Richard Joseph Connolly V/25107 Leading Stoker HMCS Ottawa. Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve March 10, 1918 Halifax, NS February 15, 1937 / October 3, 1939 18 / 21 Halifax, NS Halifax, NS Store Clerk Roman Catholic Single Harold Connolly (Legal Guardian/Brother) Halifax, NS September 13, 1942 24 Halifax Memorial Halifax Panel 9 Commemorated on Page 65 of the Second World War Book of Remembrance Displayed in the Memorial Chamber of the Peace Tower in Ottawa on February 14 Richard was the brother of Harold Connolly, of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Harold was a member of the Legislative Assembly of Nova Scotia and was serving as Minister of Industry and Publicity during WWII. Richard had eight brothers, six survived him at the time of his death. Richard completed his schooling at the age of eighteen and was employed with Irving Oil Company as a gas station attendant for one year. He also served as a Messenger at Kelly’s Ltd. Leather Goods. Following his naval service he intended to serve in the Merchant Navy. He served in the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve, Halifax Division between 1937 and 1939 as a Stoker II. On active Service after October 3, 1939, he was assigned to HMCS Viernoe between December 12, 1939 and June 30, 1941. HMCS Viernoe was commissioned in the Royal Canadian Navy on October 11, 1939, and in 1941 the ship served as a boom defence vessel at Sydney, NS. Richard was then assigned to HMCS Ottawa on July 23, 1942. He was lost, killed in action in the sinking of HMCS Ottawa when it was torpedoed by enemy action.