FAMILY LIFE

George Kemp was born in 1883 in Berry, son of Charles Eli Kemp Snr & Elizabeth (Perkins) Kemp. He was brother to John & Grace. His mother is listed on the Banner St Memorial, Murwillumbah which lists the 2348 pioneer settlers of the Tweed district

ATTESTATION

George travelled to Brisbane from his home in Burringbar on the 14^th February 1916 to complete his application. He answered several questions on the document, and we find out he was born in Berry, was 30 years and 6 months old and a single man. He gave his occupation as farmer. His next of kin was his mother, Elizabeth, of Burringbar

He then signed a declaration confirming he had answered the questions correctly and was willing to voluntarily agree to service in the Military Forces of the Commonwealth of Australia

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CERTIFICATE OF ATTESTING OFFICER

On the second page of the attestation documents the attesting confirms the following

“The foregoing questions were read to the person enlisted in my presence. I have taken care that he understood each question, and his answer to each question has been duly entered as replied to by him

OATH

He also made the following oath in the presence of the Attesting Officer: “I, George Kemp, swear that I will well and truly serve our Sovereign Lord the King in the Australian Imperial Force until the end of the War, and a further four months thereafter unless sooner lawfully discharged, dismissed or removed therefrom: and that I will resist His Majesty’s enemies and case His Majesty’s peace to be kept and maintained; and I will in all matters appertaining to my services faithfully discharge my duty according to law

SO, HELP ME, GOD.” 

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

His medical showed he 5ft 5 ½ inches tall (1.66m), weighed 140 lbs (63kgs), with a medium complexion, blue eyes & brown hair.  His eyesight was good. George was Church of England and had a scar on his right lip.  

CERTIFICATE OF MEDICAL EXAMINER

The medical examiner certifies I have examined the abovenamed person, and find that he does not present any of the following conditions, viz: -

Scrofula; phthisis; syphilis; impaired constitution; defective intelligence; defects of vision, voice, or hearing; hernia’ haemorrhoids; varicose veins, beyond a limited extent; marked varicocele with unusually pendent testicle; inveterate cutaneous disease’ chronic ulcers; traces of corporal punishment or evidence of having been marked with the letters D. or B.C; contracted or deformed chest; abnormal curvature of spine; or any other disease or physical defect calculated to unfit him for the duties of a soldier.

He can see the required distance with either eye; his heart and lungs are healthy; he has the free use of his joints and limbs; and he declares he is not subject to fits of any description

I consider him fit for active service

CERTIFICATE OF COMMANDING OFFICER

This is completed during the recruits training. Robert was in training camp when this was completed on 19^th April 1916. The commanding officer certifies that this attestation of the abovenamed person is correct, and that the required forms have been complied with. He then states “I accordingly approve, and appoint him as a private into the C Coy 3^rd Pioneer Battalion with service No 820

3RD PIONEER BATTALION

The 3rd Pioneer Battalion was an Australian infantry and light engineer unit raised during World War I as part of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF). Formed in March 1916 in Victoria, it was assigned to the 3rd Division and served on the Western Front in France and Belgium. Pioneer battalions were unique in that they combined infantry combat skills with light engineering capabilities, such as constructing trenches, defensive positions, and maintaining roads and railways. The 3rd Pioneer Battalion's legacy is marked by its versatility and dedication

BROADMEADOWS TRAINING CAMP

When a new recruit arrived at Broadmeadows Camp in Victoria to begin his military training, he entered one of Australia's largest and busiest military training establishments. Thousands of volunteers passed through the camp during the war, all undergoing the transformation from civilians into soldiers of the Australian Imperial Force.

The training was demanding and designed to prepare men for the realities of active service. The days would have begun early, often before dawn, with physical exercises and parade-ground drill. Instructors placed great emphasis on discipline, teamwork and obedience to orders. Hours were spent learning how to march, form ranks, salute correctly and manoeuvre as part of a larger military unit.

Rifle training was a major component of the course. The recruits would have become familiar with the Short Magazine Lee-Enfield rifle, learning how to clean, maintain and fire it accurately. Musketry practice taught recruits to shoot at varying distances, while field exercises demonstrated how to use cover and move safely under simulated combat conditions.

As training progressed, they would have taken part in route marches that steadily increased in distance. These marches, often conducted carrying full equipment, helped build endurance and accustomed soldiers to the weight they would later carry on active service. Physical fitness was considered essential, and recruits spent many hours exercising, running obstacle courses and undertaking strenuous outdoor activities.

