George Hubert Kemp

Second Lieutenant George Hubert Kemp (1897 – 1 June 1918) was a World War I British flying ace credited with twelve aerial victories. He served with the Durham Light Infantry, Royal Flying Corps, and Royal Air Force. The observer ace scored his last victory shortly before his death at age twenty in aerial combat over France.

Background

George Hubert Kemp, son of George and Margaret Kemp, was born in 1897 in Harrow, Middlesex, England. He was the second of three sons. In 1901, his family lived in Willesden, Middlesex, England. By 1911, the family resided at 30 Wyndcliff Road in Charlton, London, England. He was educated at The John Roan School in Greenwich. Prior to joining the military, George Jr. was employed at the Port of London Authority. His father was a metal manufacturer's clerk. While serving with that regiment, he was wounded at Chérisy, Pas-de-Calais, France. He was posted to No. 20 Squadron of the Royal Air Force. Kemp was credited with twelve aerial victories as an observer, all from the Bristol F.2b and with William McKenzie Thomson as his pilot.

On 9 May 1918, observer Kemp and pilot Thomson, in Bristol F.2b (C4851) were cut off from their formation by an Albatros D.V. Kemp emptied a drum into the Albatros which side-slipped and nose-dived, and was destroyed, crashing between Comines and Wervicq. Pilot Thomson spun down to 2,000 feet, and then turned and fired upon the Albatros, driving it off. Thomson successfully flew his aircraft home. The inscription on his headstone reads: "Second Lieutenant George Hubert Kemp, Durham Light Infantry, Attd. Royal Air Force, 1 June 1918 Age 20, To A Cheery, Loving, Loyal Son, Brother, Friend, Let This Bear Tribute."

War memorabilia

In 2002, an auction of Lieutenant Kemp's war memorabilia was held. The items included his British War and Victory medals, his memorial plaque, and photocopies of original documents, research materials, and photographs, as well as the British War and Victory medals of his brother, Private Leslie Newton Kemp. Later that year, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross. He died 9 July 1987.

Gallery of aircraft