Media Invitation: Local Hero Who Fought In Two World Wars To Be Honoured

* Sergeant Henry Edward Kenny

by our Correspondent | In Woolwich

The Mayor of Royal Greenwich, Councillor Norman Adams, is set to unveil the second of four commemorative stones in honour of local servicemen and women who gave their lives whilst serving their country, at a special ceremony on Friday 25 September.

Sergeant Henry Edward Kenny will be honoured by the placing of a memorial stone, at Maryon Park in Charlton.

The ceremony is due to be attended by representatives from Sergeant Kenny’s family, along with Greenwich Mayor Councillor Norman Adams, council leader Councillor Denise Hyland, local MPs and representatives from the Government and the Armed Forces.

The local ceremony ties in with the Government-led initiative to honour all 1,357 holders of the Victoria Cross (VC) medal.

Henry Kenny was born on 27 July 1888 in Glen More Place, Woolwich. His family moved to Hackney when he was only one or two year’s old. In 1915, Henry was serving as a Private in the 1st Battalion, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment. On 25 September 1915, the first day of the Battle of Loos, Henry went out six times to rescue injured men, each time under heavy shell, rifle and machine gun fire. As he handed the last man over the parapet of the trench, he was himself wounded in the neck.

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Event:   Local Hero Who Fought In Two World Wars To Be Honoured

Date:    Friday 25, September, 2015

Venue: Maryon Park, Charlton SE7 8DH.

Time:   11.00 A.M.

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Henry was awarded the Victoria Cross for his courageous actions. The Victoria Cross is the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

By the conclusion of the War, Henry had been promoted to Sergeant. During the Second World War, he served in the Home Guard. He died at his home in 1979, aged 90, in Chertsey and is buried in a nearby cemetery in Surrey.

The Royal Borough’s investment in the four memorial stones reflects a commitment to conserve local war memorials.

The restoration scheme, developed with the War Memorials Trust, the War Graves Commission and the Royal Borough of Greenwich Heritage Trust, will ensure that the borough’s war memorials are renovated and remain as a lasting tribute to local servicemen and women. It is funded by a number of sources, including the War Graves Commission and other external sources.

Councillor Adams said ahead of the event: “It will be an honour to pay our respects and give our thanks, by leaving a lasting memorial to Sergeant Kenny. Sergeant Kenny showed true commitment and dedication to his comrades-in-arms and his country, and fully deserves this lasting tribute to him.”

Event:   Local Hero Who Fought In Two World Wars To Be Honoured

Date:    Friday 25, September, 2015

Venue: Maryon Park, Charlton SE7 8DH.

Time:   11.00 A.M.

* Members of the press who wish to attend should contact Zoe Davies on 020 8921 6515.