Last Post Col Don Kenning, RNZA
Date: 
Wednesday, 27 May, 2015

It is with a great deal of sadness that I inform you of the death of Don Kenning yesterday. Don was a long serving Gunner and a former Col Comdt RNZA. Of note he was; BC 161 Battery (including leading the initial deployment with 161 Bty to South Vietnam), CO 16 Field Regiment, DRNZA, and ended his career as Comd 2 TFR. Col Don was very much looking forward to the final 161 Bty reunion coming up in July, but alas it was not to be.

On Behalf of all members of the RNZA we extend our condolences to the Kenning family.

Col Kennings funeral is planned for Friday 29 May at 1300 hours at is St Andrews Church (Church Street, Palmerston North).

Regards

Andy Shaw
Andrew R.N. Shaw
Lieutenant Colonel
Commanding Officer, 16th Field Regiment, RNZA

 

PRESS RELEASE:   27 May 2015  VIETNAM COMMANDER DIES

After a distinguished military career, Colonel Donal Kenning, the gunner who led New Zealand’s first combat troops to Vietnam has died at home in Palmerston North  aged 87. 

He died just two months short of the 50th anniversary of 161 Battery’s arrival in Vietnam and a reunion in Palmerston North of more than 300 of the 800 gunners who served in Vietnam between 1965-71.

As a Major he commanded 161 Battery of the 16th Field Regiment, Royal New Zealand Artillery, between 1965-66, providing close support fire for Australian and American troops in jungle clashes with Viet Cong and North Vietnamese units.

The Battery initially included 120 gunners and five 105mm pack howitzers and in the first year two gunners were killed and many wounded in action. 
For his “skill, coolness, and courage during operations” he received an MBE from the New Zealand government and the Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star from the then  South Vietnamese government.

He was trained at the Royal Military College, Duntroon, and served in the Korean war between 1951-53. 

Colonel Barry Dreyer, Colonel Commandant of the 16th Field Regiment, RNZA, says  New Zealand has lost a gallant soldier who led by example, was widely respected by his men, and won the unqualified trust of the Australian and American units he worked with.

The funeral will be held in Palmerston North on Friday.

Further Information: Barry Dreyer 09-3075692