Keenan, Henry Dyson

10991 Private Henry Dyson Keenan - Australian Army Medical Corps

Henry Dyson Keenan was born in Fremantle WA on the 21st October 1899 to Thomas and Martha Keenan, being one of eight siblings born into the family. The family lived at 30 Arundel Street Fremantle. (later renumbered to 20 Arundel).

He was educated in Fremantle and during this time began service with the naval cadets. After leaving school he took up work in a grocery store and the family was then living in Norfolk Street Fremantle.

Henry was underage in 1915 but stowed away on the transport ship HMAT Warilda. He was found during the voyage but convinced those onboard that he was 18 so when they arrived in Egypt, Henry was attested and signed up. The medical examiner at Tel-el-Kebir camp in Egypt recorded Henry's physical attributes as;

Height - 5 feet 6 & 1/2 inches tall;

Weight - 10 stone 6;

Chest Measurement - 31-33 inches;

Complexion - Fair;

Eyes - Blue;

Hair - Brown.

After his successful enlistment, Henry was sent to the AIF reinforcements camp and was eventually assigned to the Australian Army medical Corps. He remained in Egypt till the 28th May 1916 when he embarked for England. Henry would then spend 1916 and 1917 in England in various camps and hospitals, such as Bulford, Parkhouse and Weymouth being utilised in the Australian Army Medical Corps.

It appears his true age had been discovered as being under 18 as on the 30th January 1918 he was sent home to Australia aboard the transport ship Euripides. He returned to Fremantle in March 1918 and was then discharged from the AIF.

 While he was away at the war, his mother had died in 1917 and upon his return home, he rejoined the family, who were now living at 270 High St Fremantle. (later renumbered to 164 High St) Henry was now working as a labourer.

In 1929 Henry moved to Canning Road East Fremantle and then a few years later to the corner of Zenobia and McKimmie street in Palmyra.

His Father died in October 1945 and Henry remained living in Palmyra.

He died on the 21st February 1960 in Palmyra aged 60. He was cremated at Fremantle Cemetery and his ashes put into the family grave.