The AIF Project

Robert Arthur KEMP

Regimental number6390
Place of birthSuffolk England
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationFarmer
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation21
Next of kinMother, Mrs A Kemp, Walnut Tree Farm, Thorvington, Saxmundham, Suffolk, England
Enlistment date2 February 1916
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll1 May 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name6th Battalion, 20th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/23/5
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A14 Euripides on 11 September 1916
Rank from Nominal RollLance Corporal
Unit from Nominal Roll6th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Distinguished Conduct Medal


Work at Herleville Wood on 23 August 1918.
Recommendation date: 2 September 1918

FateReturned to Australia 6 September 1919
Medals

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on 23 August 1918, at Herleville Wood. He volunteered for tank work in the attack, and when his tank ran into a tree within a few yards of a dug out, and coming under heavy fire burst into flames, the occupants scrambled out half suffocated, were met by point blank machine gun and rifle fire. He grasped the situation, and with a few men dashed forward, and in a hand to hand struggle captured the position, rescuing three of the wounded tank crews, who had been made prisoners.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 67
Date: 3 June 1919

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