A Naval Biographical Dictionary/O'Reilly, Montagu Frederic
O’REILLY. (Lieut., 1845. f-p., 11; h-p., l.)
Montagu Frederic O’Reilly, born 17 Feb. 1822, is the only child of Lieut. John O’Reilly (b), R.N.
This officer entered the Royal Naval College in Feb. 1835; and embarked, in Feb. 1837, as a Volunteer, on board the Pelorus 16, Capt. Fras. Harding; in which vessel he was wrecked at Port Essington, Australia, while holding the rating of Midshipman, 25 Nov. 1839. Joining next, in 1841,, the Druid 44, Capt. Henry Smith, he took part in the hostile operations then in progress in China, where, in Aug. of that year, he assisted at the capture of Amoy and Golongsoo, and was intrusted with the charge of a Signal station at the latter place. On the Druid being paid off in the spring of 1843, having passed his examination 14 July, 1842, he was appointed Mate of the Excellent gunnery-ship at Portsmouth, Capt. Sir Thos. Hastings. After a servitude of three months off Lisbon in the Albion 90, Capt. Nicholas Lookyer, he sailed, at the commencement of 1845, for the coast of Africa, in the Action 26, Capt. Geo. Mansel. Volunteering to remain on that unhealthy station, although offered an appointment in the Mediterranean, he was nominated, 15 Aug. following, Acting-Lieutenant of the Lily 16, Capt. Chas. Jas. Franklin Newton; to which sloop he was confirmed 12 Dec. in the same year. Since 23 Sept. 1847 (shortly previous to which date the Lily had been put out of commission) he has been employed on particular service in the Bellerophon 78, Capt. Robt. Lambert Baynes.