The Gordons


Drummer William Kenny VC


Kenny's award of the Victoria Cross was for numerous acts of bravery rather than one outstanding display of courage. But on 23rd Oct 1914 near Ypres he rescued wounded men five times under heavy fire. At another time he saved two machine guns by carrying them out of action, and was sent on many errands to deliver messages under dangerous circumstances.

He was born in Malta, on 24th Aug 1880, although he was Irish, from Drogheda. He enlisted in the 2nd Battalion Gordon Highlanders and became a bugler cum drummer. He rose to the rank of Drum-Major and lived to the age of 56. He died in London on 10th Jan 1936.


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by Stephen Luscombe