Beneath these memorial plaques honoring Michael O’Rourke VC and Robert Hanna VC lies a tale of extraordinary bravery. These plaques commemorate two Irish-Canadian soldiers. Both received the Victoria Cross for their remarkable courage during World War I.
Michael James O’Rourke was born in Limerick Ireland. Later he emigrated to Canada. He enlisted as a private in the 7th Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force. O’Rourke served as a stretcher bearer. He had already been awarded the Military Medal for his conduct at the Battle of the Somme in 1916. But it was his actions at Hill 70 near Lens France that earned him the Victoria Cross.
Between August 15th and 17th 1917 O’Rourke worked tirelessly. He braved constant heavy machine-gun and rifle fire. O’Rourke brought in wounded soldiers. He dressed their wounds and provided them with food and water. He was knocked down and partially buried by enemy shells several times. Despite this O’Rourke continued his selfless work. His citation tells of him seeing a blinded comrade stumbling in front of the trench. O’Rourke jumped out and brought him back despite being heavily sniped at. He also ventured 50 yards in front of the barrage to rescue another comrade. O’Rourke’s courage and devotion inspired all ranks. His actions saved many lives. After the war he faced hardship and died in 1957 in Vancouver.
Robert Hill Hanna was born in Kilkeel Ireland. He emigrated to Canada in 1905. Hanna enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force. He served with the 29th Infantry Battalion. Hanna earned the Victoria Cross for his actions on August 21 1917 at Hill 70 Lens France. All the company officers had become casualties. A strong point was heavily protected by wire and held by a machine gun. It had already beaten off three assaults. Hanna coolly collected a party of men under heavy fire. He led them against the strong point. Hanna rushed through the wire. He personally bayoneted three of the enemy and brained a fourth. This captured the position and silenced the machine gun. His courage at this critical moment led to the capture of a vital tactical point. The attack would not have succeeded without his daring actions. Hanna received his Victoria Cross from King George V. He later worked in logging and farming. Hanna died in 1967 in British Columbia.
These memorial plaques stand as a testament. They honor the incredible bravery and selflessness. Michael O’Rourke VC and Robert Hill Hanna VC displayed these qualities in the face of extreme danger. Both men were awarded the Victoria Cross for their actions at Hill 70 near Lens France. Their stories remind us of the sacrifices made by countless individuals during the First World War. They serve as an enduring example of courage under fire. Let us remember Michael O’Rourke VC and Robert Hill Hanna VC. They left behind an inspiring legacy of bravery and devotion to duty.