Fieldcraft formed another important part of the curriculum. Vincent would have learned how to establish camps, dig trenches, construct defensive positions, send messages, perform sentry duties and operate in small groups. Bayonet practice was particularly vigorous, with recruits charging straw-filled dummies while instructors encouraged aggressive spirit and determination.

Life at Broadmeadows was not always comfortable. The camp consisted largely of tents and simple wooden buildings. Recruits slept in crowded conditions and were expected to maintain strict standards of cleanliness and hygiene. The Victorian weather could be challenging, with cold, wet winters turning parts of the camp into mud. Despite these hardships, strong friendships often developed among the men as they shared training, meals and leisure time together.

Instructors included experienced soldiers who understood the conditions recruits would soon encounter overseas and sought to prepare them as thoroughly as possible.

Broadmeadows represented the beginning of a recruit’s military journey. The weeks spent there would have been physically exhausting and mentally challenging, but they equipped him with the skills, discipline and confidence needed before embarking for service abroad. Like many young Australians of the period, he left Broadmeadows a very different man from the one who had first arrived at the camp gates. Training could take several months

INNOCULATIONS

All recruits were given a range of inoculations while in camp. The most important jab was to protect against smallpox and typhoid – indeed, having this was an essential precondition of enlisting.

THE UNIFORM

The recruits were issued with their uniform- service dress jacket was made of Australian wool and its loose fit gave the wearer more allowance for movement. The four large pockets were very useful. A unique feature designed for comfort was the pleated back, which provided a double thickness of cloth down the back that the pack rubbed against. Breeches were corduroy worn with wool wrap puttees. The famous khaki felt slouch hat or early service cap is probably the most distinctive part of the uniform. turned up on the left and featuring a plain khaki band, chinstrap and “rising sun” badge.

SOLDIER’S KIT

Australia's World War I soldiers went to war weighed down by almost 30 kilograms of clothes, weapons, tools and kit.

·      Breeches: made from khaki woollen cord fabric, with side pockets and button flies. Soldiers were issued with two pairs of breeches, plus a pair of dungarees. The breeches ended above the ankles and the gap was filled with puttees.

·      Braces: worn with breeches.

·      Puttees: The men wound these strips of woollen cloth, almost three metres long, upwards from the ankle to just below the knee. Soldiers disliked the puttees, probably with good reason: the tight binding restricted circulation and might even have contributed to the high incidence of trench foot. Mounted troops wore leather leggings.

·      Shirt: Soldiers were given two grey, collarless, flannel shirt, plus a military shirt.

·      Ankle boots: brown and lace-up.

·      Socks: Made from wool or cotton. Soldiers were issued with three pairs.

·      Greatcoat: the khaki woollen coat (which weighed about 3kg) often doubled as a soldier's bedding and was his chief protection against the cold and wet. The coat came into its own when snow hit Gallipoli in November 1915 and also on the Western Front.

·      Jersey

·      Singlets: Soldiers were issued with 2 woollen singlets.

·      Cotton "drawers" (underpants): Soldiers were issued with two pairs.

·      Abdominal belts: a sort of cummerbund that was issued to keep soldiers warm and supposedly ward off disease.

·      Backpacks and webbing: The main backpack was a rectangular sack measuring about 15 inches x 13 inches, closed at the top by a folding cover secured by two straps. The webbing included a web belt, cartridge pouches, small haversack, bayonet frog, an entrenching tool holder (plus another holder for its handle), and a water-bottle holder.

·      Identity disc: Soldiers were initially issued with one medal "dog tag" on a cord, but later in the war they were given two tags, made of compressed fibre.

·      Soldiers were also issued with a "housewife" - a sewing kit containing such items as needles, thimble, thread, wool and button so they could carry out running repairs.

·      Also in their kit were a short-magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE) rifle, a rifle sling, a bayonet and scabbard, and an "entrenching tool" (they were "diggers" after all). This came in two parts, with the helve (handle) separate from the spade part.

·      Soldiers were issued with eating equipment (knife, fork, spoon, an enamel mug, water bottle (with two-point capacity), and a mess tin with carrier.

·      They also had a clasp knife (with marlin spike, tin-opener and lanyard), razor, shaving kit, soap, comb, two towels, field dressing (carried in the tunic's inside pocket), and a hold-all, in which they could pack their private possessions.

·      No item was probably looked after more carefully than their service pay book: privates were paid six shillings a day

VOYAGE OVERSEAS MELBOURNE TO ENGLAND JUNE 1916

On the 6^th June 1916, the recruits left Melbourne, sailing upon the HMAT Wandilla. Alongside his comrades, George marched aboard, his boots ringing on the gangway. As the ship’s lines were cast off and the quay began to slip away, the reality of war lay ahead, but for now, the sea breeze carried only the sound of voices and the excitement of men bound for adventure, duty, and the unknown.

