Albert Edward McKenzie facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Albert McKenzie VC
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Albert McKenzie returns home with his VC
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| Born | 23 October 1898 Bermondsey, London |
| Died | 3 November 1918 (aged 20) Chatham Naval Hospital, Kent |
| Buried |
Camberwell Old Cemetery
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Royal Navy |
| Years of service | 1913–1918 |
| Rank | Able Seaman |
| Unit | HMS Vindictive |
| Battles/wars | World War I † |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Albert Edward McKenzie was a brave English sailor. He was born on October 23, 1898. He is famous for receiving the Victoria Cross. This is the highest award for bravery given to British and Commonwealth soldiers. It is given for showing great courage when facing the enemy.
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Albert McKenzie: A Young War Hero
Albert McKenzie was a young man when he joined the Royal Navy. He was an Able Seaman, which is a rank for skilled sailors. He served during the First World War. He was only 19 years old when he showed incredible bravery.
His Brave Act at Zeebrugge
Albert McKenzie's brave act happened on April 22-23, 1918. This was during a very important mission called the Zeebrugge Raid. The raid took place in Zeebrugge, Belgium.
McKenzie was part of a special attack group. They had to land on a long pier called the Mole. This was very difficult because the enemy was firing at them. He managed to get his machine-gun onto the Mole. He moved forward with his commanding officer, Arthur Leyland Harrison. Most of their group was sadly killed.
Even though it was very dangerous, McKenzie kept fighting. He used his machine-gun to stop several enemy soldiers. They were trying to hide near a ship. He was badly wounded while firing his gun in an open spot. His actions helped his team a lot.
The Victoria Cross Medal
After his brave actions, Albert McKenzie was given the Victoria Cross. King George V himself presented the medal to him. This happened at Buckingham Palace.
Sadly, Albert McKenzie died soon after. He had almost recovered from his wounds. But he caught influenza (the flu) during a worldwide flu pandemic. He passed away in November 1918, when he was just 20 years old. He is buried in Camberwell Old Cemetery in South London.
Remembering Albert McKenzie
Albert McKenzie's Victoria Cross medal is still owned by his family. It is currently on display at the Imperial War Museum in London. This allows many people to see it.
A special memorial was built to honor Albert McKenzie VC. It was unveiled on October 23, 2015. This date was his 117th birthday. The memorial is located in Bermondsey, London Borough of Southwark. It stands where Tower Bridge Road, Decima Street, and Bermondsey Street meet.
