One of Canada’s most highly decorated soldiers, Captain George Fraser Kerr, VC, MC & Bar, MM. With no previous military experience, he enlisted as a private in the 3rd Canadian Infantry Battalion, commissioned as an officer on Dominion Day 1917, and wounded twice in action.
Early Life of Fraser Kerr
George Fraser Kerr is a descendant of Loyalists Daniel Fraser UE and John Galbraith UE. By 1901 the family had moved to Napanee and in 1911 they were living in Galt. He went by the name Fraser. Fraser attended Galt Collegiate and when he enlisted in 1914, the family living at 135 Tyndall Avenue in Toronto, with George working as a chemist.
In September 1914, shortly after the Great War began Kerr found as Private T F Kerr 9670 (His attestation paper notes 9570) on the Nominoll Roll of the 3rd Battalion.
3rd Battalion
The 3rd Canadian Infantry Battalion organized in Valcartier Camp in September 1914 composed of recruits from Toronto. Initially commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel R Rennie, other Officers Commanding W D Allen DSO (10/11/15), J B Rogers DSO, MC (1/10/16). Embarked from Quebec City 25 September 1914 aboard TUNISIAN, and later disembarked in England on 16 October 1914 with a strength of 42 officers, 1123 other ranks.
Private Fraser Kerr with the the 12th Reserve Battalion while in England. To France with B Company, 3rd Bn, 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade, 11 February 1915.
France
Battle of Bois-Grenier
The 3rd Battalion entered the trenches near Armentieres on the night of 5 March 1915. First casualties hours after taking the trenches included Privates Lester Walter Bowman 9764, John Comrie 18028, James Walter Croft 9426 and Corporal G W Shea 9743. All buried at Y FARM MILITARY CEMETERY, BOIS-GRENIER.
Removed from the trenches with a bout of gastritis, Major George M Higinbotham MVO evacuated to England and died from complications in hospital. Buried at NEWINGTON (ST. NICHOLAS) CHURCHYARD on 11 March 1915. Higinbotham had served in the North West Rebellion 1885.
Second Battle of Ypres
The 3rd Battalion’s first major action occurred during the Second Battle of Ypres. First casualties an hour after digging in at 1:15 am, 23 April 1915. The battalion would hold the GHQ at all costs, but later running out of ammunition, many men taken as prisoners of war. The locations of many recorded battlefield burials later become named on the YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL with so few bodies recovered. One of those PoWs later succumbed to his wounds and buried by the Germans at ROESELARE COMMUNAL CEMETERY.
Another German push on 2 May 1915 results in much the same in regards to casualties. Only three soldiers of the 3rd Battalion not named on the YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL.
Battle of Festubert
In the Battle of Festubert later in May of 1915, the Canadian Division suffered 2,204 casualties (38 dead from the 3rd Bn). Again, only a few casualties not named on the YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL.
Rise in the Ranks
On 13 June 1915, Pte Fraser Kerr to be Corporal. To Lance/Corporal on 11 July 1915. Granted leave on 23 October 1915. Appointed A/Corporal 14 February 1916.
FCGM
A/Cpl Fraser Kerr in confinement awaiting trial. Tried 7.4.16 and convicted by F.G.C.M. of (1st charge) When on A[ctive] S[ervice] being in a place prohibited by D.R.O. [Divisional Routine Order] 586 without a pass 14/3/16 (2nd charge) When on A.S. Drunkenness 14.3.16 & sentenced to be reduced to the Ranks.
A private for less than a month, Fraser promoted Corporal and immediately Lance/Sergeant on 7 May 1916. The following month promoted A/Sergeant in the field on 15 June 1916.
Battle of Mount Sorrel
Following the Battle of Mount Sorrel, on 24 June 1916, Major General Mercer laid to rest at No. 10 Casualty Clearing Station cemetery at 3 pm. All available officers of the 3rd Battalion attended.
A/Sgt Kerr Wounded
In the vicinity of CHATEAU SEGARD and MOATED FARM, wounded by shrapnel, 26 June 1916, fragment entered through right ulnar artery, and right ankle.
B Company had five men killed, 12 wounded, and 3 shell-shocked. To be ‘shell-shocked’ did not mean PTSD as a mental condition, but the actual physical injuries caused by being close to a detonation.
Evacuated to Folkestone, 31 July 1916.
Military Medal Citation
“After his platoon officer had been wounded and the Sgt killed, he led the platoon with skill and bravery to the final objective established a bombing post, and held it throughout the day. His courage and ability were very noticeable during the action on MOUNT SORREL on, 13th June 1916.” AFW 3121
Return to England
Fraser remained in hospital until 12 December 1917, when discharged to the 12th Reserve Battalion at Hastings, Sussex.
Commission
Kerr commissioned as a Lieutenant from 1 August 1917 with 12th Reserve Battalion.
