Wing Commander Joseph Kemper MBE (KEM3781)

Basic Information

Unique reference:

KEM3781

Gender:

Male

Birth

Date of birth:

4 Tishri 5647 (03 October 1886)

Place of birth:

Hull

Death

Date of death:

14 Tevet 5706 (18 December 1945)

Died in combat?:

Place of death:

London

Burial place:

Willesden Jewish Cemetery NW London, section EX, Row 12, grave 609

Details of his life

Joseph joined the RFC in June 1912, two months after it was formed, his roll number was 251. In April 1913 he was sent to the RFC’s Central Flying School at Upavon and obtained his RAC aviators certificate No 444.

Joseph Kemper, M.B.E. was one of the few Jews who served his country in both World Wars. He certainly was the only Jew to rise through ranks in the RAF, after serving first in the Regular Army.

He remained in the RAF throughout the 1920s and 30s. After being placed on the Reserve of Officers list he made a further study of flying and was a lecturer on aeronautics at different RAF stations throughout the country including RAF Calshot in 1936. His last posting was as a Station commander in Scotland with the rank of Wing Commander.

Researched for 'We Were There Too' by Dr Ronnie Fraser

Military Record

Military service:

3rd South Lancashire regiment, the RFC and the RAF

Military record no.:

251

Date enlisted/conscripted:

02 February 1905

Rank at discharge/death:

Wing Commander

Assignments

Regiment:

South Lancashire Regiment

Battalion/unit:

2nd and 3rd battalions

Campaigns:

Joseph served with the South Lancashire Regiment from 1905 until 1912

Regiment:

Royal Flying Corps

Posting:

Joseph transferred into the RFC in June 1912.

He served as a Flight Sergeant with No 2 squadron on the Western Front from August 1914 right at the start of the war. By then he was a Chief Mechanic who had overall responsibility for the making sure the aeroplanes in his charge were airworthy.

By 1917 he had been promoted to Lieutenant and as an equipment officer he had wider responsibilities. A year later he was promoted to Captain whilst serving as a Park commander, with squadron No.1 Aeroplane Supply Depot.

Medals:

The London Gazette reported on 24 February 1916 that Sergeant Major Kemper had been awarded the Medaille Militaire by the President of the French Republic in recognition of his distinguished service during the campaign.

In the Kings birthday honours list of 1918 Joseph Kemper who was now a Major was awarded the MBE for his services with the British Expeditionary Force in France.

Gallery

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Attestation document
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Attestation document
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Details of service
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Details of service
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Details of service
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details of service
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At the Front in France - Kemper centre with walking stick
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Medaille Militaire award by the French President 1916
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Medal card 1918
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Medal card
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Engagement announcement in the Jewish Chronicle 21 September 1917
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RAF list 1920
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RAF reserve list 1936
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RFC list 1915
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Jewish Chronicle article 10 April 1942
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Jewish Chronicle obituary, 28 December 1945

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