Cyril Kennedy

Kennedy was born in Hilden, Nova Scotia to Liberal-Conservative Nova Scotia MLA Robert H. Kennedy along with nine siblings.

He took up lumber work and carpentry working with the family sawmill until joining the Canadian Army.

Kennedy became a commissioned officer in 1936 as part of The North Nova Scotia Highlanders. He participated in the 1938 Army Operational Shooting Competition in England as part of the Canadian contingent. In 1940, he volunteered for overseas service and on June 6, 1944 fought at Juno Beach as Officer Commanding of his regiment's "D" Company. On June 7 he was engaged in fighting in Buron where elements of the 12th SS Panzer Division had attacked. Two other North Nova Scotia companies were encircled and surrendered (and some of the prisoners were executed during the Ardenne Abbey Massacre), but "D" Company dug in and after four hours of fighting were able to repulse the German advance with limited support. For gallantry during this action Kennedy received the Distinguished Service Cross.

Later on July 8 while fighting in the re-taking of Authie Kennedy received shrapnel from a Nebelwerfer rocket in his right arm, which required amputation. Despite this injury, after the war Kennedy resumed work as a carpenter.

He was first elected at the Colchester—Hants riding in the 1957 general election, then re-elected there in 1958, 1962, 1963 and 1965. On 17 September 1967, Kennedy left the House of Commons before the end of his term in the 27th Canadian Parliament and did not campaign for any further re-election. He resigned his seat for Robert Stanfield who had not secured a seat in 1965, the recently elected Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada.

• Cyril Kennedy – Parliament of Canada biography