CONNOR, John George
| Service Number: | 3490 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 23 July 1915, Geelong, Vic. |
| Last Rank: | Private |
| Last Unit: | 58th Infantry Battalion |
| Born: | Euroa, Victoria, Australia, 1893 |
| Home Town: | Newtown, Greater Geelong, Victoria |
| Schooling: | St. Germain's and Flinders Geelong Schools |
| Occupation: | Gardener |
| Died: | Killed in Action, France, 12 May 1917 |
| Cemetery: |
Queant Road Cemetery, Buissy, France Plot V, Row D, Grave No. 31 |
| Memorials: | Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Euroa Telegraph Park, Newtown All Saints Church Honour Roll |
World War 1 Service
| 23 Jul 1915: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 3490, 22nd Infantry Battalion, Geelong, Vic. | |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Jan 1916: | Involvement Private, 3490, 22nd Infantry Battalion, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '14' embarkation_place: Melbourne embarkation_ship: HMAT Afric embarkation_ship_number: A19 public_note: '' | |
| 5 Jan 1916: | Embarked Private, 3490, 22nd Infantry Battalion, HMAT Afric, Melbourne | |
| 12 May 1917: | Involvement Private, 3490, 58th Infantry Battalion, --- :awm_ww1_roll_of_honour_import: awm_service_number: 3490 awm_unit: 58th Australian Infantry Battalion awm_rank: Private awm_died_date: 1917-05-12 |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Faithe Jones
Son of Elizabeth Connor, of 35, Canterbury Rd., Albert Park, Victoria, Australia, and the late George Connor.
''IF WE LIVE IN THE SPIRIT LET US ALSO WALK IN THE SPIRIT'' GAL. 5. 25
John George Connor was the eldest son of George and Elizabeth Connor. At the time of enlistment, his father, George was living in Heidelberg Victoria whilst John was living with his mother and brothers at 13 Fairview Avenue Newtown.
Upon enlistment, John was appointed to the 8th Reinforcements / 22 Infantry Battalion. He trained in Geelong and Seymour and embarked from Melbourne on 5 January 1916. Following arrival in France, John was initially transferred to the 57th Battalion and two weeks later, transferred into the 58th Battalion, on 15 March 1916.
From this time on, John was in and out of hospital 5 or 6 times for extend periods over the following months, suffering from diphtheria, influenza, piles / Hemorrhoids, paraplinitis and an enlarged spleen. He was hospitalised in France, Alexandria, & Weymouth England during these times away from the front. John finally rejoined his Unit on 13 April 1917 but was Killed in Action just one month later on 12 May 1917 in the field, in Bullecourt, France.
John’s two younger brothers also served in served in WW1. Adrian, who died of wounds on 30 July 1916 and Henry who also died of wounds on 24 March 1917.
Prior to enlisting, John was a landscape gardener. He was an active member of the Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows, Loyal Geelong Lodge and the cricket club. John was also the Treasurer of the Gardeners Union during its existence in Geelong.
Correspondence records that their mother Elizabeth who after the war had relocated to 35 Canterbury Road Albert Park, sought the personal effects, medals and other recognitions of her sons, on behalf of her remaining family.
The three soldiers were nephews of Mr H. McKenzie, Minister for Railways and Water Supply.
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