King's Own Royal Regiment Museum

Colonel William Kemmis

William Kemmis was born in Dublin in 1861, the fifth son of Mr Thomas Kemmis of Killeen, Queen's County and like his father and grandfather, was Crown and Treasury Solicitor for Ireland.  He was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant into the 4th Militia Battalion, King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment, on 8th April 1881.  He was promoted Lieutenant in July 1881; Captain on 25th March 1885; Major in December 1891 and Lieutenant Colonel in November 1899.  He commanded the 4th Militia Battalion, King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment, in South Africa in 1900-1901.  He was twice mentioned in despatches and was awarded the CMG for services in South Africa.  He was appointed MVO in 1905.  During the First World War he commanded the 11th (Service) Battalion, Hampshire Regiment (Pioneers).  He died at Everton Grange, Hampshire, on the 7th November 1932 at the age of 71 years.

Lieutenant Colonel William Kemmis, of the 4th (Militia) Battalion, King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment, standing, in South Africa, 1900/01.
Accession Number: KO

Lieutenant Colonel William Kemmis, of the 4th (Militia) Battalion, King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment, in South Africa, 1900/01.
Accession Number: KO

   
Colonel Kemmis, circa 1902, with an enlargement of his helmet with a red badge with the number '4' and 'Lancaster'
Accession Number: KO0096/09

Colonel William Kemmis, circa 1902.
Accession Number: KO0096/10

Colonel William Kemmis, circa 1903, wearing the CMG and Queen's South Africa Medal.
Accession Number: KO0710/35

Colonel William Kemmis, circa 1905.
Accession Number: KO0710/36

Colonel William Kemmis, 1905
Accession Number: KO0096/08

Colonel William Kemmis, circa 1918.
Accession Number: KO2590/405