VICTORIA CROSS AWARDS

Kenneally V.C., John [Sergeant John Patrick Kenneally (né Leslie Jackson) VC (15 March 1921 - 27 September 2000) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross].

(Book #ID 112257)

Published by Kenwood, Fulstone Barn, New Mill, Huddersfield First Edition 1991. 1991.

First edition in publisher's original illustrated card wrap covers (soft back). 8vo. 8½'' x 5½''. The citation for the Victoria Cross he was awarded for reads: On 28 April 1943 at Djebel Bou Azoukaz, Tunisia, Lance-Corporal Kenneally charged alone down the bare forward slope straight into the main body of the enemy about to make an attack, firing his Bren gun from the hip; the enemy were so surprised that they broke up in disorder. The lance-corporal repeated his exploit on 30 April when, accompanied by a sergeant, he charged the enemy forming up for assault, inflicting many casualties. Even when wounded he refused to give up, but hopped from one fire position to another, carrying his gun in one hand and supporting himself on a comrade with the other. He was remembered in Winston Churchill's famous broadcast speech on 13 May 1945 "Five years of War", as having defended Ireland's honour: "When I think of these days I think also of other episodes and personalities. I do not forget Lieutenant-Commander Esmonde V.C., D.S.O., Lance-Corporal Kenneally, V.C., Captain Fegen V.C., and other Irish heroes that I could easily recite, and all bitterness by Britain for the Irish race dies in my heart. I can only pray that in years which I shall not see, the shame will be forgotten and the glories will endure, and that the peoples of the British Isles and of the British Commonwealth of Nations will walk together in mutual comprehension and forgiveness." Contains 204 pp with monochrome archive photographs, errata slip laid-in. In Fine condition, no dust wrapper as issued, protected in acetate cover. SIGNED by the author to the title page 'Best Regards John Kenneally V.C.' Housed in Fine condition marble paper covered open-fronted slip case. Member of the P.B.F.A.

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