Corporal John O'Brien (7044339) served in the Royal Irish Fusiliers during World War Two. He was the son of Thomas O'Brien and Ellen O'Brien of 11 Castle Street, Waterford, Ireland. He was the husband of Ann O'Brien of Lisburn, Co. Antrim.
He died on 27th May 1943 aged 30 years old. An inquest by Dr. H Baird returned a verdict of death by natural causes after comrades found the soldier dead at an army billet in Lisburn, Co. Antrim. John had not reported being unwell to officers although complained to Fusilier James McGowan of “a bad heart” on 26th May 1943. An army doctor stated:
Death was due to the acute cardiac collapse supervening on myocardial degeneration and brought about by violent exercise.
John O’Brien’s grave is in Section A, Row LG, Grave 42 of Milltown Cemetery, Belfast, Co. Antrim. His name is on the Lisburn War Memorial, Lisburn, Co. Antrim.