George Fraser Kerr

Photo by Terry Macdonald

George Fraser Kerr VC, MC & Bar, MM, (8 June 1895 – 8 December 1929) was a Canadian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest military award given to British and Commonwealth forces for gallantry in the face of the enemy.

On 27 September 1918 at Bourlon Wood, France, 23 year-old Kerr performed an act of bravery for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

Biography

Born 8 June 1895, Kerr was a lieutenant in the 3rd (Toronto) Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, during the First World War when he was awarded the VC for his actions during the battle of the Canal du Nord.

Lieutenant Kerr acted with conspicuous bravery and leadership during operations, giving timely support by outflanking a machine-gun which was impeding the advance. Later, when the advance was again held up by a strong point, and being far in advance of his company, he rushed the strong point single-handed, capturing four machine-guns and 31 prisoners.

He later achieved the rank of Captain.

Further information

Grave/memorial at Buried at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto, Canada. Plot 14. Section 36. Lot 6 - E 1/2. Headstone.

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Canadian War Museum (Ottawa, Canada).

References

• Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
• The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
• VCs of the First World War - The Final Days 1918 (Gerald Gliddon, 2000)
• John Fotheringham

External links

• Burial location of George Kerr "Toronto, Canada"
• Legion Magazine Article on George Kerr
• Kerr's Medals at the Canadian War Museum
• Photo of George Kerr at Find a Grave