George Hubert Kemp facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Hubert Kemp
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|---|---|
| Born | 1897 Harrow, Middlesex, England |
| Died | 1 June 1918 France |
| Buried |
Longuenesse Souvenir Cemetery
(50°43′51″N 2°15′05″E / 50.73088°N 2.25126°E)Longuenesse, Pas-de-Calais, France |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1917–1918 |
| Rank | Second Lieutenant |
| Unit | 15th Battalion Durham Light Infantry Royal Flying Corps No. 20 Squadron RAF |
Second Lieutenant George Hubert Kemp (born 1897 – died 1 June 1918) was a brave British flying ace during World War I. A flying ace is a pilot or crew member who has shot down five or more enemy aircraft. George Kemp achieved twelve aerial victories, which means he helped shoot down twelve enemy planes.
He served in the Durham Light Infantry, the Royal Flying Corps, and later the Royal Air Force. George was an observer, working with a pilot to spot and shoot down enemy aircraft. He sadly died in aerial combat over France when he was only 20 years old.
Contents
Who Was George Kemp?
Early Life
George Hubert Kemp was born in 1897 in Harrow, England. His parents were George and Margaret Kemp. He was one of three sons in the family.
In 1901, his family lived in Willesden, England. By 1911, they had moved to Charlton, London. George went to school at The John Roan School in Greenwich. Before joining the military, he worked at the Port of London Authority. His father worked as a clerk for a metal manufacturer.
Joining the War
In 1917, George Kemp joined the army. He became a Second Lieutenant in the 15th Battalion of the Durham Light Infantry. While serving with this group, he was wounded in Chérisy, France.
In 1918, he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force of Britain at the time. He kept his rank of Second Lieutenant. He was then assigned to No. 20 Squadron of the Royal Air Force.
George's Aerial Victories
George Kemp became a highly skilled observer. He achieved all twelve of his aerial victories while flying in a Bristol F.2b plane. His pilot for all these missions was William McKenzie Thomson.
First Victories
On 9 May 1918, George and his pilot, Thomson, were flying their Bristol F.2b. An Albatros D.V enemy plane tried to cut them off from their group. George fired at the Albatros, and it crashed. This was his first victory!
He scored his second victory on 14 May 1918. They chased an Albatros D.V and fired at it. The enemy plane crashed, and its crew was captured. On 17 May 1918, George and Thomson fought many enemy planes. They shot down an Albatros D.V that crashed between Armentières and Lille. George scored two victories that day! Another Albatros D.V was sent out of control.
On 18 May 1918, George got his fifth victory. He sent a Pfalz D.III plane out of control south of Merville.
More Victories
George's next seven victories (from 6 to 12) all happened while flying in another Bristol F.2b plane. On 19 May 1918, George and Thomson were on patrol. They faced about twenty enemy planes! George fired at a Pfalz D.III, and it crashed into a house.
On 21 May 1918, an Albatros D.V was destroyed in flames over Warneton. His eighth victory was an Albatros D.V sent out of control on 29 May 1918. Two days later, on 31 May 1918, George scored two victories in minutes! A Pfalz D.III was destroyed, and an Albatros D.V was sent out of control.
On 1 June 1918, George earned his last two victories. Two Albatros D.V planes were destroyed over Comines. These were his eleventh and twelfth victories.
His Final Flight
On 1 June 1918, George Kemp and Lieutenant Thomson were flying when four enemy planes attacked them. Thomson shot down one Albatros D.V. George, as the observer, shot down another over Comines.
Then, an Albatros scout plane attacked them from above. During this fight, George, who was only 20 years old, was badly wounded. Pilot Thomson quickly spun their plane down to a lower height. He then fired at the Albatros, making it fly away. Thomson managed to fly their damaged plane safely back to base.
George's commanding officer wrote a letter to his parents. He said that George was a "conscientiously brave officer." He also mentioned that George had shot down one enemy plane before he was killed. His pilot shot down another. The officer said that George was "extraordinarily keen on his work."
Second Lieutenant George Hubert Kemp was buried in the Longuenesse Souvenir Cemetery in Longuenesse, France. His headstone has a special message: "To A Cheery, Loving, Loyal Son, Brother, Friend, Let This Bear Tribute."
Remembering George Kemp
In 2002, some of Lieutenant Kemp's war items were sold at an auction. These included his British War and Victory medals. They also included his memorial plaque.
Even though George had twelve aerial victories and was wounded twice, he did not receive a special award before he died. His pilot, Lieutenant Thomson, received the Military Cross and later the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Aircraft He Flew
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Albatros D.V
This was an enemy plane George fought. -
Pfalz D.III
Another type of enemy plane George fought. -
Bristol F.2b
This was the type of plane George flew as an observer.
