Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Major

Unit:

Albanian section, Special Operations Executive (SOE), British Government

Awarded on:

December 20th, 1945

Citation:
"Major KEMP was sent on a small clandestine operation to NORWAY in April 1940. The infiltration was to have taken place by submarine but on the outward journey the vessel was damaged by torpedoes from a U Boat and had to return to port and the operation was cancelled. In June, 1940 he was sent on an Intelligence mission to SPAIN and PORTUGAL from which he returned in September, 1940 having completed the work satisfactorily. In February 1941 he volunteered for infiltration into SPAIN from GIBRALTAR for the purpose of harassing the expected German advance through SPAIN in order to attack GIBRALTAR. He returned to this country in August 1941 and stood by to be parachuted into Northern SPAIN until March, 1942. From March, 1942 until May, 1943 he was attached to the Small Scale Raiding Force (No. 62 Commando). This Force had been formed to carry out small raids on German installations in NORMANDY, BRITTANY and the CHANNEL ISLANDS for the joint purpose of obtaining information and of undermining the morale of the German troops. Major KEMP took part in the raid on the CASQUETS when the entire garrison of the signal station was carried as prisoners. He also commanded the detachment in an attack on a strong point on the POINT de PLOUZEC (BRITTANY) when a number of Germans were killed without loss to the raiding party. On 10th August, 1943 Major KEMP parachuted into ALBANIA as a member of an Allied Mission to the Partisan Forces. During this period he acted as Liaison Officer with the Partisan Provisional Government. He repeatedly exposed himself to great risk, notably on 21st August, when in conjunction with Albanian guerrillas, he attacked and shot up a large troop convoy in spite of heavy machine gun fire from the enemy. On 26th August he showed great gallantry throughout the day with the forward troops of the First Partisan Brigade, encouraging them to offer stubborn resistance to the advance of Italian troops which was supported by medium artillery, mortar fire and aircraft. In September, 1943 at the time of the Italian collapse Major KEMP was instructed to provide a clear account of the political situation in TIRANA. In spite of the fact that this officer speaks no Albanian he entered TIRANA on 22nd September, 1943 in civilian clothes and spent four days in the town. On 25th September whilst making a reconnaissance of TIRANA airfield he was stopped by a German patrol and showed great resourcefulness in evading arrest. He returned to his headquarters whence he transmitted most valuable intelligence by W/T to his Commanding Officer. Throughout the winter of 1943/44 until his evacuation in March, 1944 Major KEMP continued to show great initiative and personal courage, and he took an active part in the fighting in the DEBRA area. "

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Major

Awarded on:

November 7th, 1946

Citation (general):
"In recognition of gallant and distinguished services whilst engaged in special operations in South East Asia."