Difference between revisions of "Ralph Kerr"

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==Life & Career==
 
==Life & Career==
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Kerr was born in Ross on Wye in Herefordshire, the son of Major Russell J. Kerr, J.P., Third Gloucester Regiment.  Kerr gained one and a half months' time on passing out of the Training Establishmentin mid January, 1909.
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Kerr was born in Ross on Wye in Herefordshire, the son of Major Russell J. Kerr, J.P., Third Gloucester Regiment.  Kerr gained one and a half months' time on passing out of the Training Establishment in mid January, 1909.
  
−
Kerr first served in {{UK-Agamemnon}}, {{UK-Invincible}} and the {{UK-1Mohawk|f=t}} before joining {{UK-Bacchante}} in January, 1911.  In mid 1912, he commenced service in T.B.Ds., being borne on the books of {{UK-Hecla}} and then {{UK-Tyne}}.   
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Kerr first served in {{UK-Agamemnon|f=p}}, {{UK-Invincible}} and the {{UK-1Mohawk|f=t}} before joining {{UK-Bacchante}} in January, 1911.  In mid 1912, he commenced service in T.B.Ds., being borne on the books of {{UK-Hecla}} and then {{UK-Tyne}}.   
  
 
Kerr was appointed to the {{UK-Inflexible|f=t}} on 13 January and promoted to the rank of {{LieutRN}} on 28 February, 1914.  His application to join a navigation course was cancelled owing to his defective vision despite his having consulted a specialist.  In September, he was sent to Devonport for a short course in gunnery, but then was appointed to the {{UK-Benbow}}, in which he would fight most of the war, including at the [[Battle of Jutland]].  His visual problems were seemingly more than offset by the favourable impression he conveyed.<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>
 
Kerr was appointed to the {{UK-Inflexible|f=t}} on 13 January and promoted to the rank of {{LieutRN}} on 28 February, 1914.  His application to join a navigation course was cancelled owing to his defective vision despite his having consulted a specialist.  In September, he was sent to Devonport for a short course in gunnery, but then was appointed to the {{UK-Benbow}}, in which he would fight most of the war, including at the [[Battle of Jutland]].  His visual problems were seemingly more than offset by the favourable impression he conveyed.<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>
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{{TabNaval}}
 
{{TabNaval}}
 
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''New Command'''|'''[[H.M.S. P48 (1917)|Captain of H.M.S. ''P48'']]'''<br>Feb, 1918<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref> &ndash; 30 Apr, 1918<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Colin John Lawrence Bittleston|Colin J. L. Bittleston]]'''}}
 
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''New Command'''|'''[[H.M.S. P48 (1917)|Captain of H.M.S. ''P48'']]'''<br>Feb, 1918<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref> &ndash; 30 Apr, 1918<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Colin John Lawrence Bittleston|Colin J. L. Bittleston]]'''}}
−
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Aubrey Edward Duncombe Moore|Aubrey E. D. Moore]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Cossack (1907)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Cossack'']]'''<br>30 Apr, 1918<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>{{NLFeb19|p. 766}} &ndash; 3 Feb, 1919<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''?'''}}
+
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Aubrey Edward Duncombe Moore|Aubrey E. D. Moore]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Cossack (1907)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Cossack'']]'''<br>30 Apr, 1918<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>{{NLFeb19|p. 766}} &ndash; 3 Feb, 1919<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Thomas Wallace Young|Thomas W. Young]]'''}}
 
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Torkel Lundholm|Torkel Lundholm]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Lydiard (1914)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Lydiard'']]'''<br>29 Mar, 1919<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref> &ndash; 14 Jul, 1919<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''?'''}}
 
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Torkel Lundholm|Torkel Lundholm]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Lydiard (1914)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Lydiard'']]'''<br>29 Mar, 1919<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref> &ndash; 14 Jul, 1919<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''?'''}}
 
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Terence Ackley Fitzmaurice Longford|Terence A. F. Longford]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Starfish (1916)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Starfish'']]'''<br>14 Jul, 1919<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>{{NLOct19|p. 910}} &ndash; 1 Oct, 1919<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[George Arthur Scott|George A. Scott]]'''}}
 
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Terence Ackley Fitzmaurice Longford|Terence A. F. Longford]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Starfish (1916)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Starfish'']]'''<br>14 Jul, 1919<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>{{NLOct19|p. 910}} &ndash; 1 Oct, 1919<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[George Arthur Scott|George A. Scott]]'''}}
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{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Edward Blake Hoyle|Edward B. Hoyle]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Sable (1916)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Sable'']]'''<br>1 Sep, 1920{{NLDec20|p. 859}} &ndash; 20 Jan, 1922<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Donal Scott McGrath|Donal S. McGrath]]'''}}
 
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Edward Blake Hoyle|Edward B. Hoyle]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Sable (1916)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Sable'']]'''<br>1 Sep, 1920{{NLDec20|p. 859}} &ndash; 20 Jan, 1922<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Donal Scott McGrath|Donal S. McGrath]]'''}}
 
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[John Douglas Harvey|John D. Harvey]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Valkyrie (1917)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Valkyrie'']]'''<br>20 Jan, 1922<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>{{NLJan23|p. 825}} &ndash; 1 Oct, 1923<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Hamilton Colclough Allen|Hamilton C. Allen]]'''}}
 
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[John Douglas Harvey|John D. Harvey]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Valkyrie (1917)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Valkyrie'']]'''<br>20 Jan, 1922<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>{{NLJan23|p. 825}} &ndash; 1 Oct, 1923<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Hamilton Colclough Allen|Hamilton C. Allen]]'''}}
−
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Henry Antony Simpson|Henry A. Simpson]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Vanity (1918)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Vanity'']]'''<br>9 Oct, 1923<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>{{NLJul24|p. 279}} &ndash; 29 Jul, 1925<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''?'''}}
+
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Henry Antony Simpson|Henry A. Simpson]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Vanity (1918)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Vanity'']]'''<br>9 Oct, 1923<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>{{NLJul24|p. 279}} &ndash; 29 Jul, 1925<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Valentine Searles-Wood|Valentine Searles-Wood]]'''}}
−
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Charles Reid Peploe|Charles R. Peploe]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Witch (1919)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Witch'']]'''<br>13 Jul, 1925<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref> &ndash; 22 Apr, 1926<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Augustine Willington Shelton Agar|Augustine W. S. Agar]]'''}}
+
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Charles Reid Peploe|Charles R. Peploe]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Witch (1919)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Witch'']]'''<br>13 Jul, 1925<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref> &ndash; 22 Apr, 1926<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Augustus Willington Shelton Agar|Augustine W. S. Agar]]'''}}
 
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Ambrose Thomas Norman Abbay|Ambrose T. N. Abbay]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Worcester (1919)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Worcester'']]'''<br>22 Apr, 1926<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref> &ndash; Aug, 1927<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Patrick Edwin Fell|Patrick E. Fell]]'''}}
 
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Ambrose Thomas Norman Abbay|Ambrose T. N. Abbay]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Worcester (1919)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Worcester'']]'''<br>22 Apr, 1926<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref> &ndash; Aug, 1927<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Patrick Edwin Fell|Patrick E. Fell]]'''}}
−
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Geoffrey Schomberg Arbuthnot|Geoffrey S. Arbuