Private Michael James O’Rourke VC, MM in the Great War

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Sure I don’t know what the fuss is all about, it was me job you see to take out the wounded. There was a lot of machine gun and sniper fire. I could not do anything else but keep on goin’, you know what I mean.

Michael James O’Rourke 428545 born on 19 March 1878 in Limerick, Ireland. His father James O’Rourke and his mother Catherine nee Baker. Michael lost both of his parents by the age of 11. Two sisters, one of whom named Sadie, and a Mrs. K. Mack , residing at 2564 Broadway, Montreal, Quebec.

MIKAN No. 3219606 Michael James O'Rourke — Pvt. Michael James O`Rourke VC, MM, 7th Canadian Infantry Battalion, was awarded the Victoria Cross for his sustained life-saving efforts and courage while under fire while serving as a stretcher-bearer from August 15th to 17th, 1917 during the fighting for Hill 70, near Lens. He had already received the Military Medal for heroism during the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, September 1916. He is wearing the ribbons for both medals. MIKAN No. 3219606

Michael ‘Mickey’ James O’Rourke served seven years in the 104th Battalion, Royal Munster Fusiliers then emigrated to Canada before 1914. He settled in Vancouver, British Columbia and became a lumberjack. Later a miner working on the Connaught Tunnel in Rogers Pass for the Canadian Pacific Railway. Then, the British Columbia Electric tunnel in Coquitlam. He also worked in mines at Fernie, British Columbia.

MIKAN No. 3219605 Michael James O'Rourke — Pvt. Michael J. O`Rourke (on the right), 7th Canadian Infantry Battalion. He is wearing the ribbons for both medals, and sitting beside a Sergeant in the same battalion. MIKAN No. 3219605

Service

Michael J O’Rourke enlisted with 47th Battalion, CEF at Revelstoke, British Columbia on 23 March 1915. A big, strong man in his time, he stood 5’10” tall, 160 pounds, with medium complexion, grey eyes and dark hair. Sailed for Britain with 47th Battalion on 22 April, later arriving on 6 May, and posted to Shorncliffe, Kent. Transferred to 30th Reserve Battalion, then granted 9 days leave on 30 May 1915.

On 28 June 1915, forfeits 7 days pay for using abusive language. Awarded 14 Days F.P. No. 1 for drunkenness on Active Service, 29 June 1915. Perhaps a little too anxious to make it overseas, Michael displays no other issues with authority. That is, until after the Great War.

Mickey transferred to the 7th Battalion on 28 August 1915. Private Michael James O’Rourke would soon be in action. Finally, sailed for France, joining the front on 4 September 1915 with the 7th Battalion.

7th (1st British Columbia) Battalion

The 7th Battalion raised at Camp Valcartier, Quebec, in September 1914 with an initial strength of 1223 officers and men. Its first CO Lieutenant-Colonel Hart-McHarg. More than 6000 men served in the 7th Battalion. The 7th suffered 1440 killed and 3294 wounded during its 45 months on the Western Front.

Lt.-Col. W.F. Gilson & Major D. Philpott, 7th Bn. December, 1917. MIKAN No. 3405961

Members of the Battalion earned over 270 awards for gallantry. Including three Victoria Crosses, the highest award for Valour in the Empire. The VCs earned by Captain Edward Donald Bellew and Privates Michael James O’Rourke and Walter Leigh Rayfield.

The only two original officers left, 7th Canadian Infantry Battalion, Capt. W.S. Ford and Lt. Col. Gardner, ‘Patricia Lines’, Belgium, 6 August 1916. Ford will survive, Gardner is killed 30/09/1918. MIKAN No. 3405950

MIKAN photo collection

Few opportunities present themselves to identify Other Ranks in the MIKAN photo collection. Some photos identify Officers. At the time of the photograph below, Private O’Rourke had yet to earn his first medal, and would not have been singled out in the image. Look for Michael James O’Rourke sitting tall, center, in second row, just to left of the tree trunk.

