Name
Thomas Henry Kennedy (MC)
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
15/04/1918
34
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Lieutenant
Australian Infantry, A.I.F.
38th Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Military Cross
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
RIBEMONT COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, SOMME
III. A. 3.
France
Headstone Inscription
LOVED SON OF J. & H. KENNEDY FOSSWAY FARM, KYNETON THY WILL BE DONE
UK & Other Memorials
Digswell House Australian Hospital Memorial, St John's Church, Digswell
Pre War
Thomas Henry Kennedy was born in Kyneton, Victoria, the son of Hugh and Jane Kennedy of Hodgkinson Street, Bendigo, Victoria, and worked as a farmer.
Wartime Service
He enlisted on 11 January 1916 and served as a Sergeant in 38th Battalion, A Company. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria on the board HMAT A54 Runic on 20 June 1916. He was promoted to Lieutenant and won the Military Cross for work at Ploegsteert on 27-28 May 1917.
'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in charge of a raiding party on enemy trenches. Though an obstinate resistance was offered, in the course of which seven of his ten men became casualties, and he had himself a thumb and finger blown off, he continued to lead his party until the enemy's resistance was broken down. His courage was most marked.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette': Date: 8 November 1917
He was killed in action on 15 April 1918, age 34.
Additional Information
His mother, Mrs J Kennedy of Hodgkinson Street, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia, orderedhis headstone inscription: "LOVED SON OF J. & H. KENNEDY FOSSWAY FARM, KYNETON THY WILL BE DONE". Brothers: 6327 Pte James Robert KENNEDY, 24th Bn, died of disease, 26 February 1917; 1604 Pte Hugh KENNEDY, 4th Squadron, Australian Flying Corps, returned to Australia, 1 April 1919; Sister: Staff Nurse Jean KENNEDY, Australian Army Nursing Service, returned to Australia, 4 January 1918.
Acknowledgments
Brenda Palmer
aif.adfa.edu.au
