b. 1824 Dublin, Ireland. d. 02/10/1862 Multan, India.
James Kenny (1824-1862) is an Irish born recipient who sadly very little is known about other than his actions in Lucknow in November 1857. What is known is that James is thought to have been born in Dublin, Ireland in 1824. He enlisted with the 53rd Regiment of Foot (later King’s Shropshire Light Infantry) sometime prior to the outbreak of the Mutiny, and remained a Private.
Victoria Cross
On 16th November 1857, during the storming of the Secundra Bagh at Lucknow with his comrades of the 53rd, he showed “conspicuous bravery” (his citation, 24th December 1858), and he also volunteered to collect ammunition for his company under heavy enemy fire. Following the award of the VC, it is unknown when or where exactly he was presented with the medal. It is believed it was in India, as following the end of the Mutiny, when the 53rd was ordered home, Private Kenny chose to remain in India.
Kenny chose to transfer into the 6th Bengal European Fusiliers, and with the demise soon after of the Honourable East India Company, they became the 101st Regiment of Foot (Royal Munster Fusiliers). Sadly, Kenny would not live as a VC recipient for too long. He was to die of disease at Mooltan on 3rd October 1862, aged 38, and was buried in an unmarked grave in Mooltan Cemetery. His medals are in private ownership.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: NOT PUBLICLY HELD.
BURIAL PLACE: MULTAN CEMETERY, MULTAN, INDIA. (UNMARKED GRAVE)
