Private William O’Connor

Private, 52nd Battalion, Infantry (Army).

Wrong regimental number (15053) in CVWM

Enlisted October 29, 1915 in Regina, Saskatchewan

Embarked S.S. Olympic in Halifax on May 1, 1916

Arrived Liverpool, England on May 7, 1916

Left England for France on June 6, 1916

Joined 52nd Battalion in Field on June 10, 1916

Killed in Action (Howitzer Shell) 12-06-1916

War Gratuity of $180 paid to Mother (Mary Ann O'Connor) in McLean Sask. on July 19, 1920

Private William O'Connor, son of James O'Connor and Mary Ann O'Connor, formerly of Godmanchester PQ, was killed in action, age 19 years, 11 months. James O'Connor received the following letter, printed in the Huntingdon Gleaner of January 4, 1917

"Dear Sir,

You have been now been notified by cable of the death of your gallant son, who was killed in action at 5:00 a.m. on the morning of 6th December.

I am sorry to have to confirm the news. Your son was killed by a howitzer shell during the raid on the German trenches. He was a man who was respected by the men and offocers of the company. He was always ready to undertake any dangerous work that came his way, always among the first to volunteer for such work. His nature was really a wonderful thing. I have never seen the boy without a smile on his lips and a joke ready. The men had a nickname for home, "Sunny", which exactly suited him, for no matter how long the march, how hard the duty in the trenches he was always smiling.

We can all appreciate your loss and the sorrow for your loss is also ours, for we have lost one of the best men and most gallant comrades it has been our privilage to have.

If I can do anything to explain things more clearly, please write me. I may say that your son received Christian burial on the morning of 7th December 1916. I have the honor to be sir, your obedient servant.

R.A. Wilcox, Lieut."

Saskatchewan Virtual War Memorial