George Durant Kemp-Welch, an esteemed cricket player from England. Known for his exceptional batting skills and admirable style, Kemp-Welch left an indelible mark on the cricketing world.
Before becoming a prominent cricketer, Kemp-Welch showcased his sporting prowess during his time at Charterhouse School and later at Cambridge University. He shone brightly as a fast-medium-paced bowler during his school years, but it was in batting that he truly thrived. His talent and dedication earned him a place in the prestigious Warwickshire cricket eleven.
In 1929, Kemp-Welch found his form as an opening batsman during a match against Gloucestershire, which led to him gaining his Blue at Cambridge. It was at Lord’s, the hallowed grounds of cricket, where Kemp-Welch truly demonstrated his skills. In his three matches against Oxford, he played six innings, amassing an impressive total of 270 runs, with an average of 45. His consistent batting under the challenging conditions of Lord’s was laudable and set him apart as a player of immense talent.
Continuing his cricketing journey, Kemp-Welch rose to the occasion when he helped E. T. Killick in an opening stand of 139 runs in 1930. He also proved his bowling prowess by taking two wickets for ten runs, aiding Cambridge’s victory by a remarkable 205 runs. The following year, as captain, Kemp-Welch batted admirably against Oxford, scoring 87 and 28 and forging a partnership of 149 with A. Ratcliffe. Despite Oxford’s victory by eight wickets, Kemp-Welch’s innings of 87 still holds the record for the highest score in an inter-University match.
Apart from his accomplishments at Cambridge, Kemp-Welch also made valuable contributions to the Warwickshire cricket team. He played for the county during the summer vacation in 1927 and continued to do so throughout his career. In 1931, he had an exceptional summer, during which he played for Warwickshire, the Gentlemen, and the Rest of England. His consistent performances, including scores of 56, 12, 51, 28, and 40, earned him acclaim and solidified his position as a reliable batsman.
In February 1932, Kemp-Welch joined a team captained by Lord Tennyson on a tour of Jamaica. During the tour, he faced one of his toughest opponents, G. Headley, who scored 344 not out, a record for a West Indies batsman. Kemp-Welch, undeterred by Headley’s remarkable achievement, contributed significantly to his team with a century of his own, scoring 105 in the same match and 186 in the return encounter with All Jamaica. His fielding skills only added to his value, making him an instrumental member of any team he represented.
Beyond cricket, Kemp-Welch also excelled in association football. He was the captain of the Cambridge University football team and even earned an Association football Blue. In 1934, he married Mrs. Richard Munro, the daughter of Mr. Stanley Baldwin, who later became Lord Baldwin of Bewdley.
George Durant Kemp-Welch’s presence on the cricket field was nothing short of extraordinary. His skillful batting, reliable bowling, and brilliant fielding made him a valuable asset to any team he represented. His untimely demise in June, due to enemy action during the destruction of the Guards Chapel, was a great loss to both cricket and the nation. Kemp-Welch will always be remembered as a true sportsman and an exceptional cricket player who left an indelible mark on the game.