Harry O'Melia (1896-1918)
An ongoing project to commemorate and research the lives of those who appear on war memorials and rolls of honour in the local area, who served in the military, or whose deaths were linked to conflict.
Biography
Harry O'Melia was born in Holmfirth, the son of iron foundry moulder John O'Melia and his wife Maggie.
Huddersfield's Roll of Honour: 1914-1922
The following extract is from Huddersfield's Roll of Honour: 1914-1922 (2014) by J. Margaret Stansfield:
- O'MELIA, HARRY. Private. No 267884. 1/6th Battalion Duke of Wellington's Regiment. Born Holmfirth. Son of John W. and Margaret O'Melia of Norridge Bottom, Holmfirth. Educated Holmfirth Wesleyan Day School. Employed by Messrs B. Mellor and Son, Albert Mills, Holmfirth. Enlisted at the outbreak of the war. Wounded on one occasion. After treatment in England, returned to France. Wounded again, in the leg. Underwent amputation of the leg at No 26 General Hospital, but died on 23.4.1918, aged 21 years. Buried ETAPLES MILITARY CEMETERY. Grave location:- Plot 29, Row L, Grave 4a. (Cousin of Private JAMES WILLIAM O' MELIA, killed in action, 20.7.1918, q.v.).
- ROH:- Holmfirth War Memorial.
Newspaper References
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
- Private O'MELIA
- regiment: Duke of Wellington's Regiment (West Riding)
- died: Tuesday, April 23, 1918
- age: 21 years
- record ID: 504512