"William
Kenny, No 6535, Drummer,
2nd Battalion, The Gordon Highlanders.
Date of Act of Bravery: 23rd October, 1914.
" For conspicuous bravery on 23rd October, 1914, near Ypres, in
rescuing wounded men on five occasions under very heavy fire in the
most fearless manner, and for twice previously saving machine guns by
carrying them out of action. On numerous occasions Drummer Kenny conveyed
urgent messages under very dangerous circumstances over fire-swept ground."
This deed occurred amid desperate fighting around Kruiseik which preceded the battle proper. On 28th October the Gordons marched down the Menin Road and took over trenches at the Kruseik cross roads. The German assault on the line on both sides of the Menin Road began next day at 5.30am and during the next five days the battle raged during which time the German Kaiser was present at the front to stimulate his forces in one supreme attempt to take Ypres and move on to the Channel before winter set in. The assault, under cover of a thick fog, fell directly upon the Grenadiers, 2nd Gordons and Scots Fusiliers to the south of the road and the Black Watch, Coldstreams and Scots Guards to the north of it.
Captain James
A O Brooke
( promoted posthumously )
"James Anson
Otho Brooke, Lieutenant,
2nd Battalion, The Gordon Highlanders.
Date of Act of Bravery: 29th October, 1914.
For
most conspicuous bravery and great ability near Gheluvelt, on the 29th
October, in leading two attacks on the German trenches under heavy rifle
and machine gun fire, regaining a lost trench at a very critical moment.
He was killed on that day. By his marked coolness and promptitude on
this occasion , Lieut. Brooke prevented the enemy from breaking through
our line at a time when a general counter-attack could not have been
organised. Having regained the lost trench, he went back to bring up
supports, and while doing so, was killed."