John Connell

Killed in Action on the 20/07/1918 from gunshot wounds received whilst carrying ammunition to the troops at the front at the Battle of the Tardenois (Battles of the Marne 1918)

The Battalion were part of the 62nd (2nd West Riding) Division. The Battles of the Marne, 1918 : 20th July - 2nd August 1918 : A British force takes part in Foch's very large scale and highly successful counter offensive of the Marne, which proves to be the start of an unbroken series of Allied successes. The Battle of the Tardenois (part of the Battles of the Marne 1918). John was a Driver in the transport, and was carrying ammunition to the troops at the front, when he was shot down by a rifle of machine gun bullet. His Commanding Officer praised his bravery and devotion to duty and due to this had promoted him to Lance Corporal. SEE PHOTOS x 9 FOR THE BATTALION WAR DIARY JULY 1918. Sympathetic reference to John's death was made at the War Anniversary Service in Buchanan Street East United Congregational Church by the Reverend D. McIntosh. John was formerly with the Highland Light Infantry (26873). He is also remembered in the St. Augustine's Parish (book) Roll of Honour. John is listed as being 23 years old when he fell in Newspaper clippings 1, 2 and 4, aged 22 on his CWGC Grave Registration but is listed as aged 21 at the Family Plot in Old Monkland Cemetery (see photos). See photos for John's Medal Index Card, his CWGC Grave Registration, his name on the Soissons Memorial Panel List, the Family Plot in Old Monkland Cemetery, his Army Register of Soldiers Effects, his Service Medal and Award Rolls, Soissons Memorial, his name on the Soissons Memorial, the Highland Light Infantry Cap Badge (his initial Regiment), the Machine Gun Corps Cap Badge and John's Pension Record. Finally, see photos for Newspaper clippings x 4 (Coatbridge Express x 2 and Coatbridge Leader x 2), THE 62nd (2nd WEST RIDING) DIVISION BOOK 17th - 20th JULY 1918 x 36 (includes 13 pages concerning the unveiling of the Divisions War Memorial in Havrincourt in 1922) and the Division Order of Battle x 13 (the Division John was with when he died).