Ted Kenna VC - RIP
Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2009 3:41 pmTed Kenna V.C.
Australia today expresses its sorrow at the passing of Australia’s last remaining Victoria Cross recipient from the Second World War, Private Edward “Ted” Kenna.
This is a sad day for Australia.
Ted Kenna was a great Australian. He demonstrated courage in the most trying of circumstances.
His story is extraordinary.
On the morning of 15 May 1945, Private Kenna’s company in New Guinea was given the task of clearing the Japanese from the Wirui Mission area. As the Australians approached, they were met with heavy machine gun fire. Private Kenna fired his Bren gun at the enemy machine gunners but was unable to get a clear shot over the rough ground.
To get a better shot he stood up in full view of the enemy and fired until out of ammunition. He then called for a rifle and engaged the enemy again. The machine gunners were only metres away and Private Kenna stood in a hail of fire. This brave and prompt action resulted in the position being taken with few casualties.
Three weeks later Private Kenna was struck in the mouth by an explosive bullet and hospitalised. The wound marked the end of his combat duty and he was discharged in December 1946.
He was awarded the Victoria Cross for ‘his magnificent courage and complete disregard for his own safety’.
Private Kenna made an outstanding contribution to the nation and will be remembered for his courage.
Private Kenna, together with wife, Marjorie returned to Hamilton, Victoria and went on to have four children, Alan, Robert, Annette and Marlene.
Private Kenna was an active member of the Hamilton community and a lifetime member of the Hamilton RSL right up until his death.
Private Kenna died yesterday aged 90 in Geelong, Victoria.
He is survived by wife Marjorie, three of his children and many grandchildren.
Details of Private Kenna’s memorial service will be made public.
Only 2 left alive now.
Australia today expresses its sorrow at the passing of Australia’s last remaining Victoria Cross recipient from the Second World War, Private Edward “Ted” Kenna.
This is a sad day for Australia.
Ted Kenna was a great Australian. He demonstrated courage in the most trying of circumstances.
His story is extraordinary.
On the morning of 15 May 1945, Private Kenna’s company in New Guinea was given the task of clearing the Japanese from the Wirui Mission area. As the Australians approached, they were met with heavy machine gun fire. Private Kenna fired his Bren gun at the enemy machine gunners but was unable to get a clear shot over the rough ground.
To get a better shot he stood up in full view of the enemy and fired until out of ammunition. He then called for a rifle and engaged the enemy again. The machine gunners were only metres away and Private Kenna stood in a hail of fire. This brave and prompt action resulted in the position being taken with few casualties.
Three weeks later Private Kenna was struck in the mouth by an explosive bullet and hospitalised. The wound marked the end of his combat duty and he was discharged in December 1946.
He was awarded the Victoria Cross for ‘his magnificent courage and complete disregard for his own safety’.
Private Kenna made an outstanding contribution to the nation and will be remembered for his courage.
Private Kenna, together with wife, Marjorie returned to Hamilton, Victoria and went on to have four children, Alan, Robert, Annette and Marlene.
Private Kenna was an active member of the Hamilton community and a lifetime member of the Hamilton RSL right up until his death.
Private Kenna died yesterday aged 90 in Geelong, Victoria.
He is survived by wife Marjorie, three of his children and many grandchildren.
Details of Private Kenna’s memorial service will be made public.
Only 2 left alive now.
