George Fraser Kerr
George Fraser Kerr | |
|---|---|
| File:VCGeorgeFraserKerrGrave.jpg | |
| Born | 8 June 1895 Deseronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Died | 8 December 1929 (aged 34) Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance |  Canada |
| Service/ | Canadian Expeditionary Force |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | 3rd Battalion (Toronto Regiment), CEF |
| Battles/wars | First World War |
| Awards | Victoria Cross Military Cross & Bar Military Medal |
George Fraser Kerr VC, MC & Bar, MM, (8 June 1895 – 8 December 1929) was a Canadian soldier who served in World War I. Kerr was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military award given to British and Commonwealth forces for gallantry in the face of the enemy.
Enlisting in September 1914, Kerr became a lieutenant in the 3rd (Toronto) Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, during the First World War. 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 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.[1]
He later achieved the rank of Captain.
Further information
He died of Carbon monoxide poisoning and is buried at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (plot 14, section 36. Lot 6 - E 1/2). His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
References
- ^ "No. 31108". The London Gazette (Supplement). 4 January 1919. p. 306.
- 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)
External links
- Burial location of George Kerr "Toronto, Ontario, Canada"
- Legion Magazine Article on George Kerr
- Kerr's Medals at the Canadian War Museum
- Photo of George Kerr at Find a Grave
- Use dmy dates from September 2010
- Canadian World War I recipients of the Victoria Cross
- 1895 births
- 1929 deaths
- Recipients of the Military Medal
- Canadian Expeditionary Force officers
- Canadian recipients of the Military Cross
- The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada
- People from Hastings County
- Deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning