A True Gentleman

(Major D.M. John Kennedy M.C.)

Irish Guards

This legends story from start to finish is a template.

Of what separates the ordinary from the great.

But to be a legend there are other factors to consider.

This mans story should never be allowed to wither.

He was born in County Kildare a truly wondrous place.

In his short life he had so many battles to face.

He began in Norway blazing a trail.

To be in his company was not for the frail.

He was a man that knew what he wanted and what he expected.

This is why by so many he was revered and so highly respected.

But to become a legend you have to be surrounded by the best.

His beloved Number 3 Company stood up to every bloody test.

He served with the 1st Battalion and later in the war with the 3rd.

So many of this mans stories of heroism have been shared.

Major Kennedy was a natural born leader of men.

A very rare commodity like the rarest gem.

He led from the front always showing the way.

Challenging the people round him and himself every single day.

Then to North Africa and the desperate battle for Anzio.

He had good men from all over, Liverpool, Newcastle and Sligo.

Men such as, Murphy, Ryan, Smylie, Kearney, Hughes, Gregg, and Abbot, I name just a few.

With Major Kennedy as there leader there confidence grew.

These men and many others all played such a vital role.

This battle for the Micks in particular, so many lives it stole.

Only taking a short rest he decided to once again raise his head.

To North West Europe he went where he was surely misled!

Like lambs to the slaughter but with such true conviction.

They were being mobbed by the hounds and they were the vixen.

He was killed at Terporten and now lays in Gennep.

This is a man for me that will never be out of step.

Major Kennedy should have received a V.C.

But it still would not return him to his beloved family.

By Tom Roach

Irish Guard