Kennedy, Edward John
| Edward John Kennedy | |
|---|---|
| 6 November 1919 – 1 September 1945 | |
 | |
| Place of birth | Glace Bay, Nova Scotia |
| Place of death | Netherlands |
| Place of burial | Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery |
| Allegiance | Canada |
| Service/branch | Canadian Army |
| Years of service | 1941-1945 |
| Rank | Signalman |
Early Life
Edward John Kennedy was born in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia on 6 November 1919. He completed Grade 10 before leaving school. Later he served in various jobs including as a plumbers helper and a carpenter. His hobbies included philately and sports. Edward was the son of Jacob and Josephine Kennedy of Glace Bay. He was the second oldest in his family and he had 8 brothers and sisters - three of whom served in WWII – one as a Signalman.
Service
Edward Kennedy joined the Army in New Glasgow in 1941 at the age of 21 and was assigned service number F78831. He started his training in Kingston at the Canadian Signal Training Centre (CSTC) where he received basic and some advanced training. He embarked for overseas in 1941 and on arrival in the UK on 19 October 1941 was posted with 1 Canadian Signals Holding Unit (CSHU). In March 1942 having qualified as a Despatch Rider – Group/Class "C" - he was transferred from 1 Canadian Signal Reinforcement Unit (CSRU) to D Section 2nd Canadian Infantry Divisional Signals. While serving with 2 Infantry Division Signals he also qualified as a Driver i/c for the ubiquitous 5-cwt Car (Jeep). He served in England until departing for France with 2 Divisional Signals in July 1944. In July 1945 he was taken on strength of 2 Company, 1st Canadian Infantry Divisional Signals.
On 28 August 1945 he was granted leave and traveled to Amsterdam with several friends. He was last seen around midnight on 28 August. On 1 Sep he was found in the Amstel River near Rembrandt Square. A Court of Inquiry conducted by HQ 1st Canadian Infantry Divisional Signals determined his death was attributed to an apparent accidental drowning.
Signalman Kennedy is buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery at Grave IX. A. 11.
Related Items
Kennedy, Edward John grave marker
Kennedy, Edward John
References and Footnotes
- ↑ Research by BGen (Ret'd) Kevin O'Keefe.