He was killed in action on 2nd August 1917 and has no known grave. He is entered on a panel on the Menin Gate. In his sister's possession was a silk strip which was sent to the widow's relatives in commemoration of his death. It has a photo of Michael on it and was folded inside a prayer book. Michael was a catholic and his prayer book and an ID card holder saying "I am a catholic in case of injury, please notify a priest" were also in his sister's possessions. There are photographs of Michael and embroidered cards which were sent home. There is also a photograph of Michael, his sister Bridget and brother John with a verse at the top as follows: We miss you when the morning dawns We miss you wen the night returns We miss you here, we miss you there Dear children we miss you everywhere

There is also a photo of her husband Michael Laffy who also died in the First World war though no details are known. There is also a prayer book belonging to Elizabeth Gallagher