63764 Private William Ernest O'Grady, (27/9/1892-1/10/1918). "dear Daddy's name"

Mrs V. B. O'Grady, Franklyn Rise, has been advised that her husband, L.-Corporal E. W. O'Grady, died of wounds on 1st October. He left with the 32nd Reinforcements, having enlisted from Hastings where he was well known in football and rowing circles. Mrs O'Grady has lost one brother killed. Private Ashly Frost, and two other brothers have been seriously wounded. Two young children as well as the widow are left to mourn the deceased's loss. In Sling Camp L.-Corporal O'Grady won the first prize in the squad drill competition.   -Nelson Evening Mail, 16/10/1918.

-Free Lance, 21/11/1918.

ROLL OF HONOUR.

The sad news was received in town yesterday that Pte. Ernest O'Grady, who went away with the 32nd Reinforcements, had died of wounds in France. Prior to enlisting, Pte. O'Grady was a prominent member of the Aramoho Rowing and Football Clubs, and the news of his death will be sincerely regretted by a large number of friends. He leaves a widow and two children.  -Wanganui Chronicle, 17/10/1918.

William O'Grady was wounded in the back on September 29 during an attack on German positions. It is possible that he was one of a group which, getting lost in the darkness of the early morning of the 29th, took possession of an advanced trench and hung on against German attacks after daylight, in the knowledge that an advance was to be made which would relieve them.  Many were killed and wounded and before surrendering, and the wounded left behind.  William died, of gunshot wounds to the back, in a casualty clearing station behind the lines.

IN MEMORIAM.

O’GRADY — In proud and ever present memory of my dearly beloved husband, Ernest William O’Grady, 32nd. Reinforcements, who died of wounds received at the Battle of St. Quentin, October 1st, 1918. 

He died the noblest death a man may die, 

Fighting for God and Right and Liberty; 

And such a death, is Immortality. — B. Violet O’Grady. 

On New Zealand’s Roll of Honour, 

Is inscribed dear Daddy’s name. — Inserted by his little son and daughter, Doreen and Jack O’Grady.  -Hawkes Bay Tribune, 1/10/1919.

Wakapuaka Cemetery, Nelson.