Albert James's Story.
Birkenhead News 23 September 1916Gunner J. O’Reilly Killed in Action.
Fought at Mons and Hill 60.
The official intimation has been received of the death in action of Gunner Albert James O’Reilly, of the Royal Field Artillery. He was the fourth son of Mr. and Mrs. James O’Reilly, 442 Beckwith Street, and was only 19 years of age. If he had lived he would have been in the Army three years this coming October. Before that he was a telegraph messenger at the Birkenhead G.P.O., where he had been employed since leaving Our Lady’s R. C School. Gunner O’Reilly, although so young was 6 feet 1½ in. in height, and was an enthusiastic athlete, playing for the Birkenhead Telegraph Messengers’ Association Football Club every season.
Mrs. O’Reilly has received a message of sympathy from 2nd Lieut. A. S. Chattey, in which he says :- “Your son was a great favourite in the Battery, and his death will be felt by all of us. It may be some little consolation to you to know that he suffered little pain, as his death was practically instantaneous. I offer you my sincere sympathy in your great loss.”
The members of the staff of the G.P.O. who were acquainted with Gunner O’Reilly much regret to hear of his death, as he made himself liked during the time he was there.