Henry Edward Kenny

For the Australian MP of the same name, see Henry Kenny (Australian politician).
Henry Edward Kenny
Born 27 July 1888
Woolwich, London
Died 6 May 1979 (aged 90)
Chertsey, Surrey
Buried at St. Johns Cemetery, Woking
Allegiance  United Kingdom
Service/branch British Army
Rank Sergeant
Unit Loyal North Lancashire Regiment
Home Guard
Battles/wars First World War
Awards Victoria Cross

Henry Edward Kenny VC (Irish: Annraoi Éamonn Ó Cionnaith; 27 July 1888 – 6 May 1979), was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Details

Born in Woolwich, London,[1] Kenny was 27 years old, and a private in the 1st Battalion, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment,[2] British Army during the First World War when the deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 25 September 1915 near Loos, France, Private Kenny went out on six different occasions under very heavy shell, rifle and machine-gun fire. Each time he carried into a place of safety a wounded man who had been lying in the open. He was himself wounded as he handed the last wounded soldier over the parapet.[3]

He later achieved the rank of Sergeant and served with the Home Guard. He died on 6 May 1979 at the age of 90.

The Medal

His VC is on display in the Lord Ashcroft Gallery at the Imperial War Museum, London.[4]

Commemoration

On 25th September 2015, the centenary of his deed, a commemorative paving stone was unveiled in Maryon Park, Charlton, London, near his place of birth.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 "VC paving stone honours First World War hero". Retrieved 27 September 2015.
  2. "Highams Park War Memorial Project". Retrieved 15 January 2013.
  3. The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 29527. p. 3410. 28 March 1916. Retrieved 19 May 2015.
  4. "Lord Ashcroft VC Collection". Retrieved 15 January 2013.

External links

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