Sergeant Philip McDonnell

Sergeant Philip McDonnell, 4912883, of the 3rd Parachute Battalion on his wedding day.  Copyright: Malcolm McDonnell.

Born in Staffordshire in 1916, McDonnell lied about his age and enlisted in the Worcestershire Regiment on the 18th March 1932, claiming that he had been born on the 23rd May 1913. He served with them in China from the 22nd September 1933 to the 13th November 1936, then in India until the 7th February 1939, and from then until the 1st August 1943 in Sudan, where he may have been a navigator with the Long Range Desert Group. He subsequently joined the Parachute Regiment and was taken prisoner at Arnhem, being held at Stalag XIB in Fallingbostel, POW number 117611. It was reported in the Express and Star, "Sergeant Philip McDonnell, of 36, Dimmock Street, Wolverhampton, Parachute Regiment, who has been in the army five years, is reported missing and wounded at Arnhem." In the final days of the war, McDonnell escaped by diving into a ditch whilst being transferred from the camp with a group of other prisoners. Making his way to the Allied lines, he came under fire from some American soldiers when he tried to attract their attention, but his identity was quickly established and he returned home.

His testimonial reads: "WO2 McDonnell has completed 33 years exemplary service in the army, mainly in the Parachute Regiment, or the Kings African Rifles, to which he was seconded between 1955 & 1964. He was an RSM for 6 years & an RQMS for 6 years. He never failed to impress by his hard work, efficiency & loyalty. He is a firm but fair disciplinarian. He was awarded the MSM [Meritorious Service Medal] in 1957." McDonnell was discharged at the rank of Colour Sergeant on the 7th July 1965. He died in Lancashire in 1978.

Sergeant Philip McDonnell on his wedding day. Copyright: Malcolm McDonnell.

Sergeant McDonnell speaking with Field Marshal Montgomery. Copyright: Malcolm McDonnell.