75 Company Sergeant Major Thomas KENNEDY, DCM and Bar, MiD
1st Battalion AIF
1st Machine Gun Company AIF
By Robert Simpson
Thomas Kennedy was born on 5 July 1876 in Rossmore, a son to James and Mary Ann Kennedy. James was a farmer. The NSW marriage index records show they married in 1866 in NSW with the registration place as Liverpool. Both their surnames are listed as Kennedy. The Sydney Morning Herald of 6 November 1866 had under marriages ‘On the 30th October, by special licence, by the Rev. F. Joseph Monier, S.M., at the residence of the bride’s parents, JAMES, eldest son of the late DENNIS KENNEDY, of Greendale, to MARY ANNE, second daughter of JOHN KENNEDY, Denham Court, New South Wales.’ James had been born in 1845 in Liverpool and Mary had been born in 1838 in Tipperary Ireland. Thomas was one of eight children to them.
Their first born was Ellen Kennedy, born in 1867 in Liverpool Sydney NSW, but unfortunately passing away in 1878 in the same town. Then Honora Theresa Kennedy was born in 1869 in the same suburb, married Alfred W Hammond in 1891 in New South Wales but unfortunately passed away on 14 November 1906 in Liverpool and is buried in St John’s Catholic Church Cemetery in Campbelltown (grave named Norah). John Kennedy was born in 1871 in Campbelltown, married Alice Thomsett in 1912 in Liverpool and died on 18 October 1930 in Boulder Western Australia. The Sydney Morning Herald of 25 October 1930 recorded his death as ‘KENNEDY.-October 16, at Boulder City, Western Australia, John, beloved son of the late James and Mary Kennedy, of Denham Court, via Liverpool. R.I.P.’ Dennis Kennedy was born in 1873 in Campbelltown and he also died in Boulder in 1905. Mary Anne Kennedy was born in 1874, but sadly died in the same year. Mark Kennedy was born in 1878 and the youngest sibling, Jeremiah Kennedy was born in 1881, both in Liverpool. Unfortunately, with such common names and surname, nothing else is known about the last two sons, or much more on the family.
James Kennedy (his father) passed away on 5 May 1925 and Mary Anne (his mother) passed away on 10 March 1901. She is buried in St John’s Catholic Church Cemetery in Campbelltown.
Apparently, Thomas served for three years in India with the Devonshire Regiment, and for nine years in the Garrison Artillery in Australia, before WW1, as recorded on his service record. With both he had served until ‘time expired’. He enlisted with the AIF on Monday 17 August 1914, joining the 1st Battalion, 1st Infantry Brigade and was given the number 75 as a Private. On the top of the page is written MGS, then stamped ‘transferred to’ and originally written 1st Brigade Machine Gun Company, which was then crossed out and 1st Machine Gun Battalion written underneath. Thomas stated he was born in the parish of Rossmore, near the town of Liverpool in New South Wales. He was a British subject, aged 32 years and 2 months, a labourer who was single and had not been an apprentice. His next of kin was originally stated as his brother Jack (John) Kennedy of address unknown, which was changed to Miss K V Floyd, Alton House, Alton Street, Woollahra, Sydney. On the day he joined he was posted to B Company. He signed the form on 22 August as did the attesting officer and he took the oath on the same day at Randwick, New South Wales. His pay book number was 37462. The description of Thomas Kennedy on enlistment showed he was aged 32 years and 2 months, height was 5 foot 8 inches, weight was 171 pounds, chest measurement was 36 to 40 inches and he had a fair complexion with blue eyes and fair hair. His religious denomination was Roman Catholic. For distinctive marks, he was vaccinated and had tattoo marks on both forearms. He was medically examined and found fit for active service on 29 August by Captain Spencer Dunn. He was transferred to the Machine Gun Section on 1 September 1914. Thomas was appointed to the machine gun section by the Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel L Dobbin, on 7 September 1914 at Kensington.
