Kemp, Francis "Frank" A., MM (Sergeant, b.1896 - d.1918)

Collection of approximately 100 letters written by Sergeant Francis A. "Frank" Kemp, primarily to his mother, from 28 September 1915 to 22 September 1918. These detailed letters describe training in Australia, at Armidale, Holsworthy and Casula, then travelling to Europe via Egypt and England, and finally fighting with the 20th Battalion in France, where he earned his Military Medal. Accompanying the letters are: a postcard portrait of Kemp in uniform, and documents relating to his death in France on 3 October 1918. The documents consist of: a newspaper tribute, hymn sheets for a memorial ceremony for Kemp and another soldier, correspondence from the Red Cross (Australian Society, NSW Division) providing information sent by a fellow soldier, Corporal F.H. Lazarus, who witnessed Kemp's death in battle at Beaurevoir (France), and two sympathy letters - one from the 20th Battalion C Company's Officer Commanding (dated 10 October 1918) and one from a fellow soldier, Joe Godwin of the 18th Battalion (dated 23 January 1919).