14 Facts About Paddy O'Daire

Patrick O'Daire was an Irish soldier and activist who fought in the Irish War of Independence, the Irish Civil War, the Spanish Civil War with the XV International Brigade, and in World War II as part of Royal Pioneer Corps of the British Army.

Paddy O'Daire was born in Glenties, County Donegal, Ireland in 1905.

Paddy O'Daire remained in the National Army until August 1929 when he immigrated to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Paddy O'Daire had been lured to Canada on a government scheme which offered ownership of land to immigrants, provided they were able to make it arable.

Paddy O'Daire worked for a year clearing land but by the time his land was ready to farm, the Great Depression had hit and he was unable to start his farm.

Paddy O'Daire served 15 months doing hard labour in a Canadian prison before being deported to Liverpool, England in 1934.

Paddy O'Daire joined the Communist Party of Great Britain that same year.

In December 1936, Paddy O'Daire went to Spain and volunteered to defend the Second Spanish Republic during the Spanish Civil War, serving with the International Brigades, army units made up of foreign volunteers.

Paddy O'Daire was wounded early on, getting hit in Lopera near Cordoba in December 1936, but was able to recover reasonably quickly.

In late August 1937, Paddy O'Daire took part in the Battle of Belchite.

Paddy O'Daire's unit was tasked with capturing the town of Quinto.

Daly was taken away for aid while Paddy O'Daire took charge refusing the orders of his superior, Lieutenant Colonel Vladimir Copic, to continue the suicidal attack, keeping his men dug in on the exposed hillside until nightfall and safe withdrawal.

Subsequently, Paddy O'Daire took over his command of the British Battalion.

In 1938 Paddy O'Daire became director of operations of the XV International Brigade.