Captain George Fraser Kerr

1. Captain, 3rd Battalion, Infantry (Army). 1918-09-15 to 1919-07-16
2. Lieutenant, 3rd Battalion, Infantry (Army). 1917-10-13 to 1918-09-15
3. Lieutenant (Army). 1917-07-01 to 1917-10-13
4. Sergeant (Army). 1917-01-31 to 1917-07-01
5. Sergeant (Army). 1916-07-31 to 1917-01-31
6. Sergeant, 3rd Battalion, Infantry (Army). 1916-06-18 to 1916-07-31
7. Corporal, 3rd Battalion, Infantry (Army). 1916-02-09 to 1916-06-18
8. Corporal, 3rd Battalion, Infantry (Army). 1915-09-18 to 1916-02-09
9. Lance Corporal, 3rd Battalion, Infantry (Army). 1915-02-09 to 1915-09-18
10. Private, 3rd Battalion, Infantry (Army). 1914-10-26 to 1915-02-09
11. Private, 3rd Battalion, Infantry (Army). 1914-09-22 to 1914-10-26

Military Medal (Mount Sorrel)
Description: After his platoon officer had been wounded and the Sgt. killed, he led the platoon with skill and bravery to the final objective establishing a bombing post, and held it throughout the day. His courage and ability were noticeable during the action on Mount Sorrel on 13th June 1916. A.F.W. 3121
Date of award: 1916-08-23
Date of award: 1916-07-22
Source: London Gazette 29719, pg. 8365
Notes: Canadian War Museum, Ottawa

Military Cross
Description: For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When leading his platoon to the jumping-off line he found a gap, which he filled, putting an enemy machine-gun nest out of action, killing about thirty and capturing a battery of 77 mm guns. At the jumping-off line he found one company had not arrived, so he led his platoon into its place, with the advancing waves. He was then wounded, but continued to the final objective, clearing out another machine-gun nest of two guns on the way. The next two days he continued in the line doing splendid work, and refusing to leave owing to shortage of officers.
Date of award: 1918-12-02
Date of award: 1918-10-02
Source: London Gazette 31043, pg. 14277
Notes: Canadian War Museum, Ottawa

Victoria Cross (Bourlon Wood)
Description: For most conspicuous bravery and leadership during the Bourlon Wood operations on 27th September, 1918, when in command of the left support company in attack. He handled his company with great skill, and gave timely support by outflanking a machine-gun which was impeding the advance. Later, near the Arras-Cambrai road, the advance was again held up by a strong point. Lt. Kerr, far in advance of his company, rushed this strong point single-handed and captured four machine-guns and thirty-one prisoners. His valour throughout this engagement was an inspiring example to all.
Date of award: 1919-01-06
Date of award: 1918-09-27
Source: London Gazette No. 31108, pg. 306
Comment: Also recipient of MM and MC + Bar
Notes: Canadian War Museum, Ottawa

Military Cross First Bar (Drocourt-Queant)
Description: For conspicuous gallantry, initiative and skill during the Drocourt-Queant attack on the 2nd and 3rd September 1918, when he led his company forward with great dash. Later he led two platoons to the assistance of one of the attacking companies, which was held up by heavy machine-gun fire, surprising the hostile machine-gun crews, and personally accounting for several of the enemy. His splendid courage afforded a most inspiring example at a critical time.
Date of award: 1919-02-01
Source: London Gazette 31158, pg. 1632
Notes: Canadian War Museum, Ottawa

Son of John James 'Jack' Kerr and Isabella Sievright Kerr (nee Fraser); husband of Mary Kerr (nee Beeman) married March 6, 1924

George Fraser Kerr went by the name Fraser and was twice wounded in action and, in addition to the Victoria Cross, was awarded the Military Cross, Bar to the MC, and the Military Medal.

On 27 September 1918 Lieutenant Kerr was in command of the support company on the left flank of his battalion advancing through Bourlon Wood, near Cambrai in France. When a German machine gun blocked the way forward, Kerr handled his company with great skill by outflanking the enemy position without delay. Later in the day, his company’s progress was again checked near the Arras-Cambrai road. Alone and in advance of his company, Kerr attacked the German strong point, capturing four machine guns and 31 prisoners.

He was convicted of drunkenness in a Field General Court Marshall on April 7, 1916, and was reduced to the ranks.

On January 3, 1919 he was riding a horse when it bolted into a tree and he sustained a broken right arm.

He died of accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.