Quick Facts
Biography
Morgan John Winthrop O'Donovan (1893–1969), The O'Donovan, MC, held the position of O'Donovan of Clan Cahillfrom 1940 to his death in 1969. He was the son of Morgan William II O'Donovan and Mary Eleanor Barton, and was a descendant in the male line from Donal II O'Donovan, The O'Donovan of Clancahill, who was the last chief of his sept inaugurated in the ancient Gaelic manner, with the White Rod, by his father in law MacCarthy Reagh, Prince of Carbery, circa 1584.
Career
O'Donovan attended Marlborough College, and then Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, being commissioned in 1913. He fought in the First World War, and in 1917 was decorated with the Military Cross. Between 1919 and 1920 he fought in the Iraq Campaign and was mentioned in despatches.
From 1937 to 1940 O'Donovan commanded the 1st Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers, fighting in the Second World War and later commanded the 125th Infantry Brigade, part of 42nd (East Lancashire) Infantry Division. In January 1942 he took command of 210th Independent Infantry Brigade (Home) as it was being converted into 38th (Irish) Infantry Brigade. He retired in 1944 with the rank of Brigadier. O'Donovan was then with the British Red Cross and Order of St. John in 1945.
Marriage and issue
Morgan John Winthrop married Cornelia Bagnell, daughter of William Henry Bagnell and Florence May Burrowes, and they had issue:
- Katharine Mary O'Donovan
- Morgan Gerald Daniel O'Donovan