The epic voyage across the ocean has been described as “the longest journey to war in the history of the world.” They thought it was the start of a new adventure- for many it was their first time so far away from home. However, after some time at sea the biggest problem turned out to be boredom. On the voyage, due to overcrowding, training was limited to mainly to lectures and a little physical training.

SLEEPING & LIVING ARRANGEMENTS

Recruits likely slept in a crowded troop deck below, where rows of hammocks or three-tier wooden bunks were crammed close together.

Air below decks could be stuffy, especially in warmer climates, and seasickness was common during the first few days.

DAILY ROUTINE

Reveille early each morning, followed by physical exercises on the open decks (weather permitting). There were parades and inspections—officers ensured uniforms, rifles, and kit were clean and in order. Training was a little problematic—drill without much space, rifle maintenance, lectures on military discipline, signalling, and trench warfare theory. The ship’s decks were used for marching in tight circles or practising bayonet thrusts into stuffed sacks. Rifle shooting was impossible at sea, so soldiers learned to strip and clean their weapons until it was second nature.

MEALS

Three hearty meals a day were served; breakfast usually consisted of porridge, stew, and tea. Lunch included soup, meat, vegetables, and pudding. Meat, bread with jam and tea was served for dinner. The meals were served in shifts from the ship’s galley. Queues were long, and eating on a rolling ship meant many tried to eat quickly before nausea set in.

HEALTH & SANITATION

Shipboard hygiene was critical—every man was ordered to scrub his section daily to prevent disease. Saltwater baths were the norm, with freshwater rationed for drinking.

THE VOYAGE EXPERIENCE

Entertainment included church drill, concerts, singalongs, card games, and makeshift cricket matches on deck when the weather allowed. In an attempt to keep up morale, an area of the ship was roped off where regular boxing and wrestling tournaments were held. This became commonly known as the Stoush Stadium. No letters could be sent until they reached port, but men often wrote diaries or unsent letters to be posted later.

The troops engaged in lifebelt drill; a cookhouse on deck; soldiers on fatigues peeling potatoes 'spud bashing'; going to the dentist; barber, pay day; soldiers cleaning personal equipment; medical inspection

CROSSING THE EQUATOR CEREMONY

The crossing the Equator ceremony, ‘Neptune’s Journey,’ was played-out on each troopship.

SIGHTS AT SEA

On the way to Egypt, where the ship would refuel & take on supplies, the ship would pass through the Great Australian Bight, cross the Indian Ocean, and stop at Colombo (Ceylon now Sri Lanka) for coal and supplies.

SECURITY

By late 1914, German raiders were active, so lifeboat drills were frequent, and lookouts kept watch for suspicious ships. Troopships generally sailed in convoys or at least took zig-zag courses to make torpedo attacks harder. Ships often travelled under blackout conditions at night, with lookouts specifically watching for periscopes or torpedo wakes. The danger was greatest in the Western Approaches near Britain, where U-boats patrolled choke points like the English Channel and Irish Sea.

EGYPT

After several weeks at sea, the men finally saw the dusty shoreline of Port Said or Alexandria. They could only wonder at the sights and sounds they could see as they watched the ship being refuelled and goods taken on board

ENGLAND

About a fortnight later the men finally saw the green shoreline of England. The reality of leaving home truly sank in. The recruits would soon exchange the ship’s cramped decks for the training grounds of England, preparing for what lay ahead.

DISCIPLINED JULY 1916

Whilst docked at Cape Town, South Africa on the 3^rd July he went awl- no time recorded, and was awarded an admonishment from his superior office & forfeited one day’s pay

LARKHILL TRAINING CAMP

They disembarked Plymouth on 26^th July 1916. They had already completed their basic training in Australia but over many more tough months, in the English training camp at Larkhill, the volunteers left their old lives farther behind. They began their training with physical fitness exercises, they were taught individual and unit discipline, how to follow commands, how to march, some basic field skills and how to safely handle his weapons.  Later, as soldiers specialised in a particular area (for example, machine gunner or signaller) they would be trained in specific skills and would take part in practice manoeuvres and sham fights. They would spend many hours learning training in the use of bayonets, anti- gas training and guard duty along with lectures on camouflage or trench warfare and much more.

