Researching Pvt. Timothy O'Connell/Connell, RMLI

[Michelle Lyons]

Hi everybody,

I have recently stated researching my great-granduncle who died at Gallipoli in May of 1915. His name was Private Timothy O'Connell and I know he was in the Royal Marine Light Infantry. He was Irish, almost cetainly coming from County Cork. I have tried searching the Irish records of war dead, where he appears as Timothy Connell, and I have also searched the CWGC records. I found that his number was S 374 (Ch), which I gather means he was in Chatham Battalion. Apparently he died of wounds on a hospital ship on either May 3rd 1915 or May 6th (according to the Irish war records).

My grandmother used to talk about how her uncle had war medals awarded to him after he died, but even my own mother cannot recall ever seeing these. Also, family legend has it that he was not a young man when he joined the army, and it was badly received by his family (who hada strong Irish Republican background).

I was wondering if there is anyone out there who can help me find out more information about this man? Information on his background, his possible medals, or anything at all would be most gratefully received!

Thanks,

Michelle

[horatio2]

Suggest you delete this as it is being answered under "Soldiers".