Hi

Hi, My name is Pat, my dad was part of the Shanghai Defence force in 1927. During his army career he was in the Irish rifles (1915) later Royal Ulster Rifles (1922) I think he left the army in 1926 only to be called back in 1927 To go to China On the back of the Photographs it states Shanghai Defence force 1927 I am unable to obtain any army records for Patrick, as I need his regiment of discharge. His name was Patrick Lawrence O’Brien born 1900 and died 1958. Any information about these photographs would be so helpful. Please feel free to use these Photographs in your archive if they are of any use, thank you for taking the time to read this, regards Pat.

My Dad was born in Fulham London on the 12th May 1900 to Patrick and Mary Ann O’Brien. He was the last of ten children. He Joined The Irish Rifles when he was 15 as a bandsman and played French horn. He continued in the Army (by now Royal Ulster Rifles), and we believe he left the Army in 1926 only to be recalled to go to China as part of the Shanghai Defence Force and I suppose attached to the Cameronians. My Mum was in fear that he would not be home in time for their wedding which was arranged for 21st April 1928.

All worked out well and they were married on that date. Dad left the army in 1928 and lived on the Isle of Wight until his death on the 1st March 1959. I did apply some years ago for his Army record but having no Army Number and scant information they were unable to trace his record and I was told that they needed his discharge regiment.

Pat Butcher - Feb 2015