Company Sergeant-Major Charles William O’Connell

Sgt. Maj. O’Connell Obituary
1916. “Wounded on Day Father Killed.” London Free Press, August 19, 1916, p.

CEF no. 53372

O’Connell was a book keeper by profession. He had experience in the pre-war Militia, serving two years with the Royal Canadian Dragoons, and three months with the 7^th Fusiliers Regiment. He enlisted in the 18^th Canadian Infantry Battalion in early November 1914, and was promoted to Sergeant in May 1915. Shortly after his arrival in France, however, Sgt. O’Connell suffered burns to his hands and face and spent the next four months in military hospital. In February of 1916 he returned to the 18^th Btn. and was shortly thereafter promoted to Company Sergeant Major. He was reported missing, later confirmed killed in action on 15 September 1916, during the Battle of the Somme.

He is commemorated on page 143 of the First World War Book of Remembrance (Memorial Chamber, Peace Tower, Parliament Hill).

Grave: Adanac Military Cemetery, France.