James Lawrence O'BRIEN

Regimental number10250
OccupationSheep farmer
Next of kinSister, Mrs H Day, 17 Milton Street, Nelson
Rank on embarkationPrivate
Enlistment statusVolunteer
Unit nameNew Zealand Expeditionary Force, 11th Reinforcements (including Details to make up shortages in 10th Reinforcements), J Company
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Wellington on 1 April 1916
The 11th Reinforcements left New Zealand on board two ships (HMNZT 49 'Maunganui' and HMNZT 50 'Tahiti'). It is not possible from the Nominal Roll to determine on which ship an individual embarked. The Nominal Roll gives the date of departure as 1 April 1916; harbour records indicate that the actual date of embarkation was 2 April 1916.
Final rankSergeant
Final unit2nd Battalion, Auckland Infantry Regiment
Medals

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has fought in every action but one in which the battalion has been engaged. He distinguished himself at Grevillers and Bancourt in August 1918, by the cool handling of his section and his gallantry under heavy fire. On 10th October, in the advance to the River Selle, he was again noticed for his excellent work.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 3 June 1919

SourcesNominal Roll Vol. 2: Roll 28, p. 18