William Alexander Kerr, VC (18 July 1831 – 21 May 1919) was a Scottish soldier, writer and a recipient of the

Victoria Cross The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest and most prestigious award of the British honours system. It is awarded for valour "in the presence of the enemy" to members of the British Armed Forces and may be awarded posthumously. It was previously ...

, 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

lieutenant A lieutenant ( , ; abbreviated Lt., Lt, LT, Lieut and similar) is a commissioned officer rank in the armed forces of many nations. The meaning of lieutenant differs in different militaries (see comparative military ranks), but it is often ...

in the 24th Bombay Native Infantry (now 6th Battalion The

Baloch Regiment The Baloch Regiment is an infantry regiment of the Pakistan Army. The modern regiment was formed in May 1956 by the merger of 8th Punjab and Bahawalpur Regiments with the Baluch Regiment. Since then, further raisings have brought the strength of ...

, Pakistan Army) who was serving with the Southern Mahratta Horse during the Indian Mutiny, when the following deed took place on 10 July 1857 at Kolapore, India for which he was awarded the

(VC):

Lt WA Kerr earning the Victoria Cross during the Indian Mutiny

Kerr attended Loretto School. He achieved the rank of captain. His VC is on display at the Lord Ashcroft Gallery, Imperial War Museum, London.

References

External links

Location of grave and VC medal
''(Kent)''

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Kerr, William Alexander British recipients of the Victoria Cross British East India Company Army officers 1831 births 1919 deaths Indian Rebellion of 1857 recipients of the Victoria Cross People educated at Loretto School, Musselburgh People from Melrose, Scottish Borders