MajorAndré Gilbert Kempster, GC (26 October 1916 – 21 August 1943), born André Gilberto Coccioletti,[1] was awarded the George Cross posthumously "...in recognition of most conspicuous gallantry in carrying out hazardous work in a very brave manner" for an act of self-sacrifice in Algeria during the Second World War.[2]
On 21 August 1943, near Philippeville [Skikda], Major Kempster was instructing two fellow soldiers how to throw hand grenades from a practice pit. A grenade, which had been thrown by Major Kempster, rolled back into the pit. He attempted to scoop the grenade out of the pit but failed to do so. By this time detonation was due. Without hesitation Major Kempster threw himself on the grenade just before it exploded and received fatal injuries. This act undoubtedly saved the lives of the two other occupants of the pit.[3]
George Cross citationedit
Kempster's George Cross citation appeared in the London Gazette on 9 November 1943:[4]
The King has been graciously pleased to approve the posthumous award of the George Cross, in recognition of most conspicuous gallantry in carrying out hazardous work in a very brave manner, to: — Captain (temporary Major) Andre Gilbert Kempster (138804), Royal Armoured Corps (Pulborough, Sussex).
— London Gazette
Sale of medaledit
Major Kempster's George Cross was sold by Spinks on 28 March 1995 for an expected price of £2,800 – £3,200.
andré, kempster, major, andré, gilbert, kempster, october, 1916, august, 1943, born, andré, gilberto, coccioletti, awarded, george, cross, posthumously, recognition, most, conspicuous, gallantry, carrying, hazardous, work, very, brave, manner, self, sacrifice,. Major Andre Gilbert Kempster GC 26 October 1916 21 August 1943 born Andre Gilberto Coccioletti 1 was awarded the George Cross posthumously in recognition of most conspicuous gallantry in carrying out hazardous work in a very brave manner for an act of self sacrifice in Algeria during the Second World War 2 Andre Gilbert KempsterGCBirth nameAndre Gilberto CocciolettiBorn 1916 10 26 26 October 1916Westminster LondonDied21 August 1943 1943 08 21 aged 26 Philippeville AlgeriaBuriedBone War Cemetery AlgeriaAllegiance United KingdomService wbr branch British ArmyYears of service1939 1943RankMajorService number138804Unit145th 8th Battalion The Duke of Wellington s Regiment Regiment Royal Armoured CorpsBattles warsWorld War II North African campaign AwardsGeorge Cross Contents 1 21 August 1943 2 George Cross citation 3 Sale of medal 4 References 5 External links21 August 1943 editOn 21 August 1943 near Philippeville Skikda Major Kempster was instructing two fellow soldiers how to throw hand grenades from a practice pit A grenade which had been thrown by Major Kempster rolled back into the pit He attempted to scoop the grenade out of the pit but failed to do so By this time detonation was due Without hesitation Major Kempster threw himself on the grenade just before it exploded and received fatal injuries This act undoubtedly saved the lives of the two other occupants of the pit 3 George Cross citation editKempster s George Cross citation appeared in the London Gazette on 9 November 1943 4 The King has been graciously pleased to approve the posthumous award of the George Cross in recognition of most conspicuous gallantry in carrying out hazardous work in a very brave manner to Captain temporary Major Andre Gilbert Kempster 138804 Royal Armoured Corps Pulborough Sussex London GazetteSale of medal editMajor Kempster s George Cross was sold by Spinks on 28 March 1995 for an expected price of 2 800 3 200 References edit Michael Ashcroft George Cross Heroes 2010 TracesOfWar com Kempster Andre Gilbert Commonwealth War Graves Commission London Gazette 9 November 1943External links editAndre Gilbert Kempster on the George Cross database Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Andre Kempster amp oldid 1182490885, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
