Connor, Desmond William

Flying Officer Desmond William Connor

Connor was born at 41 Rathdrum Street, Belfast on 1st February 1920 to Samuel Edgar Connor, Civil Servant and Florence Jane Connor nee Ballentine. They had married on 4th July 1912 at St. Mary Magdalene Church of Ireland, Belfast.

Connor joined the Belfast Banking Company on 1st June 1938 and is recorded as working in Dungannon branch. His father signed the Bankers Guarantee for him with an address recorded as 95 Marlborough Park North, Belfast.

Belfast Bank, Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

Belfast Bank, Dungannon branch

Connor volunteered and enlisted to serve with 19 Sqn, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He was later promoted to Flying Officer with Service Number 132894.

Connor flew a Mustang fighter aircraft (III HB827). At the time of his death, he was strafing military transport during the afternoon and had been hit by flak. The plane crashed into a house. He was Killed in Action on 18th August 1944.

 
Connor is buried in the St. Desir War Cemetery, Calvados, France. PRONI Will Calendars records "Connor, Desmond William, 61 Marlborough Park North, Belfast. Flying Officer R.A.F. died 18th August 1944 in France on active service. Administration Belfast 29th October to Samuel Edgar Connor civil servant. Effects £164 6s. 5d."

Headstone - D W Connor

St. Desir War Cemetery, Calvados, France