Like so many Kiwi's, Kenneth had left his home in Scotland for life in New Zealand.  At the time of his enlistment, in  February  1917, he was working as a ploughman for a Mr Hertelet in Waimate and was 35 years old.  He had lived in NZ for 6 years.

His military life followed a familiar path. Training in Featherston,  embarking from Wellington on the 26th April 1917 aboard the Turakina for Devonport,  then to Sling camp in Wiltshire, UK,   on to Etaples in France in September  1917 and quickly posted to "A" company.

The 3rd Company of the Rifle Brigade were fighting in the Gouzeaucourt Wood prior to the Battle of Cambrai at the end of the month, and although there is nothing specific in his service record , we can assume that Kenneth served  there.

His record confirms that he was with his unit on the 1st August 1918. but was wounded in action on the 21st August 1918 with a gunshot wound to his hand, and sent to hospital in Rouen.

By the end of September 1918, he was back at Etaples Camp and was sent on leave to the UK on the 11th October, returning to France and rejoining his unit by 1st November 1918.

On 4th November 1918, Kenneth was again wounded. The Rifle Brigade were in action at Le Quesnoy. He was moved to hospital  Rouen where he died on the last day of World War 1.