O'Leary, Patrick

Patrick O’Leary was born on November 13, 1881 in Castlebar, Ireland. Not much is known about his childhood. As a young man, he immigrated to Canada and settled in Lethbridge, Alberta, where he found employment with the CPR, and worked his way up to engineer. On May 25, 1916, Pat O’Leary enlisted with the 113th Battalion CEF Lethbridge Highlanders. He arrived in England on October 6, 1916 on the SS Tuscania and remained in England until embarking for France on October 27, 1916 where Pte O’Leary was taken on strength by the 13th Battalion CEF. On February 25, 1917, he was promoted to the rank of Lance Sergeant. Lance Sergeant O’Leary served at the frontlines with the 13th Battalion for 10 months, seeing action at the Somme, Arras and Vimy Ridge. On August 15, 1917, Lance Sergeant O’Leary suffered severe gunshot wounds to his leg. Later that day he died of his wounds. He was laid to rest at Noeux-Les-Mines Communal Cemetery. Pat O’Leary was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. His mother, Mrs. O. Christian was awarded the Memorial Cross and death plaque in honour of her son