He worked at William Wilson, accountant and house factor. ‘He was in charge of the reserve platoon at company headquarters and at the relief the enemy put down a barrage on the trench. He had just reported relief and had gone out to follow his platoon down the trench when a shell burst, killing him outright.’ ‘In conversation with me his company commander told me he thought O’Connor was the most promising officer in the battalion and had done exceptionally well since he joined.’ His captain wrote ‘He had qualities as an officer far above the ordinary. He was courageous both in times of danger and in times of weariness and discomfort. He was possessed of that priceless gift of good sense on which I was always able to trust. He was reliable at all times, keen and energetic, and loved and trusted by all’.