Michael's Story.
Michael Bartley was born in Donegal, Ireland, in 1883 to parents Owen, a farmer, and Mary. He spent his early life there before enlisting in the Army in 1904. After his service in the Army, he relocated to the Wirral and was employed in the engineering department at Lever Brothers, Port Sunlight.On April 8, 1912, Michael married Catherine Rice at St. John’s Church, New Ferry. They had two children: John, born in 1913, and Mary Ann, born in 1914. With the outbreak of World War I, Michael promptly volunteered and joined the Princess Victoria’s (Royal Irish Rifles). Alongside his comrades, Michael embarked at Southampton aboard the SS Michigan and arrived in Boulogne, France, on August 23, 1914, as part of the British Expeditionary Force. Their initial engagement was the Battle of Le Cateau on August 26.
The subsequent major engagement was the Battle of the Aisne, from September 12th to 15th, 1914. During this battle, Michael sustained wounds and was subsequently taken from the front to the military hospital at St. Omer. Sadly, he succumbed to his injuries on October 15th, 1914, at the age of 30.
He left a widow and two children at their home at 88, New Chester Road, New Ferry.
Research by Chris Booth.