DISCIPLINED OCTOBER 1916

During this period, he again went awl from 23^rd October to the 24^th October. For this he was awarded Field Punishment No 2 where the prisoner was placed in fetters and handcuffs was able to march with his unit. This was a relatively tolerable punishment. He also forfeited 2 day’s pay. He again went awl 18^th November till 19^th November and received the same punishment as the last one

FRANCE & TRENCH WARFARE NOVEMBER 1916

He proceeded overseas to France to join his unit on the 26^th November 1916. Before engaging in major operations on the Western Front, troops of the four Australian Imperial Force (AIF) divisions completed extra training near the Belgian border. The soldiers now found themselves fighting the German in trench warfare. On the Western Front in 1914–1918, both sides constructed elaborate trench, underground, and dugout systems opposing each other along a front, protected from assault by barbed wire. The area between opposing trench lines (known as "no man's land") was fully exposed to artillery fire from both sides. Attacks, even if successful, often sustained severe casualties. Trench warfare created a living environment for the men which was harsh, stagnant, and extremely dangerous. Not only were trenches constantly under threat of attack from shells or other weapons, but there were also many health risks that developed into large-scale problems for medical personnel. Apart from the inescapable cold during the winters in France & Belgium, trenches were often completely waterlogged and muddy, and crawling with lice and rats

The time soldiers spent in the trenches varied depending on factors like their army's rotation system and the intensity of the conflict in their sector. On average:

·      Front-line trenches: Soldiers typically remained here for about 4–6 days at a time. This was where the fighting was most intense and the conditions were the harshest.

·      Support and reserve trenches: After time on the front line, soldiers were rotated to these positions for around 6–12 days. These trenches were set further back and offered slightly better conditions.

·      Rest periods: Soldiers were then moved away from the trench system entirely for rest, training, and recovery, often lasting several weeks, depending on operational needs.

The rotation system helped prevent complete physical and mental exhaustion, but the constant dangers of trench life meant there was rarely any true respite.

ARMENTIERES- MARCH TO JUNE 1916

Between March and June 1916, the men were sent to a quieter section of trenches at Armentières, dubbed 'the Nursery sector'. Armentières remained a relatively quiet sector on the Western Front during World War I. It was primarily used as a training ground for newly arrived troops, including Australians and New Zealanders, to acclimate to trench warfare. While not a site of major battles that year, the area still experienced occasional skirmishes, artillery fire, and gas attacks. Soldiers stationed there gained valuable experience before being deployed to more active fronts. They also experienced new weapons of modern warfare, such as gas. George & his unit spent some time in this sector.

DETACHED TO DIVISIONAL SUPPLY- DECEMBER 1916

On 20^th December 1916 he was detached for duty with Divisional Supply under Colonel Steenverch. Soldiers cannot fight without food, equipment, and ammunition. They cannot move without horses or vehicles. It was the Divisional Supply’s job to provide them. In the Great War, most of the supply, maintaining a vast army on many fronts, was supplied from Britain. Using horsed and motor vehicles, railways and waterways, Divisional Supply performed prodigious feats of logistics and were one of the great strengths of organisation by which the war was won.

BATTLE OF MESSINES JUNE 1917

He rejoined his unit on 21^st April 1917 which was still fighting on the Western Front in France. The 3^rd Pioneer had engaged in several large battles in 1917.  They saw action in The Battle of Messines where  British tactical objective was to capture the German defences on the ridge, which ran from Ploegsteert Wood in the south, through Messines and Wytschaete to Mt Sorrel, depriving the German 4th Army of the high ground. The ridge gave commanding views of the British defences and back areas of Ypres to the north, from which the British intended to conduct the Northern Operation, an advance to Passchendaele Ridge and then the capture of the Belgian coast up to the Dutch frontier. The battle began with the detonation of nineteen mines beneath the German front position, which devastated it and left large craters. A creeping barrage, 640 m deep, began and protected the  troops as they secured the ridge with support from tanks, cavalry patrols and aircraft. The effect of the  mines, barrages and bombardments was improved by advances in artillery survey, flash spotting and centralised control of artillery from the Second Army headquarters. The attacks from 8 to 14 June advanced the front line beyond the former German Sehnenstellung (Chord Position, the Oost Taverne Line to the British). 

BATTLE OF PASSCHENDAELE JULY- NOVEMBER 1917

Their next action was the Third Battle of Ypres, aka the Battle of Passchendaele, which took place in Ypres, Belgium, between 31^st July to 10^th November 1917. Allied forces, with help from the French and the use of tanks, launch an attack to wrest control of Ypres from the Germans. Attacks and counterattacks ensue for four months in the rain and mud, with Canadian forces brought in to help relieve the troops but little ground being won. In the end, it is considered a victory for the Allies, with but one that costs both sides more than 550,000 casualties.

