David Kemp

Audio of script

Along with many in our congregations I was a war baby. My father was in the Navy on Malta convoys and I was 3 before I saw him. His best friend was my godfather but as he was on Arctic convoys to Russia, he had to appoint a proxy for my christening.

I have quite vivid memories of air-raid shelters, but as they were still around for a number of years after the war, that may have 'improved' my memory.
I can clearly remember the VE Day celebrations as we had a huge party in our local community hall. It was such a success that it was repeated on the anniversary for a number of years.

Later I became very aware that not everybody's dad would be coming home as thousands were still involved in fierce fighting in S.E. Asia against the Japanese. It's no wonder that they referred to themselves as the 'Forgotten Army'. Beating Germany was not the end.

My dad had great dislike for Germans for the rest of his days. When I was older, he told me that when ships were torpedoed on a convoy, no other ship was allowed to stop to help the men in the water as it would have put the rest of the convoy at risk. They were left to drown. He told me their cries for help remained with him for ever.

I have an excellent photo of him in his uniform and his service medals.
The one 'compliment' I ever heard him make about Germany was that it was Hitler who cured unemployment on the Tyne. When the government belatedly got round to re-arming in the later 1930's, shipbuilding, armaments and engineering sprang into life for first time in 10-15 years.

I also have a letter which my dad sent me when I was born. In effect it was a 'blueprint' for how he wanted me to grow up if he didn't return. Fielda always dissolves in tears when she reads it. For the same reason I haven't read it for many years.
 
 
L-R
1939-1945 Star. Atlantic Star. Africa Star. Italy Star. 1939-1945 Service Medal
 

Photo of George Kemp 1941. Signalman in the Royal Navy and father of David Kemp.


Wedding photo of David Kemp's parents, George and Dorothy Kemp. May 31st 1941. St James's Church, Benwell, Newcastle. Their Reception was considered a great success because they provided chocolate biscuits!
 

The letter