One of Dad’s friends in North Africa was a character-and-a-half from New Zealand called Bill Kemp. Dad knew him because Bill was a Flight Commander with 227 Squadron, who were also based at Idku in Egypt alongside 46 Squadron and the two Squadrons sometimes flew together on operations. Dad flew with Bill a couple of times, most notably when Dad and Dave Crerar shot down the Heinkel over Leros, and two 46 Squadron Beaufighters were lost in action. Dad thought Owen was a great companion, a great deal of fun, and a great fighter.
Bill’s citation reads thus:
Distinguished Service Order
Acting Squadron Leader William Papillion KEMP (NZ 403550), Royal New Zealand Air Force, No 227 Squadron
During operations in North Africa this officer took part in very many sorties, involving attacks on targets ranging from El Alamein to Tunisia; his successes in that theatre include the destruction of a small supply ship and a Junkers 88. More recently, Squadron Leader Kemp has completed many sorties over the Aegean Sea and has achieved excellent results. In January, 1944, he took part in an attack on an enemy vessel escorted by 2 armed ships. During the operation, his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire which rendered all the electrical equipment unserviceable. Nevertheless, Squadron Leader Kemp, who had sustained a wound in the foot from a piece of shrapnel, continued to attack until the operation was successfully completed, all 3 ships being hit and set on fire. Although in much pain and suffering from the loss of blood Squadron Leader Kemp refrained from informing his leader of his injury. Displaying great fortitude and resolution he maintained formation throughout the homeward flight. Not until base was reached was anyone aware of his hurt. Squadron Leader Kemp displayed great courage and devotion to duty setting an example of a high order.
After the war, Bill retired to Australia, where he pioneered crop spraying and advised the Government on the subject.
Where They Served 
Dear Tom
It’s fantastic to hear from you. Was your father a pilot or RO? I’m so sorry to hear Bill died in such an accident – after all the amazing things he did and survived during the war. Your father’s name seems vaguely familiar. Do you have the 227 Sqn operational record book entries? It’s such a long time since I edited Dad’s memoirs I can’t remember if he mentioned your father, but I’m in the process of transferring from my old computer to a new one and can’t access my old records easily to see if I’ve got any I could forward to you. I know 46 and 227 fraternised quite a lot and enjoyed each others’ company. (I’m assuming you’re aware of my Dad’s published memoirs from this website? They certainly mention Bill Kemp: “Flying Blind: the story of a Second World War night fighter pilot”. You might find it interesting because there’s quite a bit about Idku and Cyprus that would help put a context in place for your father, too. I can send you a copy if you’re interested.
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Sorry – I had not seen this.
My father John Bliss was a pilot; his RO was Norman Rigby. My sister has his logbook and letters from WWII, and we quote a few lines in the web page we made for him recently, which is more about his Scotland Yard career than flying:
https://alderneybliss.co.uk/jcb.html
I’ve not read your book yet, but I have been meaning to, and will do now. I’ve got a copy of Armed Raiders, which mentions some raids he was on, and there are links to other sources from the web page.
Dad was only on ops for a short while compared to some (his life was saved by catching TB!) – but given the appalling attrition rate on Beaufighters he did well to last that long.
When he died I found a poignant letter to Norman, with whom he’d lost touch, thanking him for ‘always getting them home safely.’*
Someone is working on a Wikipedia entry about him which I expect will cover much the same ground.
Tom
* http://www.turnstone.tv/someoneupstairs.html
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Dear Tom
That’s a wonderful biography: your father was a very special person and had an amazing life. I was particularly interested in his comment about coming in slow to the target – I’m pretty sure most other pilots were full throttle in the adrenalin and jeopardy of the moment.Thanks very much indeed for the link.
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Sorry – Bill died in 1983:
https://rnzaf.proboards.com/thread/20817/wing-commander-william-papillion-kemp
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Tom – late reply I know, but this all makes fascinating reading. What a tragic ending for such an amazing pilot. But what a life! I didn’t know about the raid on the Gestapo headquarters in 1944.
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My father John Bliss (227 Squadron) was also great chums with Bill and talked of him a lot. Sadly Bill died in a crop-dusting accident in the 1970s. I knew their Wing Commander Rusty MacKenzie and stayed with him in NZ in the 70s.
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