Exeter-born Gordon Kemp appeared for City’s reserves prior to the outbreak of war in 1939.

Serving in the 8th Army it was reported in the Express and Echo that he had encountered his brother in Catania, Italy during the autumn of 1943 having previously served as a Lance Corporal in Norway, France and the Middle East for 18 months. 

Although details are scant he received a shrapnel injury at some stage and died on 8 March 1945 in London as a result of a cancer that had developed from his injury. Following his family’s efforts at this being a war death he was afforded recognition by the  Commonwealth War Graves Commission and is buried at Exwick Cemetery in Exeter. 

Gordon Kemp. Sapper, Royal Engineers, Age: 25. Service No: 1882041. Son of George Clement and Harriet Jane Kemp, of St. Thomas, Exeter.

Gordon is also recorded in the A to Z of Exeter City players section of the archive where there are several photographs.