“It is with great sadness that I acknowledge the passing of Edward “Ted” Kenna, Australia’s last living World War Two recipient of the Victoria Cross.”
“Ted Kenna passed away in a Geelong nursing home overnight aged 90.”
According to Australian War Memorial official records, Ted Kenna was born in Hamilton in Victoria on the 6th of July 1919. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in August 1940. He served in the 23/21st battalion in Victoria and spent time in Darwin. In 1943 his unit returned to Victoria and was later sent to Queensland. After his unit was disbanded he was assigned to the 2/4th Battalion and embarked for New Guinea in October 1944.
On May the 15th 1945 Ted Kenna was involved in an action near Wewak in New Guinea which saved the lives of many of his fellow soldiers.
During this exchange Private Kenna exposed himself to heavy fire, killing a Japanese machine gun crew and making it possible for his company’s attack to succeed.
For his actions in this engagement Private Kenna was awarded the Victoria Cross.
Three weeks later private Kenna was shot in the mouth and spent more than a year in hospital before being discharged from the AIF in 1946.
The following year he married Marjorie Rushberry, who had nursed him back to health at Heidelberg Military Hospital.
Ted and Marjorie Kenna had four children, Robert, Alan, Annette and Marline and he was a very proud Grandfather and Great Grandfather.
“Ted Kenna was a truly great Australian who made a remarkable contribution to this Nation.”
“He will be remembered for his humility and his courage.”