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Paul Aloysius Kenna
An Exemplary Soldier and Sportsman Shaping the British Heritage.
Brigadier General Paul Aloysius Kenna, VC, DSO (1862-1915) is a figure of indomitable courage and resilience in the annals of British history. An English-born British Army officer of Irish descent, Kenna received the Victoria Cross (VC), the highest and most prestigious military decoration awarded for valour in the face of the enemy to British and British Empire forces. Beyond his military prowess, Kenna also competed in the 1912 Summer Olympics, contributing to his significant legacy in the rich tapestry of British heritage.
Born to James Kenna of Liverpool, who descended from a minor gentry family from County Meath, Ireland, Kenna received a diverse education that significantly influenced his later life. He was educated at three esteemed institutions: St. Augustine's College in Ramsgate, Stonyhurst College, and St. Francis Xavier College in Liverpool. Memorials dedicated to Kenna can be seen in the main hall of St. Francis Xavier College's current site in Beaconsfield Road, Liverpool, as well as at Stonyhurst, attesting to his influence and reputation.
Kenna's military career was marked by exemplary service and unflinching courage. Commissioned into the British Army as a lieutenant in the 21st Lancers (Empress of India's) on 25 August 1886, he rose to the rank of captain by 12 July 1895.
Kenna's most heroic deed occurred during the Mahdist War when he was 36 years old. It was for this act of exceptional gallantry that he was awarded the VC, enhancing his status among the most valorous officers in the British Army.
He later served with distinction in the Second Boer War in South Africa from 1899 to 1900, earning a promotion to brevet major on 29 November 1900. In recognition of his service, he was appointed a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) in the South Africa Honours list published on 26 June 1902.
Upon returning to the United Kingdom in July 1902, Kenna received the substantive rank of major on 7 September 1902, on his appointment to lead a Mounted infantry flying column in Somaliland. He retired from the Regular Army as a Colonel in September 1910 but resumed service in April 1912 as the commander of the Notts and Derby (Yeomanry) Mounted Brigade. Upon the outbreak of World War I, he was appointed Brigadier-General.
Demonstrating his athletic prowess, Kenna competed in the 1912 Summer Olympics representing Great Britain as a horse rider. Although he did not finish the Individual eventing (Military) competition and the British team did not complete the team event, his participation signified an exceptional blend of military and athletic capabilities, contributing to a broader understanding of British heritage.
Kenna's service culminated in the tumultuous period of World War I, where he met his end at Suvla, Turkey, during the Battle of Gallipoli on 30 August 1915. His final resting place is in Lala Baba Cemetery.
Today, Kenna's Victoria Cross is on display in The Queen's Royal Lancers and Nottinghamshire Yeomanry Museum in Thoresby Park, Nottinghamshire, serving as a testament to his extraordinary courage and dedication.
On the personal front, Kenna first married Lady Cecil Bertie, the daughter of the 7th Earl of Abingdon. He later married Angela Mary, the daughter of Herbert Hibbert. The couple had one daughter, Kathleen (died 1998).
Kenna's family connections extended to other notable figures, including his first cousin, Margaret (née) Larkin, who married Simon Mangan, HM Lieutenant for Co. Meath. Their grandson was Group Captain Nicolas Tindal-Carill-Worsley.
In summary, Brigadier General Paul Aloysius Kenna, with his diverse accomplishments, is a significant contributor to the British heritage. His military valour, sporting prowess, and family connections cemented his lasting legacy in the annals of British history.
Origins and Education: A Foundation for Success
Born to James Kenna of Liverpool, who descended from a minor gentry family from County Meath, Ireland, Kenna received a diverse education that significantly influenced his later life. He was educated at three esteemed institutions: St. Augustine's College in Ramsgate, Stonyhurst College, and St. Francis Xavier College in Liverpool. Memorials dedicated to Kenna can be seen in the main hall of St. Francis Xavier College's current site in Beaconsfield Road, Liverpool, as well as at Stonyhurst, attesting to his influence and reputation.
Military Career: A Record of Unparalleled Bravery
Kenna's military career was marked by exemplary service and unflinching courage. Commissioned into the British Army as a lieutenant in the 21st Lancers (Empress of India's) on 25 August 1886, he rose to the rank of captain by 12 July 1895.
Kenna's most heroic deed occurred during the Mahdist War when he was 36 years old. It was for this act of exceptional gallantry that he was awarded the VC, enhancing his status among the most valorous officers in the British Army.
He later served with distinction in the Second Boer War in South Africa from 1899 to 1900, earning a promotion to brevet major on 29 November 1900. In recognition of his service, he was appointed a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) in the South Africa Honours list published on 26 June 1902.
Upon returning to the United Kingdom in July 1902, Kenna received the substantive rank of major on 7 September 1902, on his appointment to lead a Mounted infantry flying column in Somaliland. He retired from the Regular Army as a Colonel in September 1910 but resumed service in April 1912 as the commander of the Notts and Derby (Yeomanry) Mounted Brigade. Upon the outbreak of World War I, he was appointed Brigadier-General.
Olympic Endeavours: An Athletic Contribution to British Heritage
Demonstrating his athletic prowess, Kenna competed in the 1912 Summer Olympics representing Great Britain as a horse rider. Although he did not finish the Individual eventing (Military) competition and the British team did not complete the team event, his participation signified an exceptional blend of military and athletic capabilities, contributing to a broader understanding of British heritage.
World War I and Final Days
Kenna's service culminated in the tumultuous period of World War I, where he met his end at Suvla, Turkey, during the Battle of Gallipoli on 30 August 1915. His final resting place is in Lala Baba Cemetery.
Today, Kenna's Victoria Cross is on display in The Queen's Royal Lancers and Nottinghamshire Yeomanry Museum in Thoresby Park, Nottinghamshire, serving as a testament to his extraordinary courage and dedication.
Family Ties and Personal Life
On the personal front, Kenna first married Lady Cecil Bertie, the daughter of the 7th Earl of Abingdon. He later married Angela Mary, the daughter of Herbert Hibbert. The couple had one daughter, Kathleen (died 1998).
Kenna's family connections extended to other notable figures, including his first cousin, Margaret (née) Larkin, who married Simon Mangan, HM Lieutenant for Co. Meath. Their grandson was Group Captain Nicolas Tindal-Carill-Worsley.
In summary, Brigadier General Paul Aloysius Kenna, with his diverse accomplishments, is a significant contributor to the British heritage. His military valour, sporting prowess, and family connections cemented his lasting legacy in the annals of British history.
- Paul Aloysius Kennaen.wikipedia.org