MIKAN No. 3405956 Michael James O'Rourke — No. 2 Company, 7th Infantry Battalion, 6 August 1916. Michael J. O’Rourke is center, in second row. MIKAN No. 3405956

Military Medal

Awarded the Military Medal for his actions on 8 September 1916 at Mouquet Farm during the Battle of the Somme. He led the men in his sector over the parapet and maintained his position well in advance. He bombed the Germans for three hours from several points of vantage until he ran out of bombs. Then, sent a Lewis gunner for more, but he was killed. A gunner from 4th Battalion volunteered to go, but he too was killed. O’Rourke spotted a German in a sap and killed him with a bomb found nearby. London Gazette No. 29854, 8 December 1916.

The Germans many of them got into a sap very early in the morning. I bombed them for three hours until the supplies of bombs ran out. Then I lay in the hellhole sniping. A Lewis Gunner came up and I sent for ammo but while I was waiting he was killed. I got another Gunner from the 4th Battalion but the same fate awaited him.

Finally I came in contact with a German in a Sap. Our respective conditions were such that I could see him but he could not see me. I located a bomb and threw it with the desired effected intended. I took his rifle and a lot of bombs called potato markers which also I sent into the enemy positions.
Michael Jame O’Rourke, Daily Province, 10 January 1918.

Canadian Corps Commander Lt.-Gen. Julian Byng

On 6 October 1916, Lt.-Gen. Julian Byng presents the Military Medal to Private O’Rourke in the field. As the Governor General of Canada, Byng intervenes on O’Rourke’s behalf following the Great War. Like many a Veteran, unjustly deprived of his disability pension. Men of the Canadian Corps prided themselves as Byng Boys. In return, Byng immensely popular in Canada after the war.

General Sir Julien Byng talking to General Sir Arthur Currie. February, 1918. MIKAN No. 3404870

Private Michael James O’Rourke MM attached to the 1st Canadian Divisional Train, 20 November 1916. Returned to 7th Battalion on 2 February 1917. Training with the battalion and taking part in the Battle of Vimy Ridge in April 1917. Proceeded on leave to England 1 October 1917.

Cadet Robert Hanna, V.C., Pte. M.J. O'Rourke, V.C. MIKAN No. 3405054 Michael James O'Rourke — Pte. M.J. O’Rourke, V.C. MIKAN No. 3405054

Michael James O’Rourke MM returned to field 13 October 1917.

MIKAN No. 3219607. Michael James O'Rourke — Cadet Robert Hanna V.C. (right) and Pte. M.J. O’Rourke V.C.(center). MIKAN No. 3219607

Sergeant-Major Robert Hanna VC

On 21 August 1917, during the start of the second phase of the fighting for Hill 70, Sergeant-Major Robert Hanna, 30, who had left his logging job in Vancouver to enlist, found himself in charge of B Co. of the 29th Battalion. This, after a stubborn German machine-gun post had repelled three attacks that killed all of the unit’s officers.

Hanna coolly collected a party of men and then led them against the position amid a hail of rifle and machine-gun fire. He forced his way through barbed wire and then killed three of the German gun crew with his bayonet and brained a fourth with the butt of his rifle.

Victoria Cross action of Private Michael James O’Rourke MM

The group consolidated its position by hastily building a fortification block, but the Germans were quick to attack in force. However, Hanna and his party bravely held on against repeated assaults until they were relieved later in the day.

Stretcher-bearer

During the period 15-17 August 1917 at Hill 70, Private Michael James O’Rourke MM now a stretcher-bearer. He worked unceasingly for three days and nights bringing in the wounded. Dressing their wounds, and getting them food and water. During the whole of this period the area in which he worked swept by heavy machine-gun and rifle fire. On several occasions, knocked down and partially buried by enemy shells.

