Trafford

In 1911, his parents resided at Heath Road, Weston, Near Runcorn, Cheshire.
   His father, David was a 33 year old Chemical Worker born at Frodsham and
his mother, Jane, was aged: 34 and born at Weston Point, Cheshire.   They
had four young children, aged: 9; 7; 5; and 2.

William was born during the June quarter 1915 in the Runcorn R.D. - ref:
8a/385, the son of David & Jane Connolly (nee Whitby).

His father died in late 1917, aged: 39.

1921 Census - 9, Leonard Street, Weston Point, Weston by Runcorn, Cheshire,
 Son - aged: 5 - born: Western Point, Runcorn, Cheshire.   Head of
household - Jane Connolly - Widow - aged: 44 - born: Western Point,
Runcorn.   Plus 3 elder siblings and 2 boarders.

Lived at Lymm for years, then moved to William Street, Altrincham, before
moving to Doncaster.

Married Gladys Carr during the September quarter 1939 in the Don Valley
R.D. - ref: 9c/2695.

Joined the Army at the outbreak of war and served for 10 months in the
South Lancashire Rgt., before transferring to the DLI.   Served in Iceland
for 2 years.

He was serving as a stretcher bearer in the HQ Company, DLI in Normandy
when he was killed.  The 10th Battalion, D.L.I. were part of the 70th
Infantry Brigade.

On the 29th June 1944, the enemy counter-attacked with tanks firing, but
still concealed.   Buildings near Battalion H.Q. were hit and casualties
resulted. 'A' and 'B' (forward) Companies were heavily shelled and
mortared.  The German infantry advanced against 'B' Company but were beaten
off, largely by mortar fire.   'C' Company had to deal with enemy
infiltration during the afternoon.
 
On the 30th, mortaring and shelling continuously.   Counter-battery work.  
Relieved in the evening by 1st Tyneside Scottish and returned for a rest to
the Parc Du Boislonde area. 

His death was reported in the 28/07/1944 edition of the Sale & Stretford
Guardian.

The CWGC records state that his widow lived at Leicester.

M.I. "Memories treasured, no one can steal, death leaves a wound, no one
can heal".

CWGC - The Fontenay-le-Pesnel War Cemetery contains the graves of men who
died in the fighting to the west and south-west of Caen in June-July 1944.
There are particularly large numbers of graves of the South Staffordshire,
East Lancashire, Royal Warwickshire Regiments, and the Durham Light
Infantry.