Thomas embarked on 17 October 1914 with the 1st Infantry Battalion Machine Gun Section as 75 Private Thomas Kennedy, age 32, a labourer of 33 Albion Street Surrey Hills New South Wales. His next of kin was Miss K V Floyd, Alton House, Alton Street, Woollahra, New South Wales; with his religious denomination recorded as Roman Catholic. He was paid 5 shillings a day before leaving, and after embarkation he allotted 2 shillings 6 pence to stay in Australia, had the same amount himself and 1 shilling was deferred pay. They departed at Sydney on HMAT A19 Afric on 18 October 1914. After a brief stop in Albany, they arrived in Egypt on 2 December 1914.
Private Kennedy proceeded to join the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force for Gallipoli on 5 April 1915. The 1st Battalion landed at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915 as part of the second and third waves. Sometime between 25 and 29 April Thomas was wounded. His service record next records he was ‘Awarded D.C.M.for bravery’ with no date entered.
He was admitted to Ras-el-Tin Military Hospital at Alexandria with a gunshot wound to the chest on 30 April 1915. He was then sent to England and admitted to 3rd West General Hospital in Manchester on 16 May 1915. From A&NZ Depot on 6 July 1915, he embarked for Egypt.
The Secretary of Defence sent a telegram to K V Floyd on 14 May 1915, letting her know that Private T Kennedy was wounded and they would advise upon getting further details. On 17 June 1915, Base Records sent Mrs K V Floyd a letter (their mistake), advising her that Thomas was in hospital in Manchester England and his postal address was to be ‘No 75 Private T. Kennedy wounded Australian Forces. 1st Australian Infantry, C/o High Commissioner, London S.W.’
Kitty Floyd sent a letter to Base Records, which they received on 23 July 1915, asking ‘Could you kindly tell me if No 75 Private T Kennedy is still at Hospital in Manchester England. I have had no Mail lately and I don’t know what to think, I am sorry to cause you any bother as I know you are very busy, but do let me know if possible. Thanking you for past kindness received.’ Their reply on 28 July read ‘In reply to your letter (undated), I beg to inform you that no further reports have been received concerning No. 75 Private T. Kennedy, 1st Battalion, consequently it can only be assumed he is still in hospital at Manchester, England. You will be immediately notified upon receipt of any later information concerning him.’
Base Records in Melbourne sent Miss K V Floyd of Alton House, Alton Street, Woollahra, Sydney a letter on 31 July 1915 stating ‘I beg to inform you that Lance Corporal T. Kennedy, 1st Battalion, is reported by the High Commissioner for Australia to have embarked on the 22nd July to rejoin the troops at the Dardanelles.’
On 3 August 1915, Thomas disembarked at Alexandria ex Grampian, reported at Overseas Base Mustapha and on 10 August embarked on Cawdor Castle at Alexandria for Gallipoli. He re-joined his Battalion at Gallipoli on 15 August.
Lance Corporal Thomas Kennedy of 1st Australian Infantry Battalion AIF was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal, which was recorded in the London Gazette of 3 June 1915 on page 5332 at position 22 and Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 11 September 1915 on page 1748 at position 15. The London Gazette of 5 August 1915 on page 7668 at position 17 had an entry for 75 Lance Corporal Thomas Kennedy of 1st Australian Infantry Battalion AIF for a Mention in despatches. It was also recorded in Commonwealth of Australia Gazette of 28 October 1915 on page 2736 at position 19.
The Express and Telegraph of Adelaide on Friday 22 October 1915 in page 1 had:
‘VALOROUS AUSTRALIANS.
Melbourne, October 22.
Valuable services and acts of conspicuous gallantry, performed by members of the 1st Australian Division at Gallipoli, are mentioned in Army Corps Routine Orders of June 29, 1915, extracts of which are published in the current Australian military orders. The following are the names of those mentioned:—‘
Listed under the ‘1st Infantry Brigade’ was:
‘1st Battalion—Captains A. G. Christian (since killed in action); C. W. Thomson, W. Davidson, P. G. P. Hill, and A. Jacobs; Lieutenants A. J. Shout (awarded Military Cross), G. E.Wootten, P. L. Howell Price, E. E. L. Lloyd, and J. B. Buchanan, Sergeants A. E. Barber and P. W. Freer, Corporal. G. F. F. George (since killed in action), Sergeant E. R. Larkin (since killed in action); Lance-Corporal R. W. Freame (awarded D.C.M.), Privates C. B. Nicoll and W. Thompson, Lance-Corporal T. Kennedy (awarded D.C.M.).’