Like many unheralded soldiers, courage and devotion to duty in carrying out his rescue work. In spite of exhaustion and incessant heavy fire, he inspired all ranks. Michael undoubtedly saved many lives. His actions noticed by many Officers, Private Michael J. O’Rourke MM now nominated for the Victoria Cross, the highest medal for valor in the British Army.

Victoria Cross

For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty during prolonged operations.

For three days and nights Pte. O’Rourke, who is a stretcher-bearer, worked unceasingly in bringing the wounded into safety, dressing them, and getting them food and water.

During the whole of his period the area in which he worked was subjected to very severe shelling and swept by heavy machine gun and rifle fire. On several occasions he was knocked down and partially buried by enemy shells. Seeing a comrade who had been blinded stumbling around ahead of our trench, in full view of the enemy who were sniping him, Pte. O’Rourke jumped out of his trench and brought the man back, being himself heavily sniped at while doing so.

Again he went forward about 50 yards in front of our barrage under very heavy and accurate fire from enemy machine guns and snipers, and brought in a comrade. On a subsequent occasion, when the line of advanced posts was retired to the line to be consolidated, he went forward under very heavy enemy fire of every description and brought back a wounded man who had been left behind.

He showed throughout an absolute disregard for his own safety, going wherever there were wounded to succor, and his magnificent courage and devotion in continuing his rescue work, in spite of exhaustion and the incessant heavy enemy fire of every description, inspired all ranks and undoubtedly saved many lives.”
(London Gazette, no.30372, 8 November 1917)

Second Battle of Passchendaele

Following his return from England on 13 October 1917, Mickey on duty during the Second Battle of Passchendaele. Gassed, but he did not admit himself to the C.C.S. Then, sent back to England again in late November.

However, for Mickey, Second Battle of Passchendaele would be the straw that broke the camel’s back. Stretcher-bearers in knee to waste deep mud in Flanders would normally collapse after their first, if not second retrieval of a wounded soldier.

Private Michael James O’Rourke VC, MM’s last battle.

PTSD

With Mickey’s last action now behind him. Another battle already well underway. Mickey began to suffer from severe sciatica due to exposure to cold and wet (during the Battle of the Somme the previous year), and strain of service.

Firstly, shows fairly marked degree of debility, is nervous and tremulous – somewhat anaemic. in addition, the left sciatic is somewhat tender, and there is pain on full extension of leg flexed on abdomen. However, can walk 3 or 4 miles at an easy gait. Is somewhat dyspnoeic on such exertion as running, climbing hills, etc. The sciatica is of slight grade.

H.M. King George V with Lieut.-Gen. Hon. Sir J.H.G. Byng during visit to the Canadian Corps, Reningelst, Belgium, August 1916. Lt.-Gen. Arthur Currie at right. MIKAN No. 3521727

Finally, a nasal operation performed at Royal Columbian Hospital. Then, posted to British Columbia Regiment Depot at Seaford on 9 December 1917. Finally, O’Rourke received the VC from King George V at Buckingham Palace on 5 December 1917.

War Illustrated, 5 January 1917. Michael James O'Rourke — War Illustrated, 5 January 1917.

Canada

Mickey sailed for Canada on SS METAGAMA from Liverpool on 23 December 1917. Then, arriving at St John on 6 January 1918 for ten weeks’ furlough. Finally, reported for duty in March, and posted to Special Service Company at Vancouver on 2 April. Then, to 11th Battalion, Canadian Garrison Regiment, CEF at Vancouver on 1 May.

Acting in an official capacity for the Canadian Corps, Mickey invited to many appearances where he was quite popular. He did well to hide his aversion to crowds, and loud noise.

SS METAGAMA in St. Lawrence Seaway, 1927.

His sciatica saw him only fit for Home Service and discharged on 16 July 1918 at Vancouver. Having become medically unfit for further service overseas by reason of disabilities incurred on active service. His conduct and character while in the Service very good. Address on discharge the Georgian Hotel, 4th Avenue, Seattle, USA.

