The body of a Victorian soldier, killed in action during the First World War, has been identified in an unnamed grave in France, more than a century after his death.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee today confirmed the identification of Lieutenant James Mark Kennedy, 26th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force born 16 April 1879.
“Thanks to painstaking research over a number of years, Lieutenant Kennedy’s family now know his final resting place and he can be given the memorial he deserves,” Minister Gee said.
“It is pleasing that, as we commemorate Remembrance Day, we have been able to bring some closure to another Australian family whose loved one lost their life fighting for our nation.
“Born in Clarendon, Victoria and recruited in Queensland, Lieutenant Kennedy dedicated the majority of his life to service, including fighting in both the Boer War and the First World War.
“He was 37 when he was tragically killed near Flers on 5 November 1916, after his unit attacked German trenches near a defensive position known as ‘The Maze’.
“Due to the dangerous conditions from heavy bombardment and thick mud, Lieutenant Kennedy’s remains could not be recovered following the battle and he was commemorated on the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial.
“It is remarkable that after 105 years, his final resting place has now been identified. It says much about Australia that after more than a century we are still honouring our sacred national commitment to never forget those who gave everything for our nation.
“I want to thank Fallen Diggers Incorporated, the Office of Australian War Graves, the Australian Army, and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, whose detailed research and support made this identification possible and has given some closure to Lieutenant Kennedy’s family.”
In consultation with Lieutenant Kennedy’s grandchildren, arrangements will be made to replace the previously unmarked headstone with one bearing his name and service details.
Lieutenant Kennedy’s grandson Mark Kennedy said learning of his grandfather’s burial location was a small miracle.
“Since 1987 I’ve tried here and there to search