Also, in The Sydney Morning Herald of Friday 22 October 1915 in page 8 under:
‘HEROIC AUSTRALIANS.
MENTIONED IN ORDERS.
MELBOURNE, Thursday.
Today’s military orders contain the following extracts from the Army Corps Routine Orders for June 29, 1915:— The Army Corps Commander has very much pleasure in publishing the names of the junior regimental officers, warrant officers, n.c.o’s., and men in the attached supplement, which have been brought to his notice for having performed various acts of conspicuous gallantry or valuable service during the period from April 25 to May 5, 1915. He cordially thanks them for the good work they have performed, which more than ever testifies to their devotion to duty, and his only regret is that they cannot all be rewarded.’
On 22 October 1915 Thomas was appointed Lance Corporal at Mudros and while on Gallipoli he was to be a Temporary Corporal from 7 November 1915. On 21 August he reverted to the rank of Lance Corporal. From HMT Huntsgreen on 28 December 1915, Thomas disembarked at Alexandria. He was promoted to Sergeant on 9 January 1916 at Tel-el-Kebir and went to a Command School of Instruction the next day at Serapeum (other entries have Zeitoun). After re-joining his Battalion on 29 January there, he was transferred to and taken on strength of the 1st Brigade Machine Gun Corps on 12 March 1916.
Base Records sent Kathleen a letter on 24 November 1915 advising her of the entry in the London Gazette and the citation for the Distinguished Conduct Medal that had been awarded to ‘No. 75 Lance Corporal T. Kennedy, 1st Australian Infantry Battalion (New South Wales)’. The citation read: ‘On 25th April, 1915, and subsequent dates, during operations near Kabe Tepe, for displaying the greatest coolness and pluck in running around under heavy fire and collecting stragglers, whom he formed and led into the firing line. This he did time after time, with excellent results.’
On 22 March 1916 he embarked from Alexandria on HMTS Grampian and disembarked at Marseilles on 28 March.
Photo of him in The Sydney Mail, 26 April 1916
Three NCO’s were recommended for honours and awards by Brigadier General N M Smyth VC, 1st Brigade on 9 September 1916 for ‘Mentions’ for the ‘period 1-3-16 to 1-9-16 These NCOs all performed consistent good work with the 1st Aus MG Coy since landing in France Their work at Pozieres on 18th July & 20th Aug 1916 was of a high character.’ The list was 75 Sergeant Thomas Kennedy, 2390 Sergeant Harry Ewins and 72 CSM Ernest Barnes Hedley. (The museum has the medals for Major General Smyth’s wife, Evelyn.)
On 30 September 1916, Base Records sent a letter to the Adjutant General about ‘No. 75 Sergt. Kennedy, 1st Machine Gun Company’ being ‘Referred for favour of instructions. This soldier’s records show that he was wounded in action at Gallipoli on some date prior to 9/5/16, rejoined his unit on 15/8/15, was awarded the D.C.M. 30/6/15, and is now serving as No. 75 Sergeant T. Kennedy, in the 1st Machine Gun Company.’
Thomas was to be Company Sergeant Major vice Hedley on 18 November 1916 in France.
The London Gazette of 4 January 1917 on page 256 at position 88 records that 75 Sergeant Thomas Kennedy of 1st Australian Machine Gun Company AIF was Mentioned in Despatches. It was also recorded in Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 29 June 1917 on page 1393 at position 150. He was mentioned in Sir Douglas Haig’s despatch of 13/11/16 for distinguished and gallant services and devotion to duty in the Field.
While with the 1st MG Coy Thomas was wounded in action in the Field on 6 May 1917. He went through the 3rd Casualty Clearing Station with a shell wound to the right leg, arm and head on 7 May to the 3rd Canadian General Hospital at le Treport, where he was admitted on 8 May. He was sent to Base Details there on 4 June 1917 and then to MGC Base Depot at Camiers on 12 June before proceeding to his unit on 21 June and re-joining them on that date.
