Orders, Decorations and Medals

A fine 1940 British Expeditionary Force D.C.M. group of ten awarded to Regimental Sergeant Major J. P. Kemp, 9th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.VI.R. (4439323 W.O.Cl.II J. P. Kemp, Durh. L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (91325 Pte., Durh. L.I.); India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1930-31 (Sjt., Durh. L.I.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 8th Army; Defence and War Medals; Jubilee 1935; Regular Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R. (Sjt., Durh. L.I.) mounted as worn, the Great War pair with some wear, otherwise good very fine and a scarce group (10)

D.C.M. London Gazette 20 December 1940. ‘For outstanding service during the counter-attack on the Bulscamp position. He displayed initiative throughout and when the left half of the Coy came under heavy rifle fire before reaching the objective he rallied the NCOs and men and led them forward and entered the village on the left, where he successfully maintained his position in spite of heavy fire.’

On 31 May 1940, the 9th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry, were by the Bergues Canal before Dunkirk. The Germans were pressing hard and the 9th Battalion were ordered to counter attack to relieve the pressure. At 12 p.m. an artillery barrage began and two companies of 9th Bn., “A” (two platoons) and “D” (remains only) were led forward by Captain George Wood and his Sergeant James Kemp. The attack was so sudden that the objective Bulscamp Bridge was taken by 12.30 p.m. and the 9th Bn. re-established on the canal. Captain Wood was awarded the M.C., and for his work Sgt. Kemp was awarded the D.C.M. The next day the Battalion withdrew to the beaches east of Dunkirk and, on 2nd June, the 9th Bn. embarked for England. Sold with additional research, including copy service papers.