Tasmanian War Casualties

WW1

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McKenna, William

Born 17^th June 1880 Karoola Tasmania to Hugh and Alice McKenna (nee Clancy) unmarried a farmer he embarked Melbourne 6^th December 1916 on board “HMAT Orsova” with the 40^th Infantry Battalion.

He was wounded in action 28^th November 1917 (2^nd occasion) at Messines with a gunshot wound to the left leg and a compound fracture right humerus and was admitted to the 9^th Field Ambulance and was then transferred to the 2^nd Australian Casualty Clearing Station where he died 29^th November 1917. He was buried in the Trois Arbres Cemetery, Steenwerck, France.

He is also commemorated in the Sacred Heart Catholic Curch Cemetery, Karoola on the headstone of his mother Alice who died approximately nine months after her son’s death.

The Right Rev. Monsignor Beechinor received a cable asking him to convey the sad news to Mrs. McKenna, sen. Turner's Marsh of the death of her son (Pte. William McKenna) which occurred in hospital on November 2S as the result of wounds received in action in France. The rev gentleman’s health did not permit him to journey to Turner's Marsh, consequently Sister Joseph was informed, and asked to break the news, which she did. The deceased who was a single man, 38 years of age, was a general favourite with all. He left Tasmania some 14 months ago, and was reported wounded in September last after which hr wrote a very cheery letter saying hr was only slightly wounded by a bit of shell, and would soon be back with the boys again. The news created quite a shock to all. Much sympathy has been expressed with Mrs. McKenna and family.

Examiner Launceston 14^th December 1917

Photo Courtesy Richard McKenna

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Tasmanian War Casualties, Honouring the past, building understanding.