Base Records sent a note to Miss K V Floyd of Alton Hose, Alton Street, Woollahra, letting her know that Thomas had been wounded for a second occasion and gave his postal address. They also sent her a letter on 10 July 1917, advising her of the Mention in Despatches that Thomas had received from Sir Douglas Haig, whom he considered for special mention, which had been published in the London Gazette in January.
On 24 September 1917, as part of 1st Australian Infantry Brigade, 1st Australian Division, 1st Anzac Corps, 75 CSM and WO Class II Thomas Kennedy 1st Australian Machine Gun Company was recommended for a Bar to the DCM by Captain J M Richards. The Action for which commended reads: ‘This N.C.O. during the whole period from 14/9/17 to 23/9/17 in the YPRES Sector for doing most gallant and excellent work. He was in charge of all ration SAA (small arms ammunition) and material supplied during the operations. For almost all night and for some time through very heavy shelling keeping the supplies up. Not only did he keep supplies up …excellently but also had no casualties for working parties. He … invaluable … and was a fine example to all the men.’ Unfortunately, the recommendation is hard to read, so the full transcript cannot be reproduced.
Again, Thomas was wounded in action in the Field on 5 October 1917. He was admitted to the 1st Australian Casualty Clearing Station on that day with a shell wound to the left leg, was transferred to 3rd Canadian CCS on the same day, and then to A.T. 18 on 7 October. The next day he was admitted to 2nd Canadian General Hospital. Thomas was sent to England on the HMAT Warilda from France on 15 October.
Thomas was admitted to Graylingwell War Hospital at Chichester on 17 October 1917 with a shell wound to the left leg. (Noted as slight in his service record). It was a through and through dirty wound which affected the function of the mid and lower 3rd left leg with a tendency to drop foot. Upon discharge on 24 November the wounds had about healed and there was ‘no drop foot now’. He went on furlough and reported to the Depot at Hurdcott on 8 December. At the No 3 Comm Depot AAMC Classification Hut on 9 December 1917 the wounds had healed with a slight loss of power in his big toe. On 9 December 1917 he marched out to Class ‘B1A.3.’ He then marched out to ‘M.G.T.D’ at Grantham on 4 January 1918, marching in to them the next day. At the AIF Depot on 10 January he was attached for duty with Permanent Cadre of MGTD vice Chambers. It was given the new designation of ‘1st M.G.B.’ Thomas was determined fit on 19 February 1918.
He was mentioned in Sir Douglas Haig’s despatch of 7/11/17 for distinguished and gallant services and devotion to duty in the Field during the period ‘Feb 26th to m/n 20th & 21st Sept 1917.’ Thomas was awarded a Bar to the DCM on 31 October 1917 for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in charge of ration & ammunition supplies during the operations. He worked almost continually day and night getting supplies forward & set a fine example of fearlessness to his men.
Base Records sent Miss K Floyd a letter to her address on 12 November 1917 letting her know that CSM T Kennedy 1st Machine Gun Company had been wounded for a third occasion and gave her his postal address as well. On 16 November, Base Records then advised her that Thomas was admitted to Greylingwell War Hospital in England on 17 October with a gunshot wound to the left leg, which they classified as mild.
In the London Gazette on 28 December 1917 on page 13567 at position 134, 75 Company Sergeant Major Thomas Kennedy of 1st Australian Machine Gun Company was Mentioned in Despatches. It was also recorded in Commonwealth of Australia Gazette of 18 April 1918 on page 844 at position 161.
The London Gazette of 6 February 1918 on page 1726 at position 2 had an entry for 75 CSM Thomas Kennedy 1st Australian Machine Gun Company AIF for an award of a Bar to the Distinguished Conduct Medal. It was also recorded in Commonwealth of Australia Gazette of 7 March 1918 on page 398 at position 70.
