Christopher William CONNELL

Regimental number10/303
Date of birth23 July 1898
Place of birthPalmerston North
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationMotor mechanic
Address2 Ingestre Street, Wanganui
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation21
Height5' 5"
Weight133 lbs
Next of kinMother, Mrs M Connell, Box 96, Feilding
Previous military serviceServed in the 7th Regiment, Territorial Force; still serving at time of NZEF enlistment.
Enlistment date14 August 1914
Place of enlistmentWanganui
Rank on embarkationPrivate
Enlistment statusVolunteer
Unit nameNew Zealand Expeditionary Force, Main Body, Wellington Infantry Battalion
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Wellington on board HMNZT 10 Arawa on 16 October 1914
Final rankPrivate
Final unit1st Battalion, Wellington Infantry Regiment
FateCommenced return to New Zealand 3 September 1916
Medals

Military Medal

'This man showed conspicuous bravery on 8th August 1915, during the attack on Chunuk Bair he went out under heavy shrapnel, machine gun and rifle fire and removed an Artillery Ranging Flag. This flag had been used by our artillery in the attack but, owing to our advance it had become danger to our own troops and was causing many casualties.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 11 October 1916

Discharge date13 May 1917
Other details

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front

Commenced return to New Zealand on board HS 'Marama', 3 September 1916; discharged (medically unfit: no longer physically fit for War Service on account of wounds received in action, and injuries sustained on Active Service), 13 May 1917.

Medals: 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

Died from influenza and complications, 25 November 1918.
Miscellaneous detailsNominal Roll Vol. 1: Wellington Infantry Batln/Main Body
Date of death25 November 1918
Age at death20
Place of burialAramaho Cemetery
SourcesArchives New Zealand (Wellington), Agency AABK, Series 18805, File 21896594