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Gunner Stephen O’Donnell was the son of William O’Donnell and Mary Crossan, of Londonderry.

On the afternoon of the 26th of July 1942, Stephen was on an army motorcycle when he struck the side of a lorry that was being driven by a William John Saunders of 13 Road-Park, Hennock.

Gunner Stephen O’Donnell was travelling along the Bovey Tracey Road, Newton Abbot, Devon, England. In front of him a lorry was crossing the road. The driver of the lorry had initially seen and heard Stephen on the motorbike and braked, blocking only half the road. William had hoped that the motorcyclist would pass to his front, or the motorcyclists right where there was plenty of room.

Unfortunately, the motorbike was travelling too fast and its driver, Stephen had braked hard. This action had only made the bike shake. He also tried to turn left rather than right where the gap was and had not realized that the lorry had stopped. The motorbike and rider collided with this part of the now stationary vehicle. He was critically hurt.

A Mrs. Helen Frost soon arrived on the scene and administered first aid to Gunner Stephen O’Donnell. She continued to do so until an ambulance arrived. Stephen was still alive at this stage, but unfortunately would pass away the following day in hospital.

A verdict of “accidental death” was made a few weeks later by the South Devon coroner, a Mr. E Hutchings.

A few days later Stephen was brought home and laid to rest. He was only eighteen years old.

Date of Death: 27/07/1942 (Aged 18)

Service: Gunner, Royal Artillery, 23 Field Regiment

Service Number: 880463

Burial Location: Plot 9. Grave 3A.

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