Thomas Kenny (VC)

Thomas Kenny VC (4 April 1882 29 November 1948) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy given to British and Commonwealth forces.

Thomas Kenny
Born(1882-04-04)4 April 1882
South Wingate, County Durham
Died29 November 1948(1948-11-29) (aged 66)
South Wingate
Buried
Wheatley Hill Cemetery
Allegiance United Kingdom
Service/branch British Army
Years of service1914–1918
RankLance Sergeant
UnitThe Durham Light Infantry
Battles/warsWorld War I
AwardsVictoria Cross
Other workCoal miner

On 4 November 1915 near La Houssoie, France, 33-year-old Kenny performed an act of bravery for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

Biography

He was a private in the 13th Battalion, The Durham Light Infantry, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

In thick mist, an officer in charge of a patrol was shot through both thighs. Private Kenny, although repeatedly fired on by the enemy, crawled about for more than an hour with his wounded officer on his back, trying to find his way through the fog to the British trenches. He refused to leave the officer although told several times to do so, and at last, utterly exhausted, left him in a comparatively safe ditch and went for help. He found a rescue party and guided them to the wounded officer who was then brought to safety.[1]

The officer Lt. Philip Brown later died of his wounds.[2]

References

  1. "No. 29394". The London Gazette (Supplement). 7 December 1915. p. 12281.
  2. CWGC entry - Philip Brown

held privately by his grandson

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