Charles William Connell
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Charles William Connell was the youngest son of Charles and Margaret Connell. He was born in Leeds, Yorkshire in 1888. Charles senior was a boot and shoe maker and moved around the country, no doubt to ply his trade. His four children Jane, Herbert, Percy and Charles, were born in a variety of locations including Barnsley. Bramley, Leeds and Sheffield. When the children reached adulthood, Jane married Wilfred Ford in 1897 and settled in Ecclesall, Herbert married Ethel Greenwood in 1901 and settled in Clay Cross Derbys, and Percy married Florrie Smith in 1904 in Sheffield. Sometime after these events, the remaining family of the parents and Charles William, settled in Worksop residing at 6 Back Crown Street. Charles William, now age 22, was working as a coal miner and his father as a boot repairer. On Aug 5 1912, Charles William married Florence Battist at St Johns Church, Worksop. Their first child, Margaret Ellen, was born on the 14 march 1913, whilst living at 15 Crown Terrace. By 1915 they were living at 50 Duchess Street, Creswell, Derbyshire where Charles was employed as a miner in the local colliery. It was here, at this address that their second child, John, was born on first of August 1915. The following year after the death of her husband, Florence married William Savage in Worksop in 1919. As his widow, the army returned Charles’ personal property on 20th Feb 1919 and his medals on 14th Sept 1921
Pte Charles William Connell Worksop Guardian 8 November 1918 The list of men who have been killed or have died in the war grows longer each week, and in this issue we have again to record the passing away of more Worksop lads. Amongst them is Pte Charles William Connell, R.A.M.C. news of whose death in Italy, reached his wife, Mrs Connell, 12 Crown Terrace, this week. The deceased joined the R.A.M.C. on September 19th 1915 and had previously put in five years service with the St John A A. He was 30 years of age and worked at Creswell Colliery. He first saw service in Egypt and later in France, and in July last, after a short spell at home, he was sent to Italy. His wife heard from him last week, and he then stated he was quite well and was looking forward to spending Xmas at home. It appears that he was only in hospital two days, and that his death took place on Oct 30th from influenza. He leaves two little children, with whom and his widow much sympathy is felt. The news of his death is contained in a latter from the Roman Catholic Chaplain, who was with him in his last hours. He says:- I am sorry I have to write to you the sad news of your husbands death. He came here only two days ago, and last night grew suddenly worse and died today (30th). May he rest in peace. The disease was prevalent influenza but he suffered comparatively little and he was treated with the greatest care and kindness by the nurses and doctors. I attended to him as priest and he received all rights of Holy Church. He was most devout and understood to the very last the prayers I said in his ear. Both deceased’s brothers have fallen in action, vis. Pte Percy Connell, Worksop and Pte Herbert Connell, Pilsley.
Buried in the Bordighera British Cemetery, Italy. Charles's elder brother, Percy, was killed in France in 1917. Research by Colin Dannatt
