Edward Kenna VC dies.

[Wildcat]

A sad day gentlemen, Australia's last WWII VC winner has sadly pasted away today.

Australia's last remaining World War II Victoria Cross recipient, Edward 'Ted' Kenna, has died in a Victorian nursing home.

Mr Kenna was awarded the highest award for gallantry in May 1945 for his courage in a battle near Wewak in New Guinea.

The private exposed himself to heavy gunfire when his company was held up by a machine gun post on a ridge.

On his own initiative, Private Kenna stood up in clear view of the enemy, less than 50 metres away, and started firing his Bren gun from the hip.

The Japanese shot back with such accuracy that bullets passed between between Private Kenna's arms and body.

When his magazine was exhausted, he called for a rifle and, despite a continuing hail of bullets, shot dead two more machine gunners with two rounds.

Three weeks later he was shot in the mouth and spent more than a year recovering in hospital.

The 90-year-old died in a Geelong nursing home last night after suffering complications following a fall two weeks ago.

He was a father of four, grandfather of 12 and great-grandfather of 15.

Mr Kenna's youngest daughter, Marlene Day, was with her father when he died. She says while her father was remembered as a war hero, he did not see himself that way.

"He was very modest really. If you asked him he'd just say 'I was doing my job'," she said.

"He didn't talk a lot about it. He talked about the fun times, the mateship, but not much about the actual war."

She said her father had been living in a Geelong nursing home with her mother for the past six months and his death had hit his wife of 62 years hard.

"Him and mum were the strength of (the family), their partnership was amazing. They met in the war; they had a great love story," Ms Day said.

"The last words he said to me were 'say goodnight to your mother if she's still awake'. He's always thought about her.

"We all loved him and we're going to miss him, he's been a huge influence on our lives. It's a big loss."

In a joint statement Acting Prime Minister, Julia Gillard and Minister for Veterans' Affairs Alan Griffin described Mr Kenna's death as "a sad day for Australia."

"Private Kenna made an outstanding contribution to the nation and will be remembered for his courage," they said.

Victorian RSL president David McLachlan says Mr Kenna was actively involved with the RSL until his death.

"He took very seriously his responsibility for what he was as the representative of so many veterans that served with him during the war, just a wonderful man."

Australia now has only two living Victoria Cross recipients.

They are Keith Payne, who won his medal in Vietnam, and Trooper Mark Donaldson, who won his for bravery in Afghanistan last year.

Mr Kenna's family has accepted the Victorian Government's offer of a state funeral.

- ABC/AAP

VC hero Edward Kenna dies - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

His citation -

War Office, 6th September, 1945.

The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the VICTORIA CROSS to:-

No. VX. 102142 Private Edward KENNA, 2/4 Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Military Forces.

In the South West Pacific at Wewak on 15th May, 1945, during the attack on 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. His section moved as close as possible to the bunker in order to harass any enemy seen, so that the remainder of the platoon could attack from the flank. 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 immediately stood up in full view of the enemy less than fifty yards away and engaged the bunker, firing his Bren gun from the hip. The enemy machine gun immediately returned Private Kenna's fire and with such accuracy that bullets actually passed between his arms and his body. Undeterred, he remained completely exposed and continued to fire at the enemy until his magazine was exhausted. Still making a target of 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 Private Kenna's magnificent bravery in the face of concentrated fire, was that the bunker was captured without further loss, and the company attack proceeded to a successful conclusion, many enemy being killed and numerous automatic weapons captured.

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.

Edward Kenna - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[Njaco]

 

[trackend]

Farewell to yet another very brave man

 

[wheelsup_cavu]

Wheels

 

[Vassili Zaitzev]

 

[RabidAlien]

 

[Gnomey]

 

[Doughboy]

R.I.P

 

[gumbyk]

 

[vikingBerserker]

It's hard for me to imagine that one day there will be none left.

 

[wheelsup_cavu]

It's hard for me to imagine that one day there will be none left.

I agree but if some live as long as Henry Allingham they might just outlive me.

Wheels

 

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