Major André Gilbert Kempster, GC (26 October 1916 – 21 August 1943), born André Gilberto Coccioletti,[1] was a British Army officer who 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]
André Kempster | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Birth name | André Gilberto Coccioletti |
| Born | 26 October 1916 Westminster, London, England |
| Died | 21 August 1943 (aged 26) Philippeville, Algeria |
| Buried | Bone War Cemetery, Algeria |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service | British Army |
| Years of service | 1939–1943 |
| Rank | Major |
| Service number | 138804 |
| Unit | 145th (8th. Battalion, The Duke of Wellington's Regiment) Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps |
| Battles / wars | Second World War |
| Awards | George Cross |
Second World War
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] Kempster's George Cross was announced in the London Gazette on 9 November 1943.[4]
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 1943
External links
edit- André Gilbert Kempster on the George Cross database