James Kerr

Tyne Cot Memorial. Authors image

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 records that on 29 October 1917: 'Training. Supplied a party of 1 officer & 50 Other Ranks as Stretcher Bearers. Casualties 6 Other Ranks killed.'

On 30 October 1917: '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 October 1917: '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 October. The official records show zero Other Ranks casualties in Drake Battalion. 29-30 but 10 Other Ranks KIA on 31 October. As the figures in both sources add up to 10 killed, it seems most likely that AB James Kerr was killed with either of the Stretcher Bearer parties on 29 or 30 October 1917.

Trench map showing the location of Cheddar Villa

Medals Awarded:

The British War Medal, Victory Medal