Local Hero britishpathe/video/reception-of-naval-v-c-in-old-kent-road/query/zeebrugge The above newsreel shows Bermondsey-born Able Seaman Albert McKenzie being received by the Mayor and other dignitaries, in recognition of his award of the Victoria Cross, by a ballot of his peers, after his heroic actions during the St Georges Day raid on Zeebrugge Harbour in 1918. Look at his eyes - is he bemused by it all, or is he still suffering from the effects? While most of those with him were killed, McKenzie saw off several enemy troops in the harbour at Zeebrugge despite sustaining severe injuries himself. Sadly McKenzie died of influenza just days after receiving his medal at Buckingham Palace. Below are some pictures associated with what he did.
Posted on: Mon, 11 Aug 2014 08:06:24 +0000