Maj Jack Connolly of 178 Waverley Road, Harrow, Middx., died on April 11th, 1969.

Jack Connolly enlisted in October 1913, as a Private in the 3rd Hussars, the rank of Trooper only being re-introduced in 1922. From Shorncliffe he went with the 3rd Hussars to France where he served with them throughout the War from 1914-1918 during which he was wounded.

At the end of the War, he soon joined the Riding School Staff with which he remained until 1930, having been promoted to S.S.M. (R.I.) in 1926.

He was an active and strong horseman, a first-class organiser and instructor. He excelled, however, as a swordsman allied to his horsemanship and determination he had reach and strength. He won many prizes at Skill-at-Arms in the Regiment and in competitions at Aldershot, Olympia and Egypt, as well as prizes in the ring at Army and other horse shows. Although he was not a keen show-jumper was a member of the Regimental team which won the Section Jumping at the Military Tournament in 1920.

He served with the Regiment in Cairo and Lucknow where in 1930 he was promoted to R.S.M.

In 1938 he was commissioned as Lt. and Q.M. when at Tidworth and took to the new life and difficulties of mechanisation as easily and efficiently as if he had been conducting a recruit’s ride. In 1940 with the 3rd Hussars he went to the Middle East and served with it in the Western Desert throughout the Advance to Benghazi and the subsequent withdrawal to Tobruk.

Jack was awarded the M.B.E. for gallant and distinguished service in the Middle East, in 1942.

He later held staff appointments in the Middle East including D.A.Q.M.G. at Alexandria until in 1945 he was posted to the 57th Training Regiment at Catterick as Quarter Master where he retired from the Army and was employed in a civilian capacity at R.A.C. Records.

In addition to the M.B.E., he was awarded two G.O.C.-on-C.’s Commendations for outstanding good service and devotion to duty.

He spent practically all his active life in the 3rd Hussars to which he was devoted. His devotion was a thoroughly practical one. Anything he had to do he did with determination, efficiency and sense. He demanded a high standard of himself and so expected it of others but was gifted with a sense of humour and a real understanding and sympathy with his fellows.

He was a splendid soldier and a good companion.

Related topics

  1. A short history of The 3rd Hussars
  2. Timeline: The Western Front 1914-18
  3. Timeline: Middle East (Egypt and Libya)