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James Kerr

Updated: May 15, 2022


Clyde Z/5020 Able Seaman, Drake Battalion, 189th Brigade, 63rd (Royal Naval) Division

Age: 25

Date of Death: 31.10.17

Buried: Tyne Cot Memorial Panel 2 to 3

Family history: Son of William and Agnes McArthur, 37 Hamilton Street, Camelon. Prior to enlisting on 2 June 1915, he was employed as a range fitter by R & A Main, Falkirk. He saw service at Gallipoli and was wounded in France in 1917, gun shot wound to the right arm on 4 February 1917, and evacuated to the UK on 10 February. He rejoined Drake Battalion on 23 August 1917. His brother William was serving in the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders.

The action that lead to his death

The Drake Battalion, War Diary states 29/10/17:- Training. Supplied a party of 1 officer & 50 Other Ranks as Stretcher Bearers. Casualties 6 Other Ranks killed.


On 30/10/17:- Training. Supplied a party of 6 officers & 250 Other Ranks as Stretcher Bearers on account of 190th Brigade Operations. Casualties 3 Other Ranks killed & 1 Other Rank missing.


There are no casualties recorded in the War Diary on 31/10/17:- Battalion moved forward to Cheddar Villa & Irish Farm in support.


The War Diary figures add up to a total of 9 Other Ranks killed & 1 Other Rank missing 29-30/10/17. The official records show zero Other Ranks casualties in Drake Battalion. 29-30/10/17 but 10 Other Ranks KIA 31/10/17. As the figures in both sources add up to 10 killed, it seems most likely that AB Kerr was killed with either of the Stretcher Bearer parties 29/10/17 or 30/10/17


(Linesman Map)

Medals Awarded:

The British War Medal, Victory Medal

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