Info on my great grandfather - O'Neil

[ap1]

I received this picture today from Steve Roberts 7017. Steve has taken the time to travel to the Munster Cemetery and obtain some photos of Michael O'Neils grave. The inscription at the foot of the headstone reads:

Though absent you are very near.
Still loved, still missed.
Still very dear

The photo confirms that Michael was a Royal Welchman when he died. This is quite important, as his details had been lost in the midst of time, and without this thread, his details may have never have been reconnected to the regiment.

I would like to say a big thanks to Steve for taking the time to assist Sammy. He has provided me with an extensive group of photos which I will be passing on to her. The actions of individuals like Steve Roberts make membership of this website worthwhile.

Sammy if you can PM me your email address, for the remainder of Steve's pictures.

[sammy]

Hello i would just like to thank you for your help with everthing,my mum has been in contact with some family members and we have found out what michael's medals are.......the 1st one is the france and germany star,the 2nd is the defence medal,3rd is 1939-1945 star,battle of britain and the last is the war medal.
I have also found out michael was in the 1st battalion,dont now if this helps but i didnt know that till i saw a picture of michaels wifes grave and thats what it had on it

[sammy]

Hi me again.....my mum and i have been intouch with a family member who is also searching our family tree and he has given us some amazing photo's of michael and even some of this funeral.I was wondering where would be the best place to post them.We were also wondering why the photo's of the funeral were taken and who may have taken them.

[ap1]

Hi Sammy,

This thread keeps throwing up little surprises. This is a great Sgts picture. I'm wondering who the guy 2nd from left is. No doubt Richard and Lars are scrutinising his fairly hefty medal ribbons. Which suggest substantial pre war service(a better close up can be viewed in the gallery).



Can you post the funeral pics please. We may identify others from the 1st Bn at that time.

With your permission Sammy, I think we will set up something suitable in the Vault about Michael once all the info is in. Perhaps a pen picture, with all the pics gathered in one place. What we really need now is his service record, so we can confirm which theatres he fought in.

Great Stuff.

[sammy]

Hi i cant seem to post the pics in here so i will post them the same way i have the other 2,hope that is ok.We also have a copy of his death certificate which i will post

[Smokeyjoe]

Hi Al,
What a great story I hope Sammy gets all that he wants from the research that you and others and Sammy have carried out.
It just goes to show how the forum has developed since it's inception, it is now a great asset to us all and the Regiment.
Well done everyone involved.
Regards,
Joe.

[anitacorbett]

Fantastic story. Well done everyone who was involved in it, you really are a great bunch! The pics are graet too, I know they are tinged with sadness but none the less fantastic family treasures.
Now I had an uncle in the Black Watch and I can't find his reg number .......!!!
Anita xx

[5haron]

Excellent. Hard work rewarded and recognised, well done to all involved :))

[LarsA]

Very interesting thread and photo!. Regarding the sergeants two row medal ribbon, I think he has at least the 39-45 star, Burma Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and a LSGC. May be one ribbon in front of the 39-45 star, but that is beyond my eyes to make out. Any other suggestions?
/Lars

[sammy]

I have some more photo's that im going to upload shortly but i would like to thank everyone who has helped me and my family finally learn about michael,so much of his past is still lost in time and we are at the moment waiting for his service records to come back to us and as soon as we get the i will post the infomation.

Again thank you all

sam x