South Tyneside History
| Title | Lieutenant Michael O'Leary, V.C. |
|---|---|
| Reference Number | STH0001153 |
| Photographer | Cleet James Henry |
| Town or Village | South Shields |
| Date | 18 03 1916 |
| Original Format | Black and white photograph. |
| Period | The 1910s |
| Copyright | South Tyneside Libraries |
| Further Information | Lieutenant Michael O'Leary V.C. with South Shields Mayor, Coun. John Taylor, accorded a civic reception, 18th March 1916 - 'Tyneside Irish Flag Day'. On the left Father(later Canon) Byrne of St. Bede's Church, South Shields From the London Gazette, 16 February 1915. No. 3556 Lance-Corporal Michael O'Leary, 1st Battalion, Irish Guards For conspicuous bravery at Cuinchy on the 1st February, 1915. When forming one of the storming party which advanced against the enemy's barricades, he rushed to the front and himself killed five Germans who were holding the first barricade, after which he attacked a second barricade, about 60 yards further on, which he captured, after killing three of the enemy and making prisoners of two more. Lance-Corporal O'Leary thus practically captured the enemy's position by himself and prevented the attacking party from being fired upon. |
