Allegiance Canada Battles and wars World War I Battles/wars First World War | Name George Kerr Role Military officer | |
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Died December 8, 1929, Toronto, Canada Place of burial Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Old Toronto, Canada Service/branch | ||
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.
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.