John Chipman Kerr V.C.

Rank: Private

Regiment: Canadian Infantry, Canadian Expeditionary Force

Sent by: Mr A M Breach

Other Info: “A soldier of the C.C.A.C at present in Hastings will next Tuesday be presented with the Victoria Cross. The distinguished warrior is 101465, Private John Chipman Kerr of the Canadian Infantry, The coveted award has been made for most conspicuous bravery. During a bombing attack he was acting as a bayonet man, and knowing that the bombs were running short, he ran along the parados under heavy fire until he was in close contact with the enemy, when he opened fire on them at point-blank range and inflicted heavy loss. The enemy, thinking they were surrounded, surrendered. Sixty two prisoners were taken and 250 yards of enemy trench captured. Before carrying out his very plucky act one of Private Kerr’s fingers had been blown off by a bomb. Later, with two other men, he escorted back the prisoners under fire and then returned to report himself for duty before having his wound dressed. Private Kerr hails from Fox River, Cumberland, N.S. The particulars appeared in “Canada” on 4th November (1916) and the “London Gazette” on 26th October.”

Published: February 1917

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