The West Australian of Saturday 9 February 1918 on page 7 had:
‘AUSTRALASIAN HEROES. DECORATIONS AWARDED. London, Feb. 8. Bars to Distinguished Conduct Medals were conferred as follow in November:- Australians. Sergeant-Major J. Burley, who won the D.C.M. in South Africa, was in charge of a train when a German shell burst and set on fire a wagon which contained shells. Burley uncoupled the remainder of the train, and sent it to a safe distance from the fire. He returned to the blazing wagon, and tried to extinguish the flames, but without avail. The contents of the truck exploded, but he saved the remainder of the train, including a gun which was on it. Quarter-master-Sergeant C. C. Garratt led a section in an attack on some machine guns, and destroyed the garrison. Corporal F Horan fought his way through parties of the enemy, bayoneting and capturing many Germans. When the enemy made a counter-attack he led his men to meet it, and broke it up. He was wounded early in the engagement, but he refused to leave until the battalion had been relieved finally. Sergeant-Major T. Kennedy, of the machine gun corps, worked almost continuously day and night in getting rations and ammunition forward. During the operations he set a fine example of fearlessness. Sergeant D. Poole noticed a machine gun which was firing after our first wave passed. He rushed it single-handed, and captured the gun, killing the crew, and taking a number of prisoners, including many from “pill boxes.” New Zealander. Sergeant S. G. Foot commanded a platoon after his officer had met with a casualty. He encountered a strongly-held trench, and took 39 prisoners and seven machine guns. He consolidated ground on the belt until he was wounded. Distinguished Conduct Medals have been awarded to 126 Australians and 21 New Zealanders.’ It was also mentioned in a lot of other papers around the country during this time. The Weekly Times of Melbourne on Saturday 9 February 1918 in page 14 (and other papers) just had:
‘BAR TO D.C.M.
The following have been awarded a Bar to the Distinguished Conduct Medal:—
1915, Coy. Q.M.-Sgt. C. C. GARRATT, 16th (S.A. and W.A.) Bn.
75, Coy. Sgt.-Mjr; T. KENNEDY, 1st Mach. Gun Co. (N.S.W.).
1422, Sgt. D. POOLE, 20th (N.S.W.).’
Base Records sent Kathleen Floyd a ‘Form of Warrant’ for No 75 Company Sergeant Major T Kennedy 1st Machine Gun Company as a temporary Warrant Officer (Class 2) on 28 March 1918 to her address as recorded on his attestation form. She signed it on 8 April 1918 and returned the form to them, which they received on 10 April. She was also sent a letter by them on 15 March 1918 letting her know Thomas had been awarded a Bar to his DCM. They sent her another letter on 15 May 1918, advising her that he had been Mentioned in Despatches in Sir Douglas Haig’s despatch of 7 November 1917 as deserving special mention.
On 30 June 1918 Thomas was detached from his previous duty and proceeded overseas, leaving Folkestone to France on 1 July 1918. Arriving at Camiers on 1 July, he proceeded to join the 1st MGB in the field on 6 July, re-joining them on 9 July.
Thomas was wounded in action in the Field on a fourth occasion on 29 August 1918 by gas. He was admitted to 1st Australian Field Ambulance on that day with ‘Gingivitis Gas’ and was then admitted to 61st Casualty Clearing Station with ‘Gassed Shell’ on that day. He was sent to the No 11 Stationary Hospital at Rouen and was admitted on 30 August. On 7 September 1918 he was sent to the Base Depot at Camiers, marching into there on 9 September. He proceeded to join his unit on 15 September, re-joining them in the Field on 18 September.
On 16 September 1918, Base Records notified Kathleen that Thomas had been ‘admitted 30/8/18 to French Hospital in France, Gassed – classed as wounded.’ They also advised her of his postal address.
CSM Thomas Kennedy DCM & Bar ‘1st M.G.Bn’ returned to Australia on 8th October 1918 as recorded in the nominal roll on 1914 Special Leave. He embarked at Taranto.
This is the cloth badge that 1914 Special Leave soldiers wore on both sleeves of their jacket while returning to Australia until they were discharged.
The Sydney Morning Herald of Monday 11 November 1918 in page 8 had a list under the heading ‘RETURNING ANZACS. ON BOARD “J” BOAT. The following officers and men, who enlisted in 1914 are returning to Australia on special leave and are actually en route from abroad. No further information can be supplied, excepting the approximate time of arrival which will be published shortly before disembarkation’ and included ‘C.S.M., Thos. Kennedy (D.C.M. and bar)’.
