Belfast WW1 soldier commemorated in France
Carl Gilbert Donnelly died in the battle of St Quentin 101 years ago
Last updated 23rd Mar 2019
A Queen's medical student who died in World War One has been officially commemorated in France, 101 years after his death.
First Lieutenant Royal Munster Fusiliers Carl Gilbert Donnelly was just 20-years-old when he was shot through the head by a German sniper, at the battle of Saint Quentin in Northern France.
He had been acting as a spotter when he died during 'Operation Michael' - the German's spring offensive and final attempt to win the war.
78,000 British soldiers died that day near Saint Emilie.
After years of extensive research by Gilbert's Great-nephew Dan Donnelly, his grave was officially identified by the MOD.
Dan told Downtown Cool FM he wanted to honour his Great Uncle:
"It's important for us to give our respect and pay our dues to the sacrifice that he went through all those years ago.
"Most of Gilbert's brothers and sisters have family and the Donnellys have blossomed into a huge family.
"Gilbert didn't have that opportunity, his life was cut short at the age of 20, he didn't have children or great grandchildren to remember him.
"We are Gilbert's descendants, we are his family and it's very important for us to recognise the loss felt by my Great Grandfather, my Great Uncles and Aunts who did know Gilbert and would've felt his loss very greatly at the time."
Dan gathered witness statements from the National Archives to try and find out where Gilbert died.
Pt T. Foley (RMF 5185) stated: "It was at St Emilie where I saw Lt. Donnelly shot through the head by a sniper.
"It was daylight, morning of March 22nd and the enemy were advancing.
"I cannot say whether the body was picked up or left behind, as we were pushed back.
"Donnelly was observing for the Lewis gun at the time of his death."
Clear evidence of Gilbert’s burial came from Sgt. Michael Dooley (RMF 7313):
"I actually saw Lieut. G. Donnelly RMF dead about 400 yards in front of St Emilie on 21st March, 1918, on the Eply and Dronaoi Front.
"We were holding the 3rd line (Brown Line) and Lieut Donnelly, who at the time was commanding my company, was shot through the head and killed.
"I knew Lieut. Donnelly well – as a prisoner of war I was one of the party detailed to bury the dead, and I saw him buried close to St. Emilie."
Dan said he found reading the accounts a chilling experience.
On Thursday, the Belfast soldier was commemorated in an emotional re-dedication ceremony.
A headstone was erected and officials from the MOD and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission attended.
Many of his descendants travelled from the UK and Belfast to attend the emotional tribute.
Mark Doherty was one of them:
"We all got together to come here today which is nice because then we are all doing justice to the memory of Gilbert's sacrifice.
"War is something that I wasn't that interested in but having a family connection makes it different, suddenly it means something to you.
"To hear of Gilbert's story it brought me closer to those times and what happened and made it a lot more emotive for me.
"I always go back to Wilfred Owen's poems which is how I first got to appreciate the suffering and loss of war."
Many of Gilbert's descendants played poignant music at the re-dedication ceremony.
Danny Boy was sung by Sean Donnelly, Amazing Grace was played on the bagpipes by Sean McLaughlin and Mark and Barra Doherty also played the tin whistle.
The re-dedication service was an emotional reminder of the ultimate sacrifice the young Belfast soldier paid, 101 years ago.