Michael James O'Rourke

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Michael James O'Rourke
Michael James O'Rourke

Michael James O'Rourke VC, MM (March 19, 1878 – December 6, 1957), was born in Limerick and was by birth an Irish recipient, and by naturalisation a Canadian recipient of the Victoria Cross. The Victoria Cross is the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

He was 39 years old, and a Private in the 7th (1st British Columbia) Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

During the period 15/17 August 1917 at Hill 70 near Lens, France, Private O'Rourke, who was a stretcher-bearer, 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 was swept by heavy machine-gun and rifle fire and on several occasions he was knocked down and partially buried by enemy shells. His courage and devotion in carrying out his rescue work in spite of exhaustion and incessant heavy fire inspired all ranks and undoubtedly saved many lives.

O'Rourke's grave
O'Rourke's grave

After the war, O'Rourke eked out a meagre existence on skid road in Vancouver, British Columbia, surviving on a disability pension of 10 dollars per month and casual work on the docks. During a longshoremen's strike in 1935, he headed a protest march of about 1,000 strikers, wearing his medals and carrying the Union Flag. The marchers attempted to pass a police line guarding the waterfront and was attacked with clubs and tear gas in what came to be known as the Battle of Ballantyne Pier.

He died on 6 December 1957 in Vancouver and is buried at Forest Lawn in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.

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