In the Daily Telegraph of Sydney on Thursday 5 December 1918 on page 5 was an article titled The Conquerors. Anzacs Capture Sydney. Veterans’ Warm Welcome. The article compared the Anzacs to The Romans of Caesar’s times and victory parades. The article mentioned ‘There were many decorated men.’ It mentioned some of them including ‘C.S.M. Thomas Kennedy, D.C.M. and bar’ It then said ‘And in almost every case when a decorated Digger could be got to talk about his ribbon be averred that “It came up with the rations.”’ The Sydney Morning Herald of the same date also had a description of the parade and the reception they got. It also noted Thomas in a list of those who had a bar to their gallantry award.
In the book Citations of the Distinguished Conduct Medal, the citations read for ‘75 C.S.M. T. Kennedy, M.G.C. (LG 6 Feb. 1918). For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in charge of ration and ammunition supplies during the operations. He worked almost continually day and night getting supplies forward, and set a fine example of fearlessness to his men. (D.C.M. gazetted 3rd July, 1915).’ Another entry reads ‘KENNEDY T. CSM 75 DCM Bar 6.5.18 DCM with Australian Infantry’. The last entry reads ‘KENNEDY T. L/Cpl 75 1st Bn. New Sth.Wales On 25th April 1915, and subsequent dates, during operations near Kaba Tepe, for displaying the greatest coolness and pluck in running around under heavy fire and collecting stragglers whom he formed and lead into the firing line. This he did time after time, with excellent results’ This is the order they appear in the book.
He disembarked at Melbourne for Sydney on 2 December 1918.
Thomas was in No 4 AGH and on 17 January 1919 his discharge was deferred until 17 February 1919 (according to a medical entry). On 25 January 1919 the Adjutant for the 2nd Military District CMF wrote a letter to ‘S.O.I. & R.S.’ ‘re No. 75 C.S.M. KENNEDY T. 1st M.G.C. ex “Pt. Sydney” 4/12/18’ for his 1914 furlough. It read ‘The abovenamed, who was deferred by P.M.R.Board on 17th inst. For further treatment, again appeared before the Board yesterday, was classified under “D. Recommend Discharge – Subject to approval by Headquarters. Incapacity One Third” and instructed to report to you at 9.15 a.m. on 28/1/19’. Other papers were attached to that letter to be referred to. The Captain at Victoria Barracks, Sydney for the AMF in the 2nd Military District filled out a form to go to Base Records on 14 February 1919 stating that 75 CSM T Kennedy DCM 1 Bn 1st MGB returned to Australia per HMAT Port Sydney on 4 December 1918 and was discharged from the Australian Imperial Force in consequence of medical unfitness on 3 February 1919. A medical report done on him as an invalid, shows that 75 CSM Thomas Kennedy of 1MGC, aged 39, occupation platelayer, enlisted at Victoria Barracks on 17/8/14. The proposed disability was VDH (Valvular disease of the heart) which had originated prior to enlisting in India. Thomas had rheumatic fever in India in 1905. After being gassed his heart began to trouble him with palpitations and shortness of breath. He stated he ‘cannot now do hard work’. The doctor noted a systolic murmur at the apex of the heart. The disability was aggravated by military service and he was recommended to be discharged as permanently unfit for general service. The doctor estimated his work capacity to be affected by a third. The form was signed at No 4 Australian General Hospital at Randwick, Sydney on 23 January 1919. He was recommended for discharge subject to approval by Headquarters and he was confirmed for discharge on the next day. He was discharged in the 2nd Military District at Sydney on 3 February 1919 as medically unfit with his disability as VDH.
There were 5 people named Thomas Kennedy from NSW and 1 from Queensland who served in WW1, so tracking him down before and after his service is not easy.
Thomas signed for a Certificate for Mention in Despatches, London Gazette No 30488 for Certificate No 1605 on 21 May 1920. He also signed for another two certificates, London Gazette 29251 and 29890 for Certificates numbers 3130 and 3131 on 6 June 1921. On 24 August 1920 he signed for two oak leaves (one large and one small) as his Mention in Despatches emblems, and the receipt was received back to Base Records on 27 August.
