Charles Thomas Kennedy

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This article is about Charles Thomas Kennedy, VC, a Scottish soldier. See Charles Kennedy (disambiguation) for others of the same name.

Charles Thomas Kennedy VC (6 January 1876 - 24 April 1907) was a Scottish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

1 Details
2 Further information
3 The medal
4 References
5 See also
6 External links

[edit] Details

He was 24 years old, and a private in the 2nd Battalion, The Highland Light Infantry, British Army during the South African War (Boer War) when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 22 November 1900 at Dewetsdorp, South Africa, Private Kennedy carried a wounded comrade (Private McGregor)who was bleeding to death, from Gibraltar Hill to the hospital, a distance of three-quarters of a mile, under very heavy enemy fire.

The following day Kennedy volunteered to carry a message to the commanding officer across an area in direct view of enemy forces. Although Kennedy was unsuccessful in his attempt to deliver the message, as he was severely wounded before he had travelled 20 yards, he ultimately survived the war.

Kennedy received the Victoria Cross from King Edward VII at an impressive investiture held at St. James' Palace on 17th December 1901. He subsequently failed to meet the Army's physical requirements owing to his wound and was discharged from the Service on 25th June 1902. He then returned to Edinburgh.