Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Ernest Thomas John Kennedy was a bank clerk, born in the town of Bendigo in the state of Victoria, his parents being Thomas Kennedy and Minnie Kennedy. Ernest had lived the majority of his life in the town of Bendigo, being a loyal and caring person with an optimistic personality. During his life he had always been faithful to the church as a presbyterian, always thinking for the better of others.

On the 18th of August 1914, Ernest had decided to participate in the war, joining the 7th Infantry Battalion with the rank of Private, being one of many who together created the 2nd Brigade. Two months after his enlistment, Ernest had been transferred to Melbourne in order to embark on the HMAT A20 Hororata, this cruiser weighing an estimated 9,400 tons with an average speed of 26 km per hour. On this cruiser boarded multiple Australians either from Port Melbourne or Victoria, the majority of Victorians forming the 7th Infantry Battalion.

The A20 Hororata travelled towards Albany from Melbourne, afterwards proceeding to the land of Egypt arriving on the 2nd of December. After being stationed in Egypt for a few months, where they had patrolled the border and went through combat training with other military personnel, the 2nd Brigade took part in the Anzac landing that was on the 25th of April 1915 as part of the second wave. This was where they had advanced during the evening from the western side of the Peninsula, also known as the Aegean sea.

However, the brigades had landed ashore a mile from where they had intended to go. Resulting in the troops having to advance inland under the opposition firepower from the Ottoman Turkish troops. Afterwards, the companies and battalions were shortly placed into battle.

Although there was failure in the achievement of their primary objectives, they had managed to persevere, and in return, formed a beachhead under the British empire's rule, this acting as a primary role for the upcoming war. The 2nd Brigade then transferred to Cape Helles 10 days after in order to support the attack on the village known as Krithia which started, on the 28th of April. This attack taking up a large amount of combat potential, at least a third of the companies and brigades original strength. This, disappointingly, only resulting in gaining a small amount of Kritias land and having it placed under britishes rule.

After supporting the first battle for Krithia, the Victorian Brigades had to return to Anzac Cove in order to defend the beachhead. During this period of time, on the 19th of February, the ‘Battle of Gallipoli’ began. Their battalion contributed to this battle by defending the beachhead for days and nights. At least a month later, the 2nd Brigade had to act in the Second battle of Krithia, this was the last battle for Ernest Thomas John Kennedy. After persevering and enduring through multiple and numerous life and death situations, he had his life taken on the battlefield for the noble cause of defending his comrades, being put to rest on the 8th of May 1915 during one of the many battles for Gallipoli. The second battle of Krithia, Ernest’s last battle, ended on the same day, the battle for Gallipoli however, ended the year afterwards on the 9th of January 1916, after the evacuation of 142 000 soldiers of both men, young and old on the day prior, the 8th of January. Although this had been considered to be a failure by military officials, Australians had Gallipoli become a household name, and with this, came the annual tradition known as ‘Anzac Day’.

After the war had ended on the 11th of November 1918, 3 years after Ernest had unfortunately passed away. His name was engraved at Helles memorial where he will forever be remembered, nurtured, and preserved. For the memories of himself, and the loved ones he so deeply cared for. May he forever be remembered, lest we forget.

Ernest Thomas John Kennedy was born in Bendigo , the son of Thomas Alexander & Minnie Kennedy, of McLaren St., Bendigo.

He was Head ledger-keeper at the Bank of Victoria, aged 25, with no previous military experience when he volunteered for service.    He was amongst the early volunteers for the WW1 Expeditionary Force, enlisting on 18.8.14.    The following day he left Bendigo for the Broadmeadows Camp.    He was allotted Service no. 797 and appointed to ‘G’ Company, 7th Battalion.

Whilst at Broadmeadows Camp Ernest Thomas John Kennedy achieved individual success at a Sports Meeting held on October 6th, 1914.   He came 2nd in the 120 yards Hurdles.   

The 7th Battalion left Broadmeadows Camp on 18 October, 1914, and embarked for service overseas on board HMAT ‘Hororata’.   Arriving in Egypt the battalion moved into camp at Mena, at the foot of the pyramids.   (6/12/14)     

In January, 1915, the Australian force was re-organized.   In the 7th Battalion ‘G’ and ‘H’ Companies joined to form the new ‘D’ Company.      This meant that all the men from Northern Victoria were together in one Company.

The 7th Battalion was part of the force which landed at Anzac Cove on 25th April, 1915.   

In May, Lieut.-General Sir W.R. Birdwood, in command of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, was asked to provide part of the Australian force to assist in a British offensive at Cape Helles.    The 2nd Australian Brigade, which included the 7th Battalion, was one of two brigades provided.    The 7th Battalion left Anzac and disembarked at ‘V’ Beach, Cape Helles, on May 6th.  The battalion moved forward on May 8th in what was later known as the “2nd Battle of Krithia”  (8-11 May).   This battle achieved minimal gain and casualties were extremely high.   

Ernest Thomas John Kennedy was KIA 8/5/15.    Many of the graves at Helles are unidentified, and consequently the gravesites of these men are unknown.    The name of Ernest Thomas John Kennedy is inscribed on the wall of the Helles Memorial.   

“The First Lot.   7th Battalion.   The first men of the Bendigo district to volunteer for service in the First World War.”: Larna Malone