Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Surname: HENDRIE; Given Names: Kenneth Roy; Date of Birth: 22 May 1888; Date of Enlistment: 1 June 1915; Trade or Calling: Real Estate Broker; Birth Location: Adelaide; Address prior to enlistment: Rose Park SA; Photograph sent by: K R Hendrie
Source: State Records

The son of Mrs Margaret Hendrie, Ken Hendrie was a 28 years old single Real Estate Broker when he embarked with the 5th Reinforcements 27th Battalion in October 1915, having enlisted in the previous June.

He returned to Australia in late September 1917.

Kenneth Roy Hendrie was a man born to mother Margret Hendrie on the 22nd of May 1888 in their Rose Park home. Before his enlistment in the AIF he was a single 28-year-old real estate broker with mild deafness which had previously resulted in him being turned down from the military. On the 25th of June 1915 (however RSL virtual war memorial state he enlisted on the 1st of June) Kenneth enlisted in the Australian infantry force again only this time he was accepted. At the time of his enlistment he weighed 63.4 kg and was measured at 182.88 cm. upon his enlistment Kenneth was placed in the 27th infantry battalion as reinforcement. The 27th battalion was a unit built up of troops from suburbs in South Australia. 

After 4 months of training (location unknown) Kenneth and his battalion were transported to Fremantle where they bordered the HMAT Themistocles A32. Roughly 2 months later Kenneth and the 27th Battalion entered the front-line trenches for the first time on 7 April 1916 and took part in its first major battle at Pozieres, France between 28 July and late August. After spending a long time in the front line trenches Kenneth’s time in France was cut short when he was struck in the face by a stray German bullet. Remarkably he was able to stay alive for just enough time to receive treatment.

2 days after he sustained his life threatening injury Kenneth was transported to a war hospital in the French province of Boulogne. Where he continued to obtain treatment and began to recover. 2 days later Kenneth also was diagnosed with shellshock and his problem with deafness was further affected. He was then transported to England on the 16 of April 1916. Once he arrived in England he was transported to Wharncliffe war hospital and was further treated for his gunshot wound and shellshock.

After almost a whole year Kenneth had almost made a full recovery from the wound in his face. Just as he was released from hospital the decision came from the AIF to discharge Kenneth for his deafness. At the time of his discharge Kenneth was awarded 3 medals. The 1914-15 “Star”, the “British war medal and the “Victory” medal.

Kenneth showed outstanding ANZAC spirit in multiple occasions including when he was originally turned down form the army he showed out standing spirit and would not give up until he was accepted into the AIF.