William Joseph Keena

William was born around the 17 February 1921 at Templeton, Killashee, Co. Longford. His father, also William Joseph was a farmer, living in Shandonagh, Mullingar at the time of his marriage to Elizabeth Dooner from Glenmore, Kenagh, but the family were living in Templeton, Killashee prior to emigrating. William had a number of younger siblings also born in Longford, including Elizabeth, Hubert and Nicholas.

The family later emigrated to Australia in January 1927* on the S.S. Berrima. William, h, settling in the state of Victoria; prior to WW2, William worked as a farm hand. He enlisted with the Australian forces at Royal Park, on the 3 November 1941, joining the 10th Anti Aircraft Battery as a Gunner. He later transferred to the 2/164 Australian General Transport Company with the tank of Driver. He primarily served in Australia during World War 2, but did pick up facial injuries due to a vehicular accident in service. 

William's sister, Kathleen Mary Keena served with the Australian Women's Army Service (AWAS - Army No VF389614) from July 1942 

William was discharged from the army in November 1945. He passed away in Wheeler's Hill, Victoria in 1972.

Link to Australian Military Forces Record for VX65589;  notice of probable engagement to Nell Ajani; interview with Eric White who also served in the 10th A.A.