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.
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.
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.
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.