Loyola College - Review Yearbook (Montreal, Quebec Canada)

Page 21 text:

бі FESSES xs а rgo 2 454 SRA a ме әже | CORPORAL ADRIAN McKENNA, 24th Battalion, О. L. 1905. Killed in action on January 19th, 1916.

Page 23 text:

LOYOLA COLLEGE REVIEW 13 ROLL OF HONOUR CORPORAL ADRIAN McKENNA, 24th BATTALION, Killed in action on January 19th, 1916. . Adrian McKenna came to Loyola in 1905. Не entered the class of Latin Rudiments and was soon a favourite with his class-mates and the other boys in the College. He was of a cheery disposition, ready to take his share in any game or amusements, and of unbounded generosity. He remained with us for four years, and after some time joined the Dominion Textile Company. бооп after the war broke out, he resigned and volunteered for active service in the 24th Battalion. Two of the letters which he wrote to friends in Montreal, and which we are publishing among the ‘Letters from the Front,’ will give some details of his life in the trenches. He had just rejoined his regiment, after being confined to the hospital for some time as a result of a bullet wound, when he met his death. Those who have known Adrian will not be surprised to learn that he was shot while in charge of a dangerous post about thirty yards out from the main trench. In fact, his Major writes that “he was always willing to take a dangerous post, and his courage and coolness at critical times were always an inspiration to his men.”’ The tributes to his engaging qualities and soldierly efficiency, received by his relatives from the officers and men of his regiment, are too numerous to mention. We are giving some extracts from the letters announcing the cir- cumstances of his death. A special interest for us attaches to Adrian McKenna, as he is the first Loyola boy who has died on the field of honour. The many friends whom he made during the time he spent at the College unite in offering their deepest sympathy to his mother and relatives. LETTER FROM HIS MAJOR Belgium, January 22nd, 1916. It is with a great deal of sorrow and feeling of sympathy for you that I have to tell you of the death of your son, Corporal A. H. McKenna. He had been Corporal with me in my Company ever since I joined the Battalion, and he had at all times been steady and reliable. His work over here was especially good. He was always willing to take а dangerous post, and his courage and coolness at critical times were always an inspiration to his men. It was on the 19th, at half-past seven in the morning, while he was crossing a dangerous and exposed piece of ground, that he was shot through the body by a sniper. All that was possible was done for him, but he did not regain consciousness, and he died an hour and a half later. He was buried the next day in the Battalion plot. I feel that I have lost one of my most valuable men, and I know how much sorrow it will bring to you; so if there is anything I can possibly do for you, I would be very glad to do it, if you woüld just let me know. LETTER FROM A MILITARY CHAPLAIN: . (Translated from the French) Belgium, at the Front, January 20th, 1916. Long before my letter reaches you, you will have heard of your great bereavement...... I must give you an accurate account of the death of Corporal A. McKenna, who fell gloriously yesterday on the field of honour. Не was in the advanced trenches. Death came quickly; but the piety, I would almost say the saintliness, of our dear Adrian is too well known