Lance Sergeant Thomas J Donnelly

Thomas James Donnelly was the son of Thomas Owen and Helen Theresa Donnelly, of Liverpool, adopted son of Mary E O’Hanlon, of Edge Hill, Liverpool. He enlisted in the Prince of Wales’ Volunteers and volunteered for Airborne forces.

Lance Sergeant Donnelly successfully completed parachute training at RAF Ringway on course number 72, from 12 to 23 July 1943. His course report stated “Poor on exits, worked hard, good in section.” He was posted to MMG Platoon, 13th (2/4th Bn., The South Lancashire Regt.) Bn., The Parachute Regiment, and took part in Operation Overlord (Normandy).

L/Sgt Donnelly was killed in action on 15 July 1944, aged 23, and was buried at Ranville War Cemetery, Calvados, France.

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