Polish War Memorial Anning Road in full bloom.

A presentation of medals

Wearing his medals with pride.


Proud veteran of WWII Burma Bill Kenely of Staples Terrace was
re-presented with his service medals at a short ceremony at the Royal British Legion Meeting on Thursday.

Events Co-ordinator for the Legion David Manners noticed last Remembrancetide that Bill’s Burma Star medal was attached to his jacket by only a small piece of black cotton tape.

My first thought said former RNR Lt.Cdr Manners was “here’s a man who saw active service in the far east and his medals have seen a lot better days. So I decided, with Bill’s consent, to get his medals re-ribboned, cleaned and mounted.”

Bill served for two years in India and Burma and is the fourth generation of his family to have served in the British army. Bill was with the Lancashire Fusiliers.

“Some people may think nowadays why bother to rejuvenate such medals after 63 years? I have no doubt in my mind having seen Bill Kenely on Thursday. He is proud of what he achieved, full of painful, sad and sometimes fond memories and determined to wear his “new” medals with the dignity they rightly deserve.

In conclusion Mr. Manners stressed that the task was paid for privately and did not involve Royal British Legion funds.

Photos: Fusilier Bill Kenely receiving his medals for a second time presented by RBL President Cecil Quick.

The Burma Star and the 1939-1945 war medal.