![Groups taken at O.T.C. Canadians, Bexhill-on-Sea. [No. 4 Co.] Captain George Fraser Kerr](https://i0.wp.com/cefrg.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/3397669.jpg?resize=1024%2C830&ssl=1)
He would remain On Command at East Sandling until SoS to the 3rd Battalion on 13 October 1917.
November 1917
On 21 November 1917, Lt G F Kerr and L/Sgt McIntosh 139736 patrolled up the railway line as far as 200 yards East of N.20.c.0.0 and reported a light railway in operation at the GREEN CRASSIER, and ALPAGA TRENCH occupied.
On 11 December 1917, Major D H C Mason DSO, Lt G F Kerr and three sergeants proceeded to Chateau-de-la-Haie for a course. They returned on 17th December.
On 19 January 1918 at Dieval, Major D H C Mason DSO pinned the Victoria Cross ribbon on Corporal Colin Barron VC.
In February and March 1918 Lt G F Kerr treated in hospital in France for scabies, rejoining his unit on 3 April 1918, now posted to C Company under Captains J K Crawford DSO and N V Cliff. The battalion moves from the front line into Brigade Support at Beaurains on 4/5 April.
Battle of Amiens
Wounded on 8 August 1918. For actions on this day, Kerr awarded the MC. At Beaufort on 13 August 1918, Lt G F Kerr appointed Acting Second-in-Command of B Company, his original unit. Casualties during the month of August particularly heavy on the 3rd Battalion.
Military Cross Citation
“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.” London Gazette 31109 – 2.12.1918
Battle of Drocourt-Quéant Line
Bar to the Military Cross Citation
“For conspicuous gallantry, initiative and skill during the Drocourt-Queant attach 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.” London Gazette 31158 – 1-1-19
Battle of Canal du Nord
Kerr was appointed Temporary Captain on September 15th, 1918. Twelve days later, he was involved in the action which resulted in him being awarded the Victoria Cross.
It was here at the Battle of Canal du Nord that Lieutenants S L Honey and G T Lyall also showed conspicuous bravery.
Victoria Cross Citation
For most conspicuous bravery and leadership during the BOURLON WOOD operations on 27th Sept. 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. Lieutenant 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.” London Gazette 31109 – 6.1.19
Captain James Philip Crawford, also of B Company, died of wounds. He was buried at Sains-les-Marqouion British Cemetery, Plot I, Row B, Grave 2.
On 16 October 1918, the body of Lieutenant Frederick Max Burger returned from the front lines for burial. Lt Burger had been sniped on 4th October. Captain S J Murphy’s body required considerable getting his body out.
Lind, Germany
Near Bonn on 3 January 1919, riding with Lt Butler, Fraser thrown from his horse resulting in a fractured ulna.
Return to England
Kerr was personally presented with his Victoria Cross and Military Cross and Bar by King George V at a ceremony in Buckingham Palace on 20 May 1919.
He was later promoted to Captain and eventually discharged as medically unfit on July 16, 1919 having been wounded several times and injured in an accident in which he fell from his horse while stationed in Germany after hostilities had ceased.
Return to Canada
Returned to Canada per SS MEGANTIC, 23 May 1919, and SoS of the CEF on 16 July 1919 at Military District No. 2.
In 1923 appointed as a Captain in the Militia. He was working as a metal broker at the time, making military medals.
George Fraser Kerr married in Toronto on 6 March 1924 to Mary Beeman. She was born in Lennox & Addington in 1886 and died in Toronto in 1952. They had two children, Mary Louise Isabel Kerr born in 1925 and died of tuberculosis in 1933, and Janet Grace Kerr, born in 1927.
Accidental Death
On the evening of December 8, 1929 Kerr went to the garage at the family residence at 38 Cheltenham Avenue in north Toronto to warm up the car before a trip to Union Station to meet friends arriving from New York City. While waiting, Kerr read a newspaper. When he hadn’t returned after three hours, his wife went to the garage and found her husband slumped over in the front seat, barely alive. He died before medical help arrived. Police speculated that a gust of wind had blown the door shut and Kerr had succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning. Three days later Kerr accorded a full military funeral complete with rifle honour guard.
Captain George Fraser Kerr VC died aged 35 in Toronto on December 8, 1929 of accidental carbon monoxide poisoning and buried at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto, Canada (plot 14, section 36. Lot 6 – E 1/2). His wife and first daughter are also buried there.
Medal Set of Captain George Fraser Kerr, VC, MC & Bar, MM
“I wanted to make sure that everyone had access to the medals,” said Ross during a brief ceremony at the museum, “and that they were not locked in a box somewhere.”
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, Canada.
An Ontario Historical Plaque in his memory was erected to Captain George Fraser Kerr in Centennial Park in Deseronto, Ontario.
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