Museum of the Manchester Regiment
The Men Behind the Medals

Herbert O’Brien

Herbert O’Brien : Courtesy of Tameside Local Studies & Archive Centre

Courtesy of Tameside Local Studies & Archive Centre

Herbert O’Brien : (L to R) MBE; General Service Medal with ‘Palestine’ clasp; 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence Medal; War Medal 1939-45; Coronation Medal 1937; Coronation Medal 1953

(L to R) MBE; General Service Medal with ‘Palestine’ clasp; 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence Medal; War Medal 1939-45; Coronation Medal 1937; Coronation Medal 1953

Herbert was born on the 11th September 1900 in Aldershot. He lived with his mother, Mary Ann, and his father, Patrick. His father was an officer who served with the Manchester Regiment between 1887 and 1923. For a time Herbert lived at the barracks in Portland, Dorset where his father’s battalion were stationed in 1901. Also living there were his siblings, Catharine, Ellen, William and Francis.

It is not known when exactly Herbert joined the Army. Like his father he took a commission as an officer with the Manchester Regiment. He served in Palestine from 1936 until 1939, and then in Burma during the Second World War. Though there are little details of his time in the Army, he was awarded an MBE for his service.

Herbert married Mary Lucy in October 1931. Little is known of his life after the Second World War. He died on the 11th January 1972 in Ashton. He was 71 years old.

Herbert’s medals were donated to the collections in 2012. His father’s medals were also donated and his biography and medals can be found on this website.

Museum of the Manchester Regiment
c/o Portland Basin Museum
Portland Place
Heritage Wharf
Ashton-under-Lyne
OL7 0QA

Telephone: 0161 342 5480
Email: Portland.Basin@tameside.gov.uk
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© Trustees of the Manchester Regiment Museum & Archive and Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council