O'Connell, John Joseph, b 1896 : Diary

Diary begins on 25 November 1918 in the village of Fontaine, France. O'Connell narrates his march to Germany at the end of World War One describing the hardships of the march, food rations and nightly billets. On 27 November 1918 he notes seeing the King and Royal family on the road. He crossed into Mauberge, Belgium on 2 December 1918. Recounts activities over an extended days stay in Huy which includes the first bath in eight weeks and dancing with the local girls. In many of the small towns O'Connell describes the joy of the local people on seeing the first British soldiers. Two days later, after reaching Verviers he crossed the Belguim-German border. Trains to Cologne, Germany. The last entry on 21 December 1918 recounts the continued march through the German countryside to their billets and the start of the army of occupation.

Source of title - Supplied by Library

Private O'Connell, 58079, enlisted in 1917. Before that he was a window dresser in Ponsonby. He served with the 31st Reinforcements, Auckland Infantry Regiment, A Company in World War One. He marched with the 15th Company, 1st Battalion from France through Belgium to the German border at the end of the war.

Quantity: 1 volume(s). 0.01 Linear Metres.

Physical Description: Holograph

Processing information: Part of WW100 digitisation project