Edward (Ted) Kenna, the last surviving Australian VC winner from the Second World War has died. I met Ted Kenna once at the Army Centenary Dinner in March 2001. He was a really genuinely nice bloke. I’m sure that night is one that he would have remembered with great fondness. There were 1901 serving and retired officers and soldiers at that dinner. Before the entree was served, the three surviving VC winners were announced. Sir Arthur (Roden) Cutler, Edward (Ted) Kenna, and Keith Payne entered the room to a standing ovation. As the import of the moment hit all those in attendance, the applause grew to a crescendo, and then some. It didn’t just die out either. It maintained its tempo and, if anything, grew as they walked past the assembled diners to take their seats.
In the Canberra Convention Centre that night, the current generation of the Australian Army showed their appreciation for the legacy they had been given. There were some moist eyes there that night, not only on the faces of the three heroes in our midst. I am grateful not only for having met him that night, but for having been present for such an outpouring of admiration, respect, and gratitude to men who had truly demonstrated the ANZAC Spirit. I know that when Ted Kenna left us, he knew that he held a special place in our history and in our hearts.
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Thank you for the warm tribute to Ted Kenna, VC, Sharpie.
Ted Kenna VC was farewelled at a State Funeral at St Patricks Cathedral, Melbourne today, Thursday 16 July. His funeral was attended by the PM, the Premier of Victoria, the service chiefs and many mourners.
Most importantly, the notables and famous were dwarfed by two small groups, firstly, Ted's extended family and secondly, his mates from the 2/4 Infantry Battalion, AIF.
Many grand words were spoken by the distinguished guests, but the real heartfelt words were from his family who spoke of his love and devotion to them, and from his old CO, who spoke of Ted's lifelong care for his old comrades in arms.
Ted Kenna carried the immense burden of living up to the ideals of a VC recipient, and he did it with typical Aussie reticence, dignity and respect for 64 years.
Vale, indeed, Ted Kenna, VC.
Rest well old warrior.
+++ Lest We Forget +++
Thanks Pedro. Good to see he was sent off with some style, warmth and affection.
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