William Kenealy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Stephen Kenealy
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| Born | 26 December 1886 Wexford, County Wexford, Ireland |
| Died | 29 June 1915 (aged 28) near Cape Helles, Gallipoli, Ottoman Turkey |
| Buried |
Lancashire Landing Cemetery, Gallipoli Peninsula
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1909–1915 |
| Rank | Lance Sergeant |
| Service number | 1809 |
| Unit | Lancashire Fusiliers |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
| Other work | Coal miner |
William Stephen Kenealy was a brave soldier from Ireland. He was born on December 26, 1886, and sadly passed away on June 29, 1915, when he was just 28 years old. William Kenealy received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest and most respected award for bravery given to soldiers in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries. It's given for amazing courage when facing the enemy.
William Kenealy's Early Life
William Stephen Kenealy was born in Wexford, a town in Ireland. His father, John, was also a soldier, serving as a colour sergeant in the Royal Irish Regiment. A colour sergeant was a senior non-commissioned officer.
When William's father retired from the army, their family moved to Ashton-in-Makerfield in Lancashire, England. There, his father worked as a check-weigher at a coal mine called Bryn Hall Colliery. A check-weigher makes sure miners are paid fairly for the coal they dig.
Becoming a Coal Miner
William followed in his father's footsteps in a way, but not into the army right away. At just 13 years old, he started working as a coal miner. This was a tough and dangerous job, digging coal deep underground.
Joining the Army
Ten years after starting work in the mines, William decided to join the army himself. He signed up for seven years of service. He became a private in the 1st Battalion of the Lancashire Fusiliers, which is a famous part of the British Army.
Serving in World War I
William Kenealy joined the army just before or during World War I. This was a huge global conflict that lasted from 1914 to 1918. He was sent to fight in the Gallipoli campaign. This was a major battle during the war, fought in what is now Turkey.
William was part of the Landing at Cape Helles. This was a very difficult and dangerous operation where soldiers had to land on beaches while under attack. Sadly, William Stephen Kenealy was killed in action ( †) during this campaign on June 29, 1915. He showed incredible bravery during his time serving his country.
