - aged: 16 - occ: Clerk at Cotton Manufacturer - born:
Manchester.   Head of household - John O'Brien - Married - aged: 30 - occ:
Fitter of Printing Machinery at Linotype - born: Gosport, Hampshire.   Also
- Mary G,. O'Brien - Wife - aged: 40 - born: Manchester.   Plus 1 elder
brother and 1 niece.  His father has entered all the family names and
signed his own name as O'BRIAN.

He was an active member of St. Margaret's Church Institute.  Employed as an
Assistant Buyer with the Shipping firm of Messrs. D. Ades & Co,
Manchester.

Enlisted in 1914.   SDGW states William Vincent whereas the CWGC lists him
as Walter Vincent O'Brian. 

MIC - originally recorded him as Walter O'BRIEN serving in the 9th Bn,
Royal Scots No. 2764.   He was posted to France on the 24th February 1915
and on the 11th March 1916, he was Commissioned into the Cheshire Rgt.  His
name was amended to Walter Vincent O'BRIAN.  No WO363.

The 1st Bn, Cheshire Rgt served with the 5th Division 15 Brigade.   On the
9th September they moved to Morlancourt and to Citadel Camp on the 16th. 
From there, they moved forward and into reserve positions at Waterlot Farm.
 They moved to support the Ginchy sector on the 18th.  They withdrew to
positions around Guillemont on the 20th September, the day Walter was
killed.

Post War, his mother resided at 24 Ashton Avenue, Altrincham.

Death reported in the 29/09/1916 edition of the Altrincham Guardian. 
Listed simply as Walter O'Brian on the Altrincham & District Roll of
Honour. 

Commemorated on the private family gravestone in Hale Cem.  M.I. - "Dearly
loved".

His father, John died 27/11/1920 aged 50 years and his mother, Mary Grace
died 01/05/1945 aged 76.

Listed in the Guardian Year Book - Roll of Honour for 1917.