William Alexander Kerr
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William Alexander Kerr (18 July 1831 - 19 May 1919) was a Scottish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
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He was 25 years old, and a lieutenant in the 24th Bombay Native Infantry, Indian Army during the Indian rebellion of 1857 when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 10 July 1857 at Kolapore, India, Lieutenant Kerr, with a small party went to attack the position taken up by mutineers in the stronghold near the town. The attacking party had no guns and the enemy kept up a ceaseless fire, but Lieutenant Kerr made a dash at one of the gateways with some dismounted horsemen and forced an entrance, The attack was successful and the defenders were all either killed, wounded or captured.
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He later achieved the rank of captain.
[edit] References
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
- Scotland's Forgotten Valour (Graham Ross, 1995)