Duplicate Army Form B.103, Copy of AM Form D2 and an extract of Army Form B was despatched to Department of Repat, Chalmers Street Sydney on 24 January 1923 from their request R/2997 dated 4 January 1923. His will was sent to the 2nd Military District.
On 24 September 1925 Thomas married Kathleen Vera Floyd in Woollahra Sydney at St Joseph’s Catholic Church. He gave his occupation as wireman. Kathleen had been born in about 1874. Unfortunately, she passed away on 22 December 1936 and was buried in Waverley Cemetery in the Catholic section, in 20 Special A row 5 with the inscription ‘my wife’ on her grave. It appears they had no children.
In the 1943 electoral roll for Paddington (East Sydney) Thomas was living at 32 Jersey Road Woollahra by himself and had no occupation. The roll records a middle name of Andrew. Thomas passed away on 25 September 1943. In the Index card to Deceased Estate Files, he is listed as Thomas Kennedy of Woollahra, with an occupation of moulder. He was buried at Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park in Matraville on 27 September 1943 in RC3 – Roman Catholic FM 3, Position 399 under the name Thomas Andrew Kennedy. The epitaph on his headstone reads: ‘His duty nobly done’. The Sydney Morning Herald of 27 Sept 1943 in page 8 under Funerals had: ‘KENNEDY.—The Relatives and Friends of the late Thomas Andrew Kennedy are advised that his Funeral will leave our Private Chapel, 240 Oxford Street, Paddington, This Afternoon, at 1.13 o’clock, for the Catholic Cemetery, Botany. Labor Motor Funerals Limited 240 Oxford Street Paddington Phones LA2777 (4 lines).’ Probate was granted on 24th January 1944 with a value of £370, the administrator was P.T.E. and the form was returned to the Probate Office on 2 February 1944. His service record noted he died after discharge, with the date 25/9/43 recorded. He was added to the Graves List on 30 December 1943.
His will, number 286914, reads: ‘KENNEDY – THOMAS Late of Woollahra – Moulder. 24th January 1944. On this date, THE PUBLIC TRUSTEE filed an election to administer the Estate of the abovenamed deceased. (SUBJECT TO THE USUAL ENEMY CONDITIONS). INTESTATE died on or about the 25th day of September, 1943. ESTATE VALUED at £369/13/4. ELECTION DATED the 24th day of January, 1944.’
On 19 August 1946 The Public Trust Office in Sydney NSW wrote to Base Records in Canberra ‘Re Estate of THOMAS KENNEDY, dec’d. The Public Trustee is the Administrator of the estate of the abovementioned, who died on the 25th September 1943 late of Woollahra. Deceased was a member of First Machine Gun Co., with the first A.I.F. and was discharged from the Army with the rank of C.S.M. on 3rd February, 1919. Kindly advise whether your records disclose any particulars furnished by deceased at the time of enlistment and the time of discharge of his next-of-kin.’ They received the letter on 22 August 1946. Their reply on the next day was ‘In reply to your further letter WQ.3.P. of 19th August, 1946, you are advised on enlistment the abovenamed stated his Next of Kin to be (Brother) Jack KENNEDY, (address unknown), however, this was later changed to Miss K.V.Floyd, Alton House, Alton St., Woollahra, SYDNEY, N.S.W. No later information is available.’ The Public Trust Office sent another letter to them on 25 October 1943, asking if they held a will on his behalf. Base Records received it the next day and replied, stating that they did not have a will for Thomas.
His medals are Distinguished Conduct Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory medal with oak leaf.
Thomas was one of only 28 DCM Bars to the AIF for WWI. There were only four DCM’s for Gallipoli that were awarded later Bars on the Western Front. His DCM is the only early award on Gallipoli to later be awarded a Bar. The naming on the rim of the DCM reads: ‘75 L.Cpl. T. Kennedy. 1/Aust: I.B.-N.S.W.’ The inclusion of the NSW is very rare on DCM’s and is only found on the early AIF awards for Gallipoli. Later in the Gallipoli campaign, the state of unit origin was excluded.
The museum only has his DCM and Bar.
ANZAC Biographies
On our website you will find the biographical details of ANZAC (as well as British) servicemen & women whose medals or other memorabilia form part of the collection on display at the Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum, Maryborough, Queensland, Australia.