Thread: R.I.P. Ted Kenna V.C.

Well said, young Fenian.

I guess that we need to reducate the young generation to show them which type of person is a celebrity.
Thank you for your post.

fenian.........

well said, i could'nt have said it better


Tony

The papers down here sure made mention.
Good to see he is getting a State funeral too..

Ted Kenna, VC recipient, dead at 90

Could not agree more.

But he didn't want to be a celebrity and he didn't do anything for notice or fame. He just did the job at hand selflessly. In that sense we can be glad he has not been subjected to the kind of send-off the world does give "celebrities," eh?

Edward Kenna VC

the VC citation reads:
Private Edward KENNA
2/4th Australian Infantry Battalion, A.I.F.
15th May 1945, near Wewak, New Guinea"In the South West Pacific at Wewak on 15 May 1945 during the attack near the Wirui Mission features, Private Kenna's Company had the task of capturing certain enemy positions. The only position from which observation for supporting fire could be obtained was continuously swept by enemy heavy machine-gun fire and it was not possible to bring Artillery or Mortars into action. Private Kenna's Platoon was ordered forward to deal with the enemy machine-gun post, so that the Company operation could proceed. When the attacking sections came into view of the enemy they were immediately engaged at very close range by heavy automatic fire from a position not previously disclosed. Casualties were suffered and the attackers could not move further forward. Private Kenna endeavoured to put his Bren gun into a position where he could engage the bunker but was unable to do so because of the nature of the ground. On his own initiative and without orders private Kenna stood up in full view of the enemy less than 50 yards away and engaged the bunker, firing his Bren gun from the hip. He remained completely exposed and continued to fire at the enemy until his magazine was exhausted. Still making a target for himself, Private Kenna discarded his Bren gun and called for a rifle. Despite the intense machine gun fire, he seized the rifle and with amazing coolness killed the gunner with his first round. A second automatic opened fire on Private Kenna from a different position and another of the enemy immediately tried to move into position behind the first machine gun, but Private Kenna remained standing and killed him with his next round.

The result of Kenna's magnificent bravery in the face of concentrated fire was that the bunker was captured without further loss. The company attack proceeded to a successful conclusion, ...There is no doubt that the success of the company attack would have been seriously endangered and many casualties sustained, but for Private Kenna's magnificent courage and complete disregard for his own safety. His action was an outstanding example of the highest degree of bravery."
[London Gazette; 6th September 1945.]

In the book "they dared mightily" a record of VC and George Cross citations & winners, it states that "a number of enemy rounds passed between KENNAs arms and body and he stood firm..." his actions saved many lives....


Private KENNA was born at Hamilton, Victoria, on 6th July 1919. He was the last living australian VC holder of WW2. and was on all accounts a humble and modest man.

He also one the last holders of the 'imperial"(original) VC as opposed to the Australian VC?

(therefore awarded by Australia not by her Majesty the Queen)


VALE, a brave man (and a very good shot under pressure!)

The passing of another fine Aussie - vale Edward Kenna VC.

Originally Posted by FenianEel

Our last WWII V.C. recipient has passed away.
This is the type of life the world should be celebrating.
This is the type of person the world should mourn.

It says something about modern life and values that his passing won't be covered with anywhere near the amount of media, mourning or feeling, that some recent "celebrities" deaths received.

Vale a great and selfless Australian.
Cheers Ted.

Private Edward (Ted) Kenna, VC

Ted ..nice job mate.. it's nice to see you feel that way about the man and obviously the rest of our fallen diggers past ....we owe them a lot mate and cheers to you for thinking it was worthwhile saying good buy in the way you have .....

cheers mate well done

Matt