Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘D.H.4’ Observer’s D.F.C. group of six awarded to Wing Commander F. T. R. Kemspter, Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force, who claimed 3 enemy aircraft destroyed whilst flying with 18 Squadron in 1918. He re-engaged for service with 910 (County of Essex) (Balloon) Squadron during the Second War

Distinguished Flying Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; 1914-15 Star (2. Lieut. F. T. R. Kempster A.S.C.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. F. T. R. Kempster. R.A.F.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45, minor edge bruising, generally very fine (6) £2,000-£2,400

D.F.C. London Gazette 1 January 1919.

Francis Thomas Rattray Kempster was born in Feering, Essex, in September 1891. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Royal Army Service Corps in January 1915, and advanced to Temporary Captain in February 1917. Kempster transferred to the Royal Flying Corps later the same year, and carried out training as an Observer before being appointed Temporary Captain (Balloon Officer) in July 1917.

Kempster flew operationally with 18 Squadron (D.H.4’s) at Auchel, from January 1918. The Squadron were mainly tasked with day bombing, including 24 January 1918, when Kempster flew with Captain F. Chadwick as his pilot, ‘14 plates exposed. Height 14,000’ to 15,000’. Visibility bad to fair. 14 E.A. seen: five over Vitry: and 9 over Henin-Lietard... AA fire very active. Forced to descend owing to engine commencing to throw out large quantities of water.’ (Squadron Record Book refers)

Kempster proved to be a good shot, as illustrated by the Combat Report for when he was flying with Second Lieutenant L. Balderson as his pilot, 30 March 1918:

‘Whilst on Bombing formation we were attacked by eight Triplanes and four Albatross Scouts over Fresnes. They were kept off by the rear gun fire. One E.A. was shot down by my Observer in flames. I did not see him crash as we were still engaged with the others.’

A repeat of this success occurred when flying with Captain A. G. Waller as pilot, 14 May 1918:

‘I saw eight E.A. E. of Merville and manoeuvred to get into position. I fired at them and my Observer got in several bursts. They were driven, and one was seen by both of us to go down 3,000’ apparently out of control. Total rounds fired: 500.

It was impossibly to follow the E.A. right down as the remaining seven had got above me so I did not attack again. The one seen to go down has been confirmed (crashed) by A.A.’ (Combat Report refers)

Another enemy aircraft was claimed three days later, this time flying with Captain A. G. Waller as his pilot:

‘Whilst returning from bombing Estaires with 2/Lt. J. L. Waugh (P), Lieut. G. Bullen (FOO), and 2/Lt. E. Peskett (P) and 2/Lt. E. Walker (O on P), I observed two E.A. Triplanes coming from the sun from behind our own lines. Capt. Kempster opened fire on one at about 200 yds range, and this machine turned over on its back and went down.

My Observer also fired at the next nearest which was joined by 5 others. All observers opened fire and drove them off to Estaires. 2/Lt. Walker saw the first E.A. Triplane go down of control under the clouds when he was lost to view.

The commencement of the combat was observed by A.A., but owing to haze did not observe the E.A. go down.’ (Combat Report refers)

Kempster advanced to Lieutenant and Honorary Captain in the Royal Air Force, 1 April 1918. He was discharged 17 October 1919, but re-engaged as Flying Officer with 910 (County of Essex) (Balloon) Squadron, Auxiliary Air Force in May 1939. He advanced to Squadron Leader in September 1941, and to Wing Commander by the end of the war.