Paddy O'Daire facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Patrick O'Daire
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Image of O'Daire circa 1937, taken while fighting in Spain.
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| Nickname(s) | Paddy |
| Born | 22 May 1905 the Glenties, County Donegal, Ireland |
| Died | 12 November 1981 (aged 76) Llanberis, Wales. |
| Allegiance |  Irish Free State Spanish Republic UK |
| Service/ |
 Irish Republican Army National Army International Brigades British Army |
| Rank | Sergeant.svg){kind=small} Lieutenant Major |
| Unit | Abraham Lincoln Battalion British Battalion Royal Pioneer Corps |
| Commands held | British Battalion |
| Battles/wars | Irish War of Independence Irish Civil War Spanish Civil War World War II |
Patrick O'Daire (born May 22, 1905 – died November 12, 1981) was an Irish soldier. He was known for fighting in several important wars. These included the Irish War of Independence, the Irish Civil War, and the Spanish Civil War. He also served in World War II with the British Army.
Contents
Early Life and Adventures
Patrick O'Daire was born in 1905 in Glenties, a town in County Donegal, Ireland. When he was a teenager, he joined the Irish Republican Army. He fought in the Irish War of Independence. This war helped Ireland become independent.
After the war, he became an officer in the National Army. This was the army of the new Irish Free State. In 1929, he moved to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. He hoped to get land there and become a farmer.
However, the Great Depression started, making it hard to farm. Patrick became unhappy and started helping to organize protests for workers. Because of his military background, the authorities saw him as a threat. He was arrested and spent time in a Canadian prison. In 1934, he was sent back to England.
Fighting in the Spanish Civil War
In December 1936, Patrick O'Daire went to Spain. He volunteered to help defend the Second Spanish Republic during the Spanish Civil War. He joined the International Brigades. These were army units made up of volunteers from many different countries.
Patrick and other Irish volunteers were part of the Connolly Column. They fought in the Lincoln Battalion and later the British Battalion. Because of his past military experience, Patrick was made an officer. He was second-in-command to another leader named Peter Daly.
Patrick was injured early on in December 1936 near Córdoba. But he recovered quickly and returned to fight. The Irish volunteers fought in battles like the Battle of Pozoblanco and the Battle of Jarama. They also saw action in the Aragon Offensive.
In August 1937, Patrick took part in the Battle of Belchite. His unit had to capture a hill called Purburrel Hill. This hill was strongly defended by enemy soldiers. Patrick's unit faced many challenges and took heavy losses. Peter Daly, his commander, was wounded.
On August 26, Patrick O'Daire led his unit again. This time, with more support, they broke through the enemy lines. They captured many enemy troops. Sadly, Peter Daly passed away from his injuries on September 5, 1937. After this, Patrick O'Daire took over command of the British Battalion. In 1938, he became a director of operations for the XV International Brigade.
World War II Service
When World War II began, Patrick O'Daire joined the British Army. He started as a private soldier. He eventually rose through the ranks to become a Major. He served with the Royal Pioneer Corps and fought in Italy.
Later Life
After World War II ended, Patrick O'Daire lived in Coventry, England, for many years. Later, he moved to Llanberis, Wales. He passed away in 1981.
