William Keen

Military Information

  • Date of enlistment:
  • Place of enlistment: Dundee
  • Service no: 2406
  • Rank: Corporal
  • Service Occupation:
  • Awards: Military Medal & Mentioned in Despatches
  • Regiment/Service: Black Watch
  • Unit/Ship: 1st/5th Battalion
  • Place of Death: France
  • Age at Death: 44
  • Date of Death: 30.07.1916
  • Burial Country: France
  • Cemetery: Serre Road Cemetery No2
  • Grave/Mem Ref no: V.F.2.

Personal Information

  • Date of Birth:
  • Place of Birth: Dundee
  • Address: 68 Ann St, Dundee
  • Occupation:
  • Mother:
  • Father:

    James Keen, 41 Cowgate, Dundee

  • Siblings:

    James Keen & Mrs George Milne 53 Caldrum St, Dundee

  • Spouse:

    Jane McCash Keen, 68 Ann St, Dundee

  • Children:

    Jane, born 18.05.1906, Georgina, born 31.05.1908, David, born 27.03.1910 & William, born 26.09.1913.

More about William Keen

Son of Mr & Mrs Keen, Cupar, Fife. William was the brother of Pte James Keen, 709568, 26th Battalion Canadian Infantry.

William Keen   2406 Black Watch

DUNDEE MAN MENTIONED IN DESPATCHES.

Private William Keen, who was mentioned in despatches on Saturday, whose wife resides at 68 Ann Street, Dundee.  He is a son of Mr J. Keen, dealer, Dudhope Street.  His brother James is at present serving with the Canadian Contingent.  Private Keen joined the local Territorials, shortly after the war broke out, and since going to France with his battalion he has earned the greatest respect of his comrades for his bravery on several occasions.

Dundee Courier 3rd January 1916

A DUNDEE HERO FALLS.
MENTIONED SEVERAL TIMES IN DESPATCHES.
Corporal W. Keen, Black Watch, who was several times mentioned in despatches for heroism on the battlefield, has made the supreme sacrifice.

Corporal Keen, who is a son of Mr James Keen, 41 Cowgate, Dundee, resided at 68 Ann Street. He was a bomber for some time, and was promoted on the field to the rank of corporal. In a sympathetic letter to Mrs Keen, Major S. M. Milligan, of the Black Watch, states that he was greatly impressed by Corporal Keen’s kindly nature and his brave actions.

He was greatly loved by all his comrades, and was a favourite with all.

The deceased soldier leaves a widow and four young children.
Dundee Courier 10 August 1916

Additional information supplied by Lindsay

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