7096 Guardsman
1st Battalion, Scots Guards, 2 Guards Brigade, Guards Division
Age: 32
Date of Death: Died of Wounds 1.4.16
Buried: Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, V.B.38
Family history: He was married with two children and lived at 30 Kerse Lane, Falkirk. He was employed by Messers Gillespie of Falkirk as a Carter. A reservist, he had previously served seven years with the Scots Guards. His three brothers were also serving, Private John Connell, Royal Scots was a PoW, Private Alex Connel, Royal Scots and Bandsman William Connell, Royal Scots were both in training.
He landed in France on 13 August 1914.
The action leading to his death
The 1st Battalion were in the line at Potijze on 30 March 1916. The Germans started shelling at 7.30am and kept it up all morning. At 1.30pm the Germans started a very heavy bombardment all along the reserve trenches and firing line. The parapet was blown to pieces in many places all along the line, the dug-outs knocked flat, and many men killed, buried and wounded.
The War Diary records:
Medals Awarded
1914 Star with Clasp, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Head Stone
