Private Charles O'Connor. 

40342 2/6th Lancashire Fusliers.

Died of Wounds 28th March 1918. Aged 20.

Charles was born in the March quarter of 1898 in Burnley. The son of John O’Connor and Bridget Lynch. In the 1901 census the family was living at 3 Leyland Rd Burnley. John 40 WMC Steward, Bridget 41, Cecilia 7, Anthony 6, Charles 3 and Mary Ann 1 month. All were born in Burnley.

The family had moved to 45 Tentre St Burnley at the time of 1911 census. Bridget now a widow 41, Cecilia 17 weaver, Anthony 16 cotton beamer, and Charles 13 weaver. His mother had been married for 21 years and had had 7 children 4 of whom had died.

From The Express and Advertiser dated 5 Jun 1918: ONE SON DEAD AND ANOTHER MISSING. BURNLEY MOTHER'S LOST.

Mrs O'Connor of 12 Leyland Road Burnley, has had a double blow in official intimations that one of her son's has died of wounds and the other is missing.

The youngest son Private Charles O'Connor, 40342, of the Lancashire Fusiliers aged 20, is reported to have died of wounds on March 28th. He had been in the army nearly 2 years and had been out nearly 12 months. He was expected home on leave the same week as his wounds were received. He was formerly employed as an apprentice Mason at Mullen and Durkin's,  Trafalgar Street and attended St Mary's Roman Catholic church.

Anthony O'Connor 25049 of the Royal Lancaster's age 23, is reported missing since March 28th  to 29th. He was formerly employed as a Twister at Witham Brothers Mill Burnley Wood.

 From the Burnley News dated 8th June 1918: BURNLEY SOLDIERS DEATH. SURVIVING BROTHERS MIRACULOUS ESCAPE.

Private Charles O'Connor one of the two soldier sons of Mrs O'Connor of 12 Leyland Road Burnley, is officially reported to have died of wounds on March 28th he served in the Lancashire Fusiliers and was 20 years of age. His brother Anthony who has been reported missing since the date of Charles death has sent home a postcard informing his mother he is a prisoner at Limburg Germany. The message is dated April 12th. The late Private C O'Connor had been in the army nearly 2 years and had served 12 months in France. He was expected home on leave the same week as his wounds were received. He was formerly an apprentice Mason at Mullen and Durkins, Trafalgar Street Burnley, and connected with St Mary's Roman Catholic Church. 

Concerning her son who is a prisoner, his mother informed our reporter that he had been told his life was "Charmed", and in support of the statement Mrs O'Connor produced the French prayer book and other pocket Books which Anthony was wearing when they were penetrated by shell fire, the missile lodging in them, thus saving his life. Private Anthony or Tony as he was familiarly known in the Fulledge District worked as a Twister at Mrs Witham Brothers Mill Burnley Wood.

Lived at 12 Leyland Road.

Charles left his effects to his mother Bridget.

Charles was buried in Etaples Military Cemetery, France: Grave Ref; XXXI.K.4A. Son of John and Bridget O'Connor, of Fulledge, Burnley.