Russell Henry McConnell, Sub-Lieutenant, RCNVR

They made the Ultimate Sacrifice

Russell Henry McConnell

Sub-Lieutenant, O-48210, RCNVR

Born: 07 Jan 1918, Montreal, Quebec

Died: 07 Sep 1942 at sea

Book of Remembrance

McCONNELL, Russell Henry, SLt, RCNVR, MPK - 07 Sep 1942, HMCS RACCOON - Son of Gordon Lawrence McConnell and Frances McConnell, of Westmount, Quebec; husband of Eunice G. McConnell, of Westmount.

Sub-Lieutenant Russ McConnell, a noted Montréal athlete, was the 25 year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. G. L. McConnell, 71 Prospect Ave. He was outstanding in both football and hockey. He was one of the most accomplished hockey players in McGill University history. A native of Montréal he attended Queen's School, Westmount High School, and McGill University. He was employed in the Accounting Department of Canadian Car & Foundry Company Ltd., for about a year prior to enlisting in the R.C.N.V.R. in September 1940. He was commissioned at Esquimalt in July, 1941 and was posted to active service a month later. Sub-Lieut. McConnell was married to Eunice Hellyer in February 1940. They have one daughter Jo-Anne. Sub-Lieut. McConnell also has two brothers, Austin with the R.C.A.F., and Gordon Ross McConnell and one sister, Geraldine. According to the Who's Who in Canadian Sport, Russell McConnell rejected offers of a professional hockey career with the New York Rangers. Instead, he served King and Country by enrolling in the Royal Canadian Navy Volunteer Reserve.

SLt McConnell died when his ship, HMCS RACCOON, which was on convoy escort in the St. Lawrence River off the Gaspé Peninsula, was hit and sunk by two torpedoes from U165. All 37 hands were lost.

Ships served in:

MONTREAL DIVISION RCNVR - Enlisted 21 Jan 1941 as a Prob. SLt, RCNVR. Commenced Active Service 01 May 1941

HMCS ROYAL ROADS - Appointed to ROYAL ROADS 12 May 1941 as a Prob. SLt, RCNVR

HMCS STADACONA - Appointed to STADACONA 17 Aug 1941 as a SLt, RCNVR for leave and travel time

HMCS STADACONA - Appointed to STADACONA 26 Aug 1941 as a SLt, RCNVR for disposal

NOIC GASPE - Appointed for duty with NOIC GASPE as Staff Officer (Operations) 30 Aug 1941 as a SLt, RCNVR

HMCS STADACONA - Appointed to STADACONA 02 Jan 1942 as a SLt, RCNVR

HMCS GANANOQUE - Appointed to GANANOQUE 27 Mar 1942 as a SLt, RCNVR

HMCS RACCOON - Appointed to RACCOON 26 Apr 1942 as a SLt, RCNVR