Major Peter Connellan, Hampshires

[curranl]

Hello All,

I came across the following on a plaque in a graveyard near my home place in County Kilkenny:

[/i]In Memory of Peter Martin Connellan, Major, Hampshire Regiment.

Only son of Major J. H. Connellan. Killed in Action 20th October 1914 near Armentiernes, France, aged 32 years.

And lies buried at Port De Nieppe.

I have found him in Ireland's Memorial Records and CWGC.

Does anyone have any information on him?

Regards,

Liam.

[linge]

Hi Liam

He appears in both Bond Of Sacrifice and De Ruvigny's. If you are interested send me an email and I will forward both obituaries to you.

Regards

Pam

[Moriaty]

I am fairly sure that he was the son of the Connellans of Coolmore in Co Kilkenny and was my grandmother's first cousin (her mother was Georgina Jane Connellan). I've probably got some more information at home and will try and do a further reply.

Moriaty

[curranl]

Hello Moriaty,

many thanks for your reply. He was indeed from Coolmore - near to my home place. I have a photo of the plaque which I can scan in and send on to you if you are interested.

Pam Linge has also very kindly sent me some material from de Ruvignys and Bond of Sacrifice. I'll send them on to you if you send me your email in a PM.

I am also chasing one other lead and I'll let you know how I get on.

Nice to have a living relative turn up

Regards,

Liam.

[rflory]

Liam: Here is what I have on him:

Major Peter Martin Connellan, Hampshire Regiment

The only son of the late Major J H F H Connellan, JP, DL and Mrs Laura Connellan of Coolmore, Thhomastown, Ireland

Educated at Harrow from 1895-1898

Joined the Hampshire Regiment in 1901

Served on the Aden Boundary Delimination Column in 1903-1904

Promoted to Captain in 1907

Awarded the Royal Humane Society's Medal for saving a man on his regiment from drowning in 1909.

Became Adjutant of the 3rd Battalion in 1911

In 1911 he married, Winifred, 3rd daughter of the late Arthur E Niblett, of Haresfield Court, Gloucester.

Embarked for France at Southampton on 21 Aug 1914

After the retreat from Mons, General Hunter-Weston sent forward his name for "special reward and promotion."

Appointed company commander and Acting Major and given command of a company.

Killed near Armentieres on 20 October 1914, the same day his name appeared in Sir John French's despatch.

Buried in a French graveyard at Pont de Nieppe

Sources: Harrow Memorials, volume 1; Harrow School Register, 1845-1925; Harrovian War Supplement, December 1914.

I have attached his photo below. Dick

[curranl]

Hello Dick,

Brilliant! Many thanks.

Regards,

Liam.