Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Word was received in Strathmerton Inst week of the death of Private W. O'Leary, who was killed in action al the Dardanelles. Deceased, who was one of six to be presented with a horse by the local residents on leaving for the front, was well known and esteemed throughout the district. The following tribute to his worth is paid by the commanding officer in a letter sent to the bereaved mother:—
Gallipoli, 15/6/15.
Dear Mrs O'Leary,—I am sorry to have to sit down and write this to you, but your son got hit this morning by an 8 inch shell, which unfortunately took his right leg off, near the top, and also shattered his left arm. Thank goodness he was not in much pain, and ho was given a good injection of morphia. Tho doctors think they can save his arm. If ever I got hit it is my fervent wish that I may take it as bravely as he did. He was splendid, and you may well be proud of him. Ho was the admiration of all who saw him. Why the best got hit is beyond me. I shall endeavour to keep in touch with the hospital ship, and let you know how he is getting on.—yours sincerely
W. A Dunlop,
O.C. Machine Gun Section,
4th Light Horse.
Later.—Since my letter this morning your boy has passed away. He died quite peaceably, and, thank God, without pain. A cross is being made for him now, and 1 will have a photograph taken of it and sent to you if possible. I could not have wished for a better man or comrade under me or with me, and I am very broken up at losing him. I am sure it will be a consolation to you to know that he died a hero's death, with never a murmur or a grumble from tho beginning to the end. I never wish to meet a braver man. I say honestly that I and all who saw him were amazed at his high courage, and he has left us an example which will be very hard to follow.