Connell, Eric MacIntyre (1891 - 1916)

Lieutenant, 15th Bn. Canadian Infantry

Buried at Reninghelst New Military Cemetery

Commemorated at Hillhead High School

Lieutenant Eric M. Connell, second son of the late Mr. John T. Connell and of Mrs. Connell, 20 Lynedoch Street, Glasgow, received all his education at Hillhead High School. He had a great regard for his old School and never failed to visit it when he was in Glasgow. His teachers, who knew him as a bright and singularly promising pupil, rejoiced to see how well he was fulfilling the hopes of early years.

At the age of nineteen he went to Canada, where, after varied experiences, he settled down to journalistic work, for which he had a marked aptitude. On the critical night of Tuesday, 4th August, 1914, he was standing with a group of companions outside Toronto Town Hall, waiting to learn the momentous decision of the British Cabinet as to peace or war. When the Mayor announced" War," Eric, turning to
his companions, said, " Well, boys, is it fight or funk?" and within two minutes the whole band were enlisted as soldiers of the Empire. Before leaving Canada he was promoted sergeant, his former training in the ranks of the Glasgow Highlanders standing him in good stead.

On going to France he was detained at the base for work in connection with the regimental records, but his ardent spirit chafed at work which could be done by less fit men, and he applied for a commission and was gazetted lieutenant in January, 1916. His last letter to his mother says, " By the time this reaches you we will have attempted a very dangerous piece of work, and it is certain we cannot all come out scaithless (sic), but I am proud to be doing my bit for God and country."

A fellow-officer writes, "Your son gallantly led his men in an attack on 13th June, 1916. He was ever encouraging, both by word and deed, and when danger was greatest he was coolest." Another writes, " His men were sorely grieved at his death, and spoke most highly of him, and I assure you that the good opinion of the men in the ranks is worth a great deal." The memory of Lieutenant Connell's high seriousness, perfect courtesy, and unfailing devotion to duty will be a lasting possession to his friends.