World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Kenny was born at Paddington and educated at the Christian Brothers' College, Waverley. He was working as a chemist's assistant at Bondi when he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on August 23, 1915. He was allotted service number 4195 and posted as a reinforcement to the 2nd Australian Infantry Battalion, 1st Brigade, 1st Australian Division. He embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, aboard HMAT A6 Aeneas on December 20 and disembarked in Egypt on February 16, 1916. This was four days after the order had been given to split the 2nd Battalion into two halves with one half forming the new 54th Battalion and both battalions being brought up to strength with reinforcements. Kenny was posted to the 54th Battalion but was transferred back to the 2nd Battalion on March 4. The 2nd Battalion moved to France but Kenny was sent to England for training with the 1st Training Battalion. He embarked for France on July 31 and arrived at Étaples on August 5 before joining his battalion on August 11. He served in the battalion bombing platoon in the second phase of the Battle of Pozières. In spring 1917, the 1st Australian Division was pursuing German forces that were retreating to the Hindenburg line. The Germans fortified a number of outpost villages in front of the new defensive line and in the attack on Hermies on April 9, his platoon was held up by an enemy strong point and severe casualties prevented progress. Private Kenny, under very heavy fire at close range, dashed alone towards the enemy's position, killed one man in advance of the strong point who endeavoured to bar his way. He then bombed the position, captured the gun crew, all of whom he had wounded, killed an officer who showed fight, and seized the gun. His gallant action enabled his platoon to occupy the position, which was of great local importance. He was awarded the Victoria Cross and was appointed lance corporal. On April 27 he was evacuated with trench feet and was hospitalised in England. While in England he was presented with the Victoria Cross by King George V at Buckingham Palace on July 21. It was not until May 6, 1918 that he left England to rejoin his battalion in northern France on May 12. He was wounded in action on June 26 in the Merris sector but remained on duty. He was promoted corporal on August 1 and three days later left for England where he joined a number of Australian Victoria Cross recipients who were being sent home to Australia for leave and to help in recruiting. He was one of 10 Australian Victoria Cross recipients who sailed on HMAT Medic that reached Melbourne in October. Four weeks later the Armistice was signed and he was discharged on December 12. Returning to civilian life he worked as a travelling salesman and later joined the Sunday Times newspaper in Sydney, He married Kathleen Dorothy Buckley at St Mary's Cathedral on September 29, 1927. Survived by his wife and one daughter, he died in Concord Repatriation Hospital, Sydney.