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Friday September 3, 2010

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Ted Kenna, VC recipient, dead at 90

Posted by: Mex Cooper and Luca Gonano for 3AW.com.au | 9 July, 2009 - 11:49 AM

Australia's last surviving World War II Victoria Cross recipient, Ted Kenna, has died aged 90.

Kenna was awarded the Army's greatest honour after risking his life to help save his platoon from a heavy machine gun attack in New Guinea on May 15, 1945.

Private Edward Kenna stood directly in the face of fire from a Japanese machine gun crew and continually fired upon them until they were killed and the lives of his fellow soldiers were saved.

His bravery allowed his company's attack to succeed and the enemy bunker to be captured.

Three weeks later, Mr Kenna was shot in the mouth and spent more than a year recovering in hospital where he was nursed by Marjorie Rushberry, who was to become his wife of 62 years.

A Returned Services League spokesman said Mr Kenna died last night, two days after his 90th birthday.

He had been living with his wife at a nursing home in a Geelong suburb after moving from the family home in Hamilton, which community members had paid for as a symbol of their gratitude and pride in the VC recipient.

Mr Kenna was born in Hamilton, in Victoria's west, in 1919 and returned there when discharged from service in December 1946.

He worked at the local council and played for the local footy team, was active in army reunions and has led Melbourne's annual Anzac Day march.

Before enlisting in the army in August 1940 he had worked as a plumber in his hometown.

Blog comments Your Say

  • In April of 1986 while walking over the Kokoda track i was privileged to meet Alan Kenna one of Edward Kenna sons.

    Colin Chilvers Sunday 13 December, 2009 - 9:56 AM

  • I remember Teddy as we knew him as the caretaker of the Hamilton Town Hall when I was a kid. We used to torment him by riding our bikes along the many paths around the hall. However he would always ambush us and get us off his turf. I was a 9yo, if only I knew what I know now. But Teddy wouldn't want a fuss, not his style.

    Richard
    Hamilton Victoria

    Richard McArthur Thursday 16 July, 2009 - 12:08 PM

  • A Farewell word for a hero gone, Edward Kenna V.C.
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    VALE A WARRIOR FAIR AND STRONG
    NOW IN HEAVENS WARRIOR THRONG
    YOU’VE DONE YOUR DEEDS
    AND PLANTED THE SEEDS
    WHICH MADE THIS LAND BE FREE
    MAY ALL REMEMBER YOUR VALOUR TRUE
    FOR WE ARE FREE BECAUSE OF MEN LIKE YOU!

    LEST WE FORGET

    Speedie Sahariv Saturday 11 July, 2009 - 2:40 PM

  • I hope and trust that the people of Australia turn out in their hundreds of thousands, like they did for Weary Dunlop. Be it in Geelong or Melbourne, the State Funeral with Full Military Honors should be televised live into every home, pub and school in Australia. I pray Mitchell and Co use their powers to ensure a fitting tribute to Edward Kenna V.C.

    mick Thursday 9 July, 2009 - 7:32 PM

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