Born in 1888 at Maidstone, son of William (Tailors Cutter) and Jessie Connel. 1891: With his family at 8 Rosenau Crescent, Battersea. 1901: A Scholar with his family at 1 Gloucester Villas, George Lane, South Woodford. He was educated at Churchfields and the Peoples Palace Schools. 1911: When the Census was taken he was visiting Albert Wyles and family in Ipswich. The family home was at 67 Pulteney Road, South Woodford.
On 28th September 1915 he married Blanche Masie Cooper at the South Woodford Congregational Church in George Lane (having previously had a Civil Ceremony in 1912). On 4th December 1915 he enlisted in 6 Middlesex Regiment at Woodford, describing himself as a Tailors Assistant Cutter.
He was sent to France and in June 1916 transferred to the Argyle & Sutherland Highlanders. During 16th September 1917 he was admitted to hospital with a “trivial” wound caused while firing rifle grenades, and was discharged to duty on 3rd October 1917.
More serious was the fighting of 20th July 1918. This was the start of the Battle of Tardenois, 20/31 July 1918, which was an aspect of the 2nd Battle of the Marne. Following the last unsuccessful German advance of their Spring Offensive, an allied counter attack began the great advance towards Germany which ended with the Armistice.
158 Brigade of 51 Division (which included the Argyles) advanced down the Ardre Valley to the left of the river. They set off at 08.00 and after a day of hard fighting, Courmas had been captured and the front line extended some distance beyond. During the day, Edgar Connel was reported Killed in Action near Marfaux.
His service file reveals that when he died his private address was 1 The Laurels, George Lane, South Woodford. He left a widow and two little girls Evelyn born in 1913 and Maud in 1917.
Research by Adrian Lee, Local Historian
Sources:
Ancestry.com