Summary

Hand-written telegram on printed form, notifying that Private Albert Edward Kemp was killed in action on 21 September 1917, during World War I. It requests that Reverend White of the Holy Advent Church, Malvern, inform Kemp's wife of his death.

Albert's military records indicate that he died in the trenches at Glencorse Wood, Belgium, where fierce fighting had been raging. A fellow soldier recorded the details of Albert's death for authorities, and his description was sent to Albert's wife Annie in Caulfield: 'I saw him killed by a German bomb whilst we were holding our first objective at Glencross [ie. Glencorse] Wood. He is not buried as far as I know.' Albert's body was never found, and he is commemorated at 29 The Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium. His name is located at panel 47 in the Commomorative Area at the Australian War Memorial.

Albert Edward Kemp was a 32-year-old butcher living in Caulfield and married to Annie Josephine, when he enlisted. He and Annie had a daughter, Ethel Mavis, and a baby son, George Percival. Albert enlisted at Royal Park on 4 October 1916, and was assigned to the 22nd Reinforcements, 6th Battalion - regimental number 6800. His battalion left Melbourne 25 October 1916 - just 21 days after he enlisted. He was shipped to France on 27 March and was taken on strength on 4 April. On 21 September 1917, Albert died in the trenches in Glencorse Wood, Belgium. His body was never recovered. He is commemorated at 29 The Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium.

The Holy Advent Church in Malvern, was located on the corner of Boundary and Wattletree Roads. In 1923, Bishop Green, assisted by the Vicar, the Rev. E. J. White, the Rev. H. B. Hewett, and the Rev. E. B. Fethers, unveiled a war memorial window in the church.

Physical Description

Commonwealth of Australia urgent telegram stamped 18th Oct 1917. Printed in purple on pink paper. Inscription in hand-writing.

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