The Thomas Kenny Story

When on patrol on 4th November 1915, with Lt Philip Brown, his officer, in No-man’s Land, and having lost their way, Lt Brown was shot through the thighs.  Under heavy enemy fire Thomas Kenny got Lt Brown onto his back, and struggled for an hour to get back towards the British lines.  Having arrived cold, wet and utterly exhausted at a trench he recognised, he made Lt Brown comfortable, and set out to find his battalion’s front line.  A rescue party was organised, and Thomas Kenny with two stretcher bearers went out again, located Lt Brown and brought him back to British lines.  Unfortunately Lt Brown died of his wounds.

Thomas Kenny was awarded the VC, his citation stating that ‘his ‘pluck, endurance and devotion to duty were beyond praise’.  His was the first DLI VC of World War 1

After the war Thomas Kenny returned to his job as a miner, first at Wingate, then at Wheatley Hill.  He died on 29th November 1948 and was buried in Wheatley Hill cemetery.

The Inkerman Club Appeal

Following an appeal by ‘The Faithful Inkerman’ Dinner Club his unmarked grave was given a headstone  in an impressive ceremony held in August 1994, attended by members of the 'Faithful Inkerman' Dinner Club, DLI Association branch members and branch standards from throughout the county.  His headstone was unveiled by Capt RW Annand VC whose VC was the first DLI VC awarded in WW2.

The Rev. Brian Rawson, the DLI Association padre and Major CE Darwin, the Chairman of the DLI Association who officiated at the ceremony

   The headstone on Thomas Kenny's grave in Wheatley Hill cemetery