In Memory Of

KEMP, HAROLD JAMES

Service Details
Age:
 30
Date of Birth:
 1885-10-26
Service No:
 A/164
Rank:
 Private
Regiment:
 British South African Police
Date of Death:
 1916-05-28
Cause of Death:
 Killed in action, on northern border, while on picquet duty, During the attack on the German garrison at Namema in late May 1916, Capt. Ingles with 2 sections of B Company BSAP and C Company NRP were to the east of the fort. Pte Kemp was part of an 8 man picket on a small kopje called "One Tree Hill". Moving forward under cover of darkness at about 0400 on 28 May they ran into elements of the German force in a counter attack. Pte Kemp had half of his face blown away. Cpl Hoal, plus privates Short and Steele were killed in the same action.
Commemoration
Grave Reference:
 2. A. 18.
Cemetery:
 NDOLA (KANSENSHI) CEMETERY
Country:
 Zambia
Additional Information
Son of James and Alice (nee Parnell) Kemp. Born Tottenham, London. He had two siblings, Alice and Gordon. Travelled to Africa aboard SS Gaika on 29 September 1911 to join the BSA Police. Joined the regular force of the BSA Police on 28 October 1911; Reg. No. 1515; served until March 1914, leaving with the rank of Trooper. After leaving the force he re-enlisted (No. A164) as member of the force which was established by the BSAP for deployment to the north eastern border of Northern Rhodesia. This became known as Murray's Column, which comprised two infantry companies. The Column was to become the force which fought against the Germans in Tanganyika mostly along its frontier with Nyasaland and eventually in Tanganyika itself. Well known in musical circles in Salisbury and Bulawayo