William Alexander Kerr
William Alexander Kerr | |
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Mentioned in Despatches |
William Alexander Kerr, VC (18 July 1831 – 21 May 1919) was a Scottish soldier, writer and a recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
Details
Kerr was a 25 year old
24th Bombay Native Infantry. Lieutenant William Alexander Kerr. Date of Act of Bravery, 10th July, 1857.
On the breaking out of a mutiny in the 27th Bombay Native Infantry in July, 1857, a party of the mutineers took up a position in the stronghold, or paga, near the town of Kolapore, and defended themselves to extremity. Lieutenant Kerr, of the Southern Mahratta Irregular Horse, took a prominent share of the attack on the position, and at the moment when its capture was of great public importance, he made a dash at one of the gateways, with some dismounted horsemen, and forced an entrance by breaking down the gate. The attack was completely successful, and the defenders were either killed, wounded, or captured, a result that may with perfect justice be attributed to Lieutenant Kerr's dashing and devoted bravery.
(Letter from the Political Superintendent at Kolapore, to the Adjutant-General of the Army, dated 10th September, 1857.)[1]
Kerr attended Loretto School. He achieved the rank of
References
- ^ "No. 22131". The London Gazette. 27 April 1858. p. 2050.
External links
- Location of grave and VC medal (Kent)
- VC medal auction details
- William Alexander Kerr at Find a Grave
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