Basic Details
Surname
O'Connor
Forenames
A P K
Gender
Male
Information stated on memorial
Alternative forename
Arthur Patrick Kevin
Served or died
Died
Notes
The school website (see References) gives this biographical information: 'The son of Bernard and Teresa O’Connor of Jesus College Cambridge, he was born on the 31st of July 1912. He was at Downside, Roberts House from January 1925 until July 1931. Commissioned in the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry on the 24th of August 1939, he transferred to the 2nd Battalion of the London Rifles as Second-in-Command in March 1943, when the Battalion was in action in North Africa. He commanded the battalion throughout the subsequent Sicilian campaign, during the temporary absence of his Commanding Officer. In October 1943 the battalion took part in an amphibious landing on the Adriatic coast of Italy at Termoli. On the 28th of October he was at the Rear Headquarters when a stray shell landed, killing him instantly. Regimental history records :”He was fearless and a charming and delightful personality who was held in high esteem by everyone”. On his temporary grave on the banks of the Trigno River the battalion put the simple epitaph, “A Gallant Gentleman” He was 31 years of age. His permanent grave is in the Sangro River War Cemetery in Italy.'
Primary Service
As stated on memorial
Service (Primary - Stated)
Army
Unit (Primary - Stated)
K S L I
Rank / Title (Primary - Stated)
Maj
Our References
Service (Primary - Our reference)
Unit (Primary - Our reference)
Rank / Title (Primary - Our reference)
Death and Burial details
Country of death
Italy
Country of burial
Italy
Town of burial
Torino Di Sangro
Cemetery
Sangro River War Cemetery
Year of death
1943
Month of death
October
Day of death
28
Age at death
31
Manner of death reference
Killed in Action