1474 Lance Corporal Alexander Goskirk Kemp
6th(Perthshire)Battalion(Territorial)
The Black Watch(Royal Highlanders)
Born at 2pm on 01/11/1896 at Dundas Street, Comrie, Perthshire. His parents were Peter Tainsh Kemp (12/04/1859-13/09/1924) and Susan Nichol (born 27/01/1859). They were married on 06/09/1888.
He had 2 brothers. John Nicol (29/01/1892-1954) and Patrick McAlpine (05/02/1899-1989). He also had 3 sisters, Janetta Kate (born on 08/01/1889), Susan Turnbull Pringle Jain (born on 11/08/1895) and Annie Proudfoot (born on 27/02/1902).
In the 1901(Scottish) census, the family were living on Dundas Street, Comrie, Perthshire. Peter was employed as a postman.
The 1911(Scottish) census records that the family had moved to Glasdale, Comrie, Perthshire. Peter was still employed as a postman.
When war came, all 3 sons enlisted.
Perthshire Advertiser – Wednesday 19 May 1915
Comrie
Roll of Honour …. Patrick Kemp, son of Mr Peter Kemp , postman, Glasdale, who has joined the Royal Navy. Mr Kemp has now three sons serving, the other two in the ranks of the 6th Black Watch, John being at the front.
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Alexander had enlisted in Comrie and he was sent to France on 27/09/1916. Less than 2 months, he was killed in action 13/11/1916.
Perthshire Constitutional & Journal – Monday 27 November 1916
Comrie Casualties
Information has been received of the death in action on 13th November of Lance-Corporal Alexander Kemp, Black Watch, son of Peter Kemp,
Postman, Comrie. Lance-Corporal Kemp was 20 years of age and a butcher by trade, and was employed by Mr William Drummond, Comrie, previous to mobilisation. His brother is serving in the same regiment.
Strathearn Herald- Saturday 25 November 1916
Kemp- Killed in action in France, on the 13th inst., Lance-Corporal Alexander Goskirk Kemp, Black Watch aged 20 years, second son of P.T. Kemp, Glasdale, Comrie; deeply mourned.
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Alexander was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, the 1914-1918 British War and Allied Victory medals.
His brothers, Patrick served right through the war in the Royal Navy as signalman J340757 and John
served as 2415 L/Corporal 1st Platoon 6th(Perthshire)Battalion(Territorial) The Black Watch(Royal Highlanders)
Later given the regimental number 265685.
He was demobilised from the army on 06/03/1919 after serving in France from 02/05/1915 before becoming a prisoner of war on 21/03/1918 until the end of the war.
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Strathearn Herald – Saturday 21 December 1918
Return of Prisoners of war – Lance -Corporal John Kemp, Lance Corporal John McFarlane, 6th Black Watch, and Pte. D Mithcell, 8th Black Watch, who were prisoners of war since 21st March have arrived home. Although feeling not quite in the “pink” they all look well. Lance – Corporal Kemp never was from behind the lines and had a varied experience, and not a parcel reached him from home.
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