Mr Denis O’Brien, Wingatui, received advice yesterday that his eldest son, Bombardier William O'Brien (New Zealand Field Artillery), had been killed in action on August 26. The deceased soldier left New Zealand with the 8th Reinforcements, and was for a time in Egypt, from which place he went to France with the first batch of troops. He was wounded, and after treatment at Walton-on-Thames Hospital proceeded to France, whore he received a second wound, and spent some time in a convalescent home. On recovery he returned to the firing line, and met his death. Deceased, who was born and reared at Wingatui, was a popular young man, being a member of several clubs and societies, including the Taieri Collie Club, the Hunt Club, and the Loyal Mosgiel Lodge of Oddfellows. He was an enthusiastic member of the Otago Hussars up till the inception of the Territorial scheme. -Evening Star, 13/9/1918.
The Official History of the NZ Field Artillery has this to say about the day that William O'Brien died: "While supporting this attack some batteries of the 3rd Brigade came under heavy and accurate fire from enemy 5.9in. batteries. The 4th Battery had four guns put out of action, several men killed, and eleven wounded, including the battery commander. The 13th Battery also suffered some casualties. Both batteries kept their guns in action, despite this sustained and destructive shelling, the gallantry displayed by officers and men of the 4th Battery under trying circumstances being of a high order."
Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.
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