Clyde R/2155
Able Seaman, Howe Battalion, RNVR, 188th Infantry Brigade, 63rd (Royal Naval) Division
Age: 19
Date of Death: 26.10.17
Buried: Tyne Cot Memorial Panel 2 and 3
Family history: Son of Andrew Rae Kerr & Mary Kerr, 27 Forth Street, Grangemouth.
The action leading to his death
The Royal Naval Division, 188th and 189th Brigades, was to take part in what became known as the Second Battle of Passchendaele with the planned advance to go beyond Poelcappelle and towards Westroosebeke. The Division was to attack along a 1,500 yard front, across ground which got gradually worse towards the north and being virtually impassable near the Lekkerboterbeek stream. Their first objective was along a line between Varley Farm and Banff House, approximately 300 yards in front, and the final objective lay across the Paddebeek stream some 500 yards further on. The ground was a shell holed quagmire and both Generals Gough and Plumer wanted the offensive brought to an end however, Haig insisted on pressing on until the Passchendaele Ridge had been secured. On the 24 October the Royal Naval Division relieved the 9th (Scottish) Division and prepared for the offensive on the 26 October. AB Harry Kerr was to be killed in this fighting.
Medals Awarded
Victory Medal, British War Medal