Bede Kenny
Thomas James Bede Kenny | |
---|---|
![]() Thomas James Bede Kenny, c. 1917. | |
Born | Paddington, New South Wales | 29 September 1896
Died | 15 April 1953 Concord, New South Wales | (aged 56)
Allegiance | Australia |
Service/ | Australian Imperial Force |
Years of service | 1915–18 |
Rank | Corporal |
Unit | 2nd Battalion 54th Battalion |
Battles/wars | First World War |
Awards | Victoria Cross |
Other work | Salesman |
Thomas James Bede Kenny, VC (29 September 1896 – April 1953) was an Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
He was 20 years old, and a
Early life
Bede Kenny was born on 29 September 1896 at Paddington, Sydney, the son of Austin James Kenny, a butcher, from Auckland, New Zealand, and his wife Mary Christina, née Connolly, of New South Wales. He was educated at the Christian Brothers' College, Waverley.[1]
Following matriculation from
First World War
On 20 December he embarked with the 13th Reinforcements,
On 9 April 1917, at Hermies, France, Kenny's platoon was held up by an enemy strong point. Despite heavy enemy fire, he ran alone towards the enemy, killing one man who tried to stop him, and soon after bombing the enemy position. Kenny was successful in wounding and capturing the gun crew and seizing the gun. For his actions in Hermies he was awarded the Victoria Cross. His citation read:[2]
For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when his platoon was held up by an enemy strongpoint, and severe casualties prevented progress. Private Kenny, under very heavy fire at close range, dashed alone towards the enemy's position, killed one man in advance of the strongpoint who endeavoured to bar his way. He then bombed the position, captured the gun crew, all of whom he had wounded, killed an officer who showed fight, and seized the gun. Private Kenny's gallant action enabled this platoon to occupy the position, which was of great local importance.
Following this, Kenny was immediately promoted to
Civilian life
Returning to civilian life in Australia, Kenny began working as a travelling salesman for Clifford Love & Co. (manufacturers, importers and merchants). He then joined the Sunday Times newspaper in Sydney, and shortly after became a traveller for Penfolds Wines.[1]
On 29 September 1927, Kenny married Kathleen Dorothy Buckley, a
Kenny repeatedly suffered the effects of trench-foot; the war had also made him partially
Death and legacy
Kenny died in Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney, on 15 April 1953 and was buried in Botany cemetery. The pall bearers at his funeral were military policemen. He was survived by his wife and one of his daughters.[1]
In 1957, the Bede Kenny Memorial Ward was opened at Wentworth Private Hospital, Randwick, to provide beds for ex-servicemen ineligible for repatriation hospital treatment.[1]
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Australian War Memorial.[3][4]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Higgins, Matthew (1983). "Kenny, Thomas James Bede (1896–1953)". Australian Dictionary of Biography. Vol. 9 (Online ed.). Melbourne: Melbourne University Press. pp. 571–572. Retrieved 23 January 2008.
- ^ "No. 30122". The London Gazette (Supplement). 8 June 1917. p. 5705.
- ^ "Private Thomas James Bede Kenny". People Profiles. Australian War Memorial. Retrieved 25 May 2016.
- ^ "Victoria Cross : Private T J B Kenny, 2 Battalion, AIF". Collection. Australian War Memorial. Retrieved 25 May 2016.
Further reading
- Wigmore, Lionel, ed. (1986). They Dared Mightily (2nd ed.). Canberra, Australian Capital Territory: Australian War Memorial. ISBN 0642994714.