“Mr Denis O'Brien, Wingatui, received advice on the 12th that his eldest son, Bomb. William O'Brien (New Zealand Field Artillery), had been killed in action on August 26. The deceased soldier left New Zealand with the 5th Reinforcements, and was for a time in Egypt, from which place he went to France with the first batch of troops. He was wounded, and after treatment at Walton-on-Thames Hospital proceeded to France, where he received a second wound and spent some time in a convalescent home. On recovery he returned to the firing line, and met his death. Deceased, who was born and reared at Wingatui, was a popular young man, being a member of several clubs and societies, including the Taieri Collie Club, the Hunt Club, and the Loyal Mosgiel Lodge of Oddfellows. He was an enthusiastic member of the Otago Hussars up till the inception of the Territorial scheme.“ [Otago Witness, Issue 3367, 25 September 1918, Page 42]