Memorial to Albert Edward McKenzie VC in Bermondsey
I was staying in Bermondsey on the way to a funeral when I came across this interesting modern statue. On 22/23rd April 1918 at Zeebrugge, 19-year-old Able Seaman McKenzie was a member of a storming party from HMS Vindictive on the night of the operation. He landed with his Lewis gun in the face of great difficulties, advancing down the Mole with his commanding officer, Lieutenant Commander Harrison, who with most of his party was killed. The seaman accounted for several of the enemy running for shelter to a destroyer alongside the Mole, and was severely wounded whilst working his gun in an exposed position. He was selected for the VC by his comrades from the ships and men of the Naval Assault Force under Rule 13 of the Royal Warrant. He was presented with his medal by King George V at Buckingham Palace. However, having almost recovered from his wounds, he died of influenza during the pandemic on 3rd November 1918. He is buried in Camberwell Old Cemetery, South London. McKenzie's Victoria Cross is still owned by the McKenzie family and is on loan to the Imperial War Museum in London. The memorial was unveiled on 23 October 2015 (the 117th anniversary of his birth) at the junction of Tower Bridge Road, Decima Street and Bermondsey Street, Bermondsey, in the London Borough of Southwark. John Brierley August 2023 |
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Branch Christmas Bash.
The Christmas meal was again held in the excellent Refreshment Rooms in Rock Ferry on Thursday 5th December and was well-attended by Branch members. It was the perfect setting for members to get together socially and look back on this year's branch events, which included some excellent speakers, interesting visits and of course the Branch exhibition. Also, the opportunity to look forward to another year of activities and the summer battlefield tour of France and Flanders. Pete Threlfall (Chairman) December 2019 |
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St Mary's Church, Upton, Wirral
Poppy display commemorating the 100th anniversary of the ending of the Great War. Pam Horne |