BATTLE OF BROODSEINDE OCTOBER 1917

They were also involved in the Battle of Broodseinde was fought on 4 October 1917 near Ypres. The battle was the most successful Allied attack of the Third Battle of Ypres. Using bite-and-hold tactics, with objectives limited to what could be held against German counter-attacks, the allied devastated the German defence, prompted a crisis among the German commanders and caused a severe loss of morale in the 4th Army. Preparations were made by the Germans for local withdrawals and planning began for a greater withdrawal, which would entail the abandonment by the Germans of the Belgian coast, one of the strategic aims of the Flanders Offensive. On 28^th November George was granted leave in Paris and rejoined his unit on 5^th January 1918. The battalion wintered around Messines, during which time it provided reinforcements to the Australian engineer tunnelling companies, as well as helping to construct and maintain the divisional tramway systems.

HOSPITALISATION FEBRUARY 1918- VENEREAL DISEASE

George was given leave in England on 14^th February 1918 but was admitted to the 1st Australian Dermatological Hospital, Bulford with venereal disease. Treatment for VD was a punishment in its own right. Special hospitals for VD patients were set up and often regarded as deterrent. Patients would be treated with Salvarsan and mercury which offered uncomfortable and sometimes serious side effects such as jaundice and convulsions. Other treatments included irrigation, which was painful and undignified resulting in many men to opt for chemical treatment instead. These long and uncomfortable stays in VD hospitals often averaged between 50 and 60 days, with most patients recovering and returning to the front.

COMMAND POST 1^ST MAY 1918

67 days later, on 1^st May he was discharged to No 3 Command Depot at Hurdcott which dealt with the soldiers deemed able to return to duty. However, on the 8^th May he was again admitted to Burford with VD for a period of 20 days, discharged but immediately readmitted for a further 22 days.  On 20^th July he was again marched into No 3-command depot. Here he would convalesce but continue with drilling & training as the technology and techniques were rapidly changing and soldiers had to be up to date when they were ready to rejoin their units.

On 7th October he was marched into the Overseas Training Brigade which was established to carry out the training of soldier until such a time they were passed to Infantry Base or other Depots for absorption. However, on 31st October he was again admitted to the hospital for venereal disease and was discharged 40 days later on 19th December.

GOING HOME

On 11^th November the fighting was officially over so he prepared to return to Australia. After the Armistice, the Australian Prime Minister Billy Hughes insisted Australian troops be repatriated (returned home) as quickly as possible. This logistical challenge was enormous with 135,000 troops brought home from Britain in 147 voyages, and 16,773 troops from the Middle East in 56 voyages, mostly on a first come, first go basis. There was a lack of suitable ships to transport personnel home. On the 18^th January 1919 he left England for Australia on the Ulysses and disembarked at Melbourne on 4^th March. He was discharged 26^th April at Brisbane as medically unfit, with trench fever stated as his disability.

CLOTHING AND NECESSITIES GIVEN TO SOLDIERS FOR SOLDIERS PROCEEDING TO AUSTRALIA FOR DEMOBILISATION

Badges Hat                    Badges Collar (2)                    Bags kit universal

Bags kit sea                   Braces (pair)                            Brush, shaving

Brush, tooth                  Breeches M.S (Military service)

Cap comforter (warm cap)                                           Comb, hair

Disc identity with cord                                                  Drawers (2 pairs)

Great Coat                     Hat, Khaki fur                          Hat, white

Holdall                           Housewife (compact sewing kit)

Jackets Cardigan           Jackets S.D (service dress)

Leggings 1 pair             Laces, leather 1 pair

Puggarees, small (a traditional Indian head wrap, worn in warm conditions

Puttees, 1 pair (cloth bandages worn by soldiers, to provide support and protection for the lower leg)

Razor                              Shirts, flannel (2)                   Socks, 3 pairs

Singlets (2)

Strap chin                      Soap piece                               Suit, working

Towels, hand (2)

Titles “Australia” (4)-
Australian soldiers and non-commissioned officers wore an “Australia” title at the base of their shoulder straps. Each serving soldier also wore unit titles above this which indicated the units to which they belonged

FOR HIS SERVICE

For his service, George was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal and his name is recorded on the Wooroolin Great War Pictorial Honour Roll, Wooroolin WW1 Roll of Honour.

AFTER THE WAR

George was living in Beach Pde, Maroochydore when died 5^th August 1955, aged 71, at Greenslopes Repatriation Hospital, Brisbane and is buried at Woombye Cemetery, Sunshine Coast. 

If you have any additional information about this individual, we invite you to email us at rsl@msmc.org.au.