Edward's Story.
EARLY LIFE
Edward Connolly was born in Macclesfield and baptised at St Michael's Church on 28 May 1876, the eldest son of Mary Ann (nee Bibby) and Thomas Connolly, a cabinet maker from Queenstown in Ireland. In 1881 the family was living at 435 Park Lane, Macclesfield.
By 1891 the family had moved to 107 Mill Lane, Macclesfield, and now included Thomas junior (11), Joseph (8), Hannah (5), Eliza (2), and baby Charles, one month old. Thomas (snr) was working as a carpenter and Edward, aged 15, was a carpenter's apprentice.
On 15th January 1896, aged 18 years 9 months, Edward attested at Warrington as a Militiaman with the Liverpool Regiment and was given service number 3481. Edward stated that he lived at 1 Brough Street West, Macclesifeld and was employed as a cabinet maker by Mr Barber of Chestergate. He was described as 5 feet 5¾ inches tall, weighed 115 pounds, with a 31 inch chest, a florid complexion, dark grey eyes and dark brown hair. He stated that he was a Roman Catholic, and his next of kin were his mother Mary and siblings Thomas, Joseph, Annie (Hannah) and Eliza, who also lived at 1 Brough Street West.
Edward remained with the Militia for only 44 days, and at Warrington on 28th February he attested with the King's Liverpool Regiment for 7 years service plus 5 years in the reserves, this time being given service number 5226. He was posted to the 2nd Battalion on 8th April 1896 and served with them until his 7 years service was completed on 28th February 1902, then transferring to the army reserve until the completion of his additional 5 years reserve service on 27th February 1908. He must have liked army life as he re-attested on 16th April 1908 for a further 4 years (reserve) service and was discharged on completion on 15th April 1912. Edward served in the UK throughout the whole time.
In 1905 Edward married Eliza Rowson at Macclesfield Register Office, and by 1911 they were living at 29 Garden Street, Macclesfield, with two sons: James (5) and Edward (2). Edward (snr) was working as a carter for a house furnishers. The couple later had two daughters: Eliza born in 1913 and Amy born in 1915.
WW1 SERVICE
Edward attested at Macclesfield in early 1915, rejoining the King's Liverpool Regiment and was drafted to the Ypres Salient, arriving on 27th April 1915. It is not known where or how Edward lost his life but it was assumed that he was killed in action on or shortly after the day he arrived in Belgium.
COMMEMORATION
Private Edward Connolly has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel ref. 4 and 6 on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial in Belgium.
In Macclesfield, Edward Connolly is commemorated on the Park Green, Town Hall and St Michael's Church war memorials, and on Hurdsfield Holy Trinity Church roll of honour.
NOTES
Brother-in-law of Joseph Shaw, who served as L/Cpl G/8419 with the 13th Royal Fusiliers and was killed in action on 30th June 1916.
Research by Rosie Rowley, Congleton.