Archives for genealogy
My Communist Grandfather – Jimmy Kemp
I grew up with the story that my paternal grandfather, Jimmy Kemp, was a card carrying communist. I've never been able to prove it, partly because I've no idea how…
Pte William McColgan MM – Died of Wounds 9th June 1917
Portrait of W. McColgan. Image kindly provided by Marlborough memorial project (2009). Image has no known copyright restrictions. Private William McColgan MM was my great, great-uncle. His older sister Mary…
Duncan Kemp 1871 – 1891 [Tragedy on the River Leven]
Exactly 125 years ago my Great, Great Uncle Duncan Kemp died in a bicycle accident. He came off his bicycle while travelling along the path at the side of the…
Forgotten War – Fighting Japan in the Far East WW2
Tomorrow is the 70th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ) Day. On 15th August 1945 the Japanese Emperor Hirohito formally surrendered unconditionally. My maternal grandfather and his brother both served…
L/Cpl William Kemp – Killed in Action
Lance Corporal William Kemp of the 2nd Scottish Rifles was killed in action one hundred years ago. I grew up seeing his name on the local war memorial, as did…