The AIF Project

William John KENNY

Regimental number3335
Place of birthHobart Tasmania
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationSeaman
Address198 Laurence Street, Alexandria, Sydney, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation27
Next of kinMother, Mrs A Kenny, 196 Laurence Street, Alexandria, Sydney, New South Wales
Enlistment date2 August 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name2nd Battalion, 11th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/19/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A14 Euripides on 2 November 1915
Rank from Nominal RollSergeant
Unit from Nominal Roll53rd Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Distinguished Conduct Medal


Recommendation date: 28 February 1917

FateReturned to Australia 10 June 1919
Medals

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He assisted in laying a cable to an advanced patrol under very heavy fire. Later he returned along the line alone, and repaired a break, thereby re-establishing communications at a critical time.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 133
Date: 21 August 1917

Military Medal

'This N.C.O. displayed great gallantry and devotion to duty during the attack near MORLANCOURT, South West of ALBERT on night 28/29th July 1918 and the night following the attack. He was continually employed mending breaks in the telephone lines between Battalion headquarters and the Signal Section in the original front line. To do this he had to remain the whole time in the area where the enemy's barrage was falling and in doing so was exposed to the greatest danger. This N.C.O. was largely responsible for the excellent communications which were maintained throughout the whole of the operation and without which it could not have been the success it was.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 36
Date: 14 March 1919

Other details

War service: Egypt, Western Front

Medals: Distinguished Conduct Medal, Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death9 August 1966
Place of burialWoronora Cemetery

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