Yorkshire Regiment att'd RFC.

[Bob Coulson]

Would be grateful if any of our air experts could give me some information on the following two officers.

Captain Stanley Burnett Kay - Died January 28th 1918 - Leeds, Lawns Wood Cem.

Lt, Observer, Ernest Charles Kemp - Died September 6th 1916 - Arras Memorial.

Many thanks,

Bob.

[Dolphin]

I don't have any additional information on Captain Kay (formerly 7/Yorks Regt); 'Airmen Died' doesn't indicate the circumstances of his death.

Lt E C Kemp (formerly 9/Yorks Regt) was the observer in FE2b 5238 of No 25 Sqn RFC, piloted by 2Lt James Leslie Roberton, when both were killed in action on 6 September 1916. They were on a patrol over Loos when shot down after combat with enemy aircraft; the aircraft crashed 1000 yards west of the Lines. The victory was credited to Oberleutnant Hans-Joachim Buddecke of Jasta 4 - the eighth of his eventual 13.

[Simon R]

I have a Lt. Eddison of D bty. 245th brigade RFA ( the former 4th West Riding RFA) who was attached RFC as flying officer.

Sorry to be dense, but what did this actually mean? What would it entail? Is he in effect a reserve pilot (?) serving in the RFA until casualties mean he's called in?

[stiletto_33853]

Bob,

Lieut Ernest Charles KEMP, is in De Ruvignys Roll of Honour.

KEMP, Ernest Charles, Lieut., 9th (Service) Battn. Alexandra, Princess of Wales Own (Yorkshire Regiment), attd R.F.C., eldest son of Ernest Harry Kemp of 8, Arodene Road, Brixton Hill, S.W., by his wife, Edith Marion, daughter of Charles Sutton Watkins; Born Camberwell, London, SE, 25th June 1892, educated Alleyns School, Dulwich, S.E.; subsequently entered the Atlas life office, and was studying for the examinations of the Institute of Actuaries when war broke out; Obtained a commission as 2nd Lt. The Yorkshire Regiment on 7th December 1914, and was promotd Lieut. 23rd May 1916, when he was attached to the R.F.C., obtaining his Observers certificate 24th August following; served with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from 26th August 1915, and was killed in action behind the German lines between Lens and Hulluch 6th September 1916. .

Major R.G.Cherry wrote "He was patrolling the lines and crossed to attack a hostile machine. While doing so the machine was shot down. Both pilot and observer were seen to fall out of the machine after an explosion in it, which was probably caused by the petrol tank blowing up........ He was a very fine fellow, always ready to do anything he was asked to - and do it well."

Unmarried.

Hope this helps you Bob

Andy

[Bob Coulson]

Dolphin/Andy,

Many thanks to both of you for your help, it's much appreciated.

Bob.

[Dolphin]

Simon

An officer who was 'attached to the RFC' was usually someone who was commissioned in his own regiment, but serving in the Flying Corps as a pilot or observer, as opposed to someone who had directly joined the RFC.

There were frequent calls for officers and other ranks to volunteer for the RFC as aircrew. In most cases, this meant serving as an observer and receiving 'on the job' training while their suitability for aerial work was determined. If the man and aeroplanes proved compatible, they stayed in the RFC and eventually wore the winged O of a qualified observer. Former artillery officers were thought especially suitable to be observers in squadrons engaged in Corps duties, much of which was directing artillery fire. Some observers later went on for pilot training.

In other cases, volunteers were able to go direct from their regiment to train as a pilot.

I hope this helps.

[Chris Noble]

Bob.

For what it's worth, Kay is unfortunately not buried in the War Plot at Lawnswood, the War Plot having the graves registration as Section W. He remains in 64 isolated graves scattered throughout the cemetery (Grave Ref T.42).

However, he could be commemoratated on the screen wall.

Kindest regards, Chris.

[Bob Coulson]

Chris,

Thanks for that extra bit of info, much appreciated.

Bob.

[Simon R]

That's great, thank you very much.