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William Alexander Kerr

1831 – 1919

Scottish military officer (1831–1919); recipient of the Victoria Cross

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About William Alexander Kerr

Lived 1831 – 1919 (aged 87). William Alexander Kerr was a British.

William Alexander Kerr, VC (18 July 1831 – 21 May 1919) was a Scottish soldier, writer and a recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Details Kerr was a 25 year old lieutenant in the 24th Bombay Native Infantry (now 6th Battalion The Baloch Regiment, Pakistan Army) who was serving with the Southern Mahratta Horse during the Indian Mutiny, when the following deed took place on 10 July 1857 at Kolapore, India for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC):

Lieutenant William Alexander Kerr, 24th Bombay Native Infantry, winning the Victoria Cross near Kolapore, July 1857. Oil on canvas by Chevalier Louis-William Desanges, c. 1859.

Kerr attended Loretto School. He achieved the rank of captain. His VC is on display at the Lord Ashcroft Gallery, Imperial War Museum, London.

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Important facts

Birth century
Nationality
Education
Loretto School
Awards
Victoria Cross; Mentioned in Despatches
Also known as
W. A. Kerr, V.C.

People in William Alexander Kerr's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped William Alexander Kerr's

Frequently asked questions

Who was William Alexander Kerr?

Scottish military officer (1831–1919); recipient of the Victoria Cross

When was William Alexander Kerr born?

William Alexander Kerr was born on 18 July 1831 in Melrose.

When did William Alexander Kerr die?

William Alexander Kerr died on 21 May 1919 in Folkestone.

What nationality was William Alexander Kerr?

William Alexander Kerr was British.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: William Alexander Kerr

· Wikidata: Q8004274

· DBpedia: William Alexander Kerr

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). William Alexander Kerr. https://biography.guide/william-alexander-kerr/

MLA: "William Alexander Kerr." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/william-alexander-kerr/.

Chicago: "William Alexander Kerr." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/william-alexander-kerr/.

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