William David Kenny VC born Saintfield, County Down on 1 February 1899 was an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Details

He was 20 years old, and a lieutenant in the 4/39th Garhwal Rifles, Indian Army during the Waziristan Campaign, India when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

• For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty near Kot Kai (Waziristan), on the 2 January, 1920, when in command of a company holding an advanced covering position, which was repeatedly attacked by the Mahsuds in greatly superior numbers.

• For over four hours this officer maintained his position, repulsing three determined attacks, being foremost in the hand-to-hand fighting which took place, and repeatedly engaging the enemy with bomb and bayonet. His gallant leadership undoubtedly saved the situation and kept intact the right flank, on which depended the success of the operation and the safety of the troops in rear.

• In the subsequent withdrawal, recognising that a diversion was necessary to enable the withdrawal of the company, which was impeded by their wounded, with a handful of his men he turned back and counter-attacked the pursuing enemy, and, with the rest of his party, was killed fighting to the last.

• This very gallant act of self-sacrifice not only enabled the wounded to be withdrawn, but also averted a situation which must have resulted in considerable loss of life.

Further information

The medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the National Army Museum (Chelsea, England).

Memorials: Delhi, India, and Donaghadee, Co Down, Northern Ireland.

References

Listed in order of publication year

• The Register of the Victoria Cross (1981, 1988 and 1997)
• The Irish Sword (Brian Clarke 1986)
• Irelands VCs ISBN 1-899243-00-3 (Dept of Economic Development 1995)
• Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
• Irish Winners of the Victoria Cross (Richard Doherty & David Truesdale, 2000)

External links

• London Gazette, issue 32046, 7 September 1920 referring to the award of the Victoria Cross
• VC medal auction details

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