John Bonaventure (Bon) O'CONNELL

O'CONNELL, John Bonaventure

Service Number: 425201
Enlisted: 31 January 1942
Last Rank: Warrant Officer
Last Unit: No. 458 Squadron (RAAF)
Born: Toowoomba Queensland Australia , 22 July 1915
Home Town: Southbrook, Toowoomba, Queensland
Schooling: Southbrook State School, Nudgee College, Queensland, Australia
Occupation: Dairy Farmer
Died: Flying Battle, Sardinia, Italy, 27 September 1944, aged 29 years
Cemetery: Cagliari (St. Michele) Communal Cemetery Cagliari Italy
Plot 1. Row A. Grave 8.
Memorials: Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Southbrook & District Roll of Honour
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World War 2 Service

3 Sep 1939: Involvement Warrant Officer, 425201
31 Jan 1942: Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Aircraftman 2 (WW2), 425201
31 Jan 1942: Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Flying Officer, 425201
27 Sep 1944: Involvement Royal Australian Air Force, Warrant Officer, 425201, No. 458 Squadron (RAAF), Middle East / Mediterranean Theatre

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Biography contributed by Faithe Jones

Son of Thomas Virgilius and Emily Georgina O'Connell, of Southbrook, Queensland, Australia.

MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE

Advice has been received by Mrs. E. O'Connell, of Southbrook, that her son, Warrant-Oficer J.B. (Bon) O'Connell, has been seriously injured whilst engaged in air operations agains the enemy in the Mediteranian area.

The official advice received by Mrs. O'Connell states  that when a Wellington-bomber, of, which Warrant-Officer O'Connell was a member of the crew, was returning from operations against the enemy,  an undischarged bomb is believed to have exploded when the aircraft was landing at its base. Warrant-Officer O’Connell was admitted to an Australian field hospital suffering from serious second-degree  burns to both hands and trunk, and severe shock.

They sympathy of residents of the district is expressed to the O'Connell family, with the hope that more favourable news will be received soon.

O'CONNELL.—In loving memory of Warrant Officer John Bonaventure O'Connell, who died of wounds September 27th, 1944, attached 458 Squadron. B.N.A.F., Overseas.
R.I.P.
Inserted by his loving Fiancee, Marie Morrison

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