McKenna, Cyril Thomas, LVSc 1914, BVSc 1915

CYRIL THOMAS McKENNA, BVSc, MRCVS

The death of Cyril Thomas McKenna, BVSc (Melbourne 1914), MRCVS, on 25 June 1980 has deprived the veterinary profession in Australia of one of its oldest and most respected members.  

He was born in Seymour, Victoria, in 1892 and educated at Christian Brothers College, Melbourne.  Immediately after graduation he proceeded overseas with the Australian Imperial Forces serving in Egypt and France obtaining the rank of Major.  After graduation from the Dick he went to South Africa where he served as a Government veterinary officer in the Transvaal.   He returned to Australia in 1924 and joined the South Australian Stock and Brands Department.   In 1953 he was appointed Chief Adviser in Animal Husbandry in the Department of Agriculture and retired in 1957.

“Mac” retained his interest in the Australian Army Veterinary Corps and was for many years D.A.D.V.S.  for South Australia.  He was associated with many initial disease investigations and with the extension of knowledge to the farming community.  A quiet and unassuming person Mac's services to the veterinary profession and to the stockowners of South Australia have never been fully recognised.  Our deepest sympathies are extended to his wife Dulcie and to his son Brian.

Group portrait of the officers of the 11th Brigade of Australian Field Artillery in the rest area at Epagne, France. 14 June 1918. Maj C.T. McKenna, Veterinary Offcer, front row, 2nd from left. Image courtesy of Australian War Memorial