Gunner William Henry Connell

See Notes (1) (2)

William was born in Bacchus Marsh, VIC, on the 16^th of June 1896 to John Connell and Mary Allan. William had a brother, James, who is also remembered in the Avenue.

William was a farmer, living in Bacchus Marsh, VIC, when he enlisted in the AIF, 31^st Reinforcements, 4^th Light Horse Regiment on the 8^th of August 1917, aged 21. He embarked aboard the HMAT A38 Ulysses at the end of December, disembarking at Suez, Egypt, in January 1918. In February William re-embarked at Alexandria, Egypt, disembarking in Taranto, Italy, later that month. He finally disembarked in Southampton, England, in March 1918.

In May 1918 he proceeded to France to reinforce the Artillery - he joined the 5^th Divisional Ammunition Column in the field at the end of May. William was charged with failure to appear at parade and forfeited three days pay in August. He was granted two weeks leave in England in late February 1919 and after he rejoined his unit in Belgium, was attached for duty with the 13^th Field Artillery Brigade. William returned to England in May 1919 and embarked for Australia in July, arriving back in Australia in July. He was discharged from the AIF in September.

He is listed on the Shire of Bacchus Marsh Roll of Honour and the Bacchus Marsh & District Roll of Honour. He is also remembered in the Coimadai Avenue of Honour.

Notes

1. He was a Trooper when he embarked with the 4^th LHR but became a Gunner when he transferred to the 5^th DAC.
2. He embarked with the 4^th LHR but transferred to the 5^th DAC.

Location of Tree Number N063

Tree Position (accuracy ±1 tree) -37.6791524374992, 144.45535742307416

Related Links

• Timeline
• Nominal Roll
• Embarkation Roll
• Service Records
• Unit Diaries - 5^th Divisional Ammunition Column

Last updated by lee, Sat, 28 Aug 2021 11:00:25