1920s

Mickey then held several jobs in California before working in fisheries in British Columbia. He became a longshoreman at Vancouver Docks. Working the grain elevators and known locally as King of the Waterfront. But, he continued to suffer from bronchitis, and his doctors recommended a 10% disability pension. Refused due to his drinking. But, he appealed the decision, with help from an old friend

Awarded a pension of $10 a month following an intervention by the Governor General of Canada, Julian Byng. No doubt, Byng recalled having awarded O’Rourke the Military Medal in the field.

Awarded a further 5% in 1926 due to chronic bronchitis. Then, he worked for the Coast Stevedoring Company as a swamper. Later, as a watchman, before keeping a fruit stall at Vancouver Docks. Michael never married.

MIKAN No. 3219608. Michael James O'Rourke — Private M.J. O`Rourke, V.C. 7th Bn. MIKAN No. 3219608

He refused to attend the 1929 VC Dinner at the House of Lords as he didn’t have a suit. His friends bought him one, but the day before the train was due to leave, he disappeared for two weeks. However, his seat left open for him.

Battle of Ballantyne Pier

On 18 June 1935, Michael James O’Rourke led a parade of over 1000 striking waterfront workers in an incident known as the Battle of Ballantyne Pier. Police reports record O’Rourke’s presence at the pier, and a clear photograph of him surrounded by strikers.

Longshoremen and their supporters en route to Ballantyne Pier, 18 June 1935. Mickey O'Rourke is on the bottom left, carrying the Union Jack. Michael James O'Rourke — Longshoremen and their supporters en route to Ballantyne Pier, 18 June 1935. Mickey O’Rourke is on the bottom left, carrying the Union Jack.

Workers demanding wage increases, union recognition, and a Fair Dispatch System. Allied against the workers, many local bosses, politicians and the media. The strike blamed on a growing Bolshevik menace.

Later Years

Mickey later invited to meet Princess Elizabeth, and Prince Philip on their Royal Tour to Vancouver in 1951. But, he refused. “They wouldn’t want to meet an old blatherskite like me”. In 1953, admitted to Shaughnessy Veterans Hospital again after becoming intoxicated. Badly beaten up and his optic nerves damaged. He spent a month in hospital.

Then, transferred under the Mental Health Act to the George Derby Facility in Burnaby, British Columbia. Diagnosed with senility and arteriosclerosis. He signed over his power of attorney. Pensions and VC gratuity went to the hospital in exchange for his care. Displeased with the level of care provided, his sister Sadie had taken him in by 1956.

In 1956, invited to the year’s VC Centenary Celebrations in Hyde Park, London, but again, he refused. He believed it an attempt to have him committed once again. By the time his sister and friends convinced him the invite genuine, all spaces booked. However, a Vancouver doctor paid the airfare and Mickey arrived just in time for the ceremonies.

Death

Michael James O’Rourke died at his sister Sadie’s house in Vancouver on 6 December 1957 following a prolonged illness. Buried in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, North Burnaby, near Vancouver. Newspaper articles state the procession included at least seven fellow VC recipients, city officials, military officers, 7th Battalion veterans, and former co-workers from the docks. Many homeless veterans among the mourners.

Private Michael James O’Rourke, VC, MM, buried with a plain grave marker in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Burnaby, British Columbia.

Michael J O'Rourke Forest Lawn Memorial Park — Forest Lawn Memorial Park, resting place of Private Michael James O’Rourke VC, MM

In addition to his VC and MM, awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal 1914-20, Victory Medal 1914-19, George VI Coronation Medal 1937 and Elizabeth II Coronation Medal 1953. His VC reported stolen from his room at Haden Hotel, Vancouver in May 1926.

The Regiment made an extensive search for the medal without success. The officers purchased a high quality unnamed replica, but not an official replacement. Finally, the medal group held by the British Columbia Regiment Museum (Duke of Connaught’s Own), Vancouver. The location of the original VC not known.