Wednesday, 7 September 2011

Soldier Profile


KENNY, Thomas James
of Austin James and Mary Christina Kenny

Service no. 4195
Born 29th September 1896
At Paddington, Sydney, New South Wales
Catholic
Tall, large build. Dark hair, fair skin.
Salesman, Chemists assistant
Single
Enlisted at Sydney on 20th December, 1915. 
Aged 19 years old
Received Victoria Cross Award
Died after a long illness on April 15, 1953

Monday, 5 September 2011

Diary Entry

Dear Diary,
Life is tough over here. War isn't at all the exciting holiday that they made it out to be. Death, blood, tears, rain. We've lost many men, and we're going to lose so many more. It's hard to cope in these conditions, both physically and mentally. I know I'm not the only finding it hard to cope. Every night when I'm laying in bed, amongst the shots of gunfire, I hear the cries of many other soldiers. Cries from losing brothers, fathers, friends. Cries of pain. Cries of missing those loved ones back at home.
I wrote a letter home earlier to mum and dad, and I just couldn't bring myself to describe the horrors of war. I don't want them to worry too much. So instead of describing the brutal, nightmarish war that is happening, I told them of the ideal war that our government had portrayed. It angers me that they have described this war as an exciting new thing, convincing many to sign up. Young men have signed up, that are under 18. Parents will be grief stricken at the loss of their sons, who were so young.
The weather conditions are horrible, the rain just creates so much mud which is unbearable. It just adds to the daily struggles.
Life will be very different, post war. I have seen some things that I won't be able to forget with ease. Men have been shot down in front of my own eyes, and I don't know how many men I've shot dead. I hope the Lord can forgive me for my sins. I pray to Him whenever I can just hoping to find some peace in this war.
Days are turning into weeks, weeks into months, months into years. I miss everyone so dearly and just wish to go home.
 
Thomas James Kenny.

Monday, 22 August 2011

Letter Home

 May, 1917
Dear Mum and Dad,
War has been going on for some time now, and I'm missing you both dearly. I hope everything is okay with you. Everything is well over here. I went to Egypt for some training, and got to see the Pyramids! It was a wonderful experience. I've met so many men, and made many great new friends.
The weather gets a little tricky sometimes, like when the rain makes everything muddy, but we all manage.
I hope your proud of me! I'm to receive a Victoria Cross award for an act of bravery. In April , the 9th I think it was, my platoon came under heavy fire from a machine gun post. There was many casualties. I knew I had to take action, but what? I decided to use bombs. I hurled a first bomb, then a second, but they didn't cause damage. The third one did the most damage as it knocked out the post, and killed a few soldiers. I took the remaining German soldiers and kept them as prisoners.
I've been told that I made a huge contribution to the success of the project. But I can't help thinking of the soldiers on the other side. They're just like me, and after this war I'll have many of their blood on my hands. Many say that I'm doing the right thing 'serving my country' but is killing men ever right? I know that everyone will say that it is acceptable, and God will forgive, but I still have my doubts.
I hope I can come home soon.
Missing you lots.
Sincerely,
Thomas

Sources

Bibliography

Internet Sources:

Other Sources 
  • Clickview Video
    Name: Anzac Day World War 1 seniors
    Creator: Classroom video
    Year: 1985
  • Class handouts, worksheets, etc.
  • Asked grandad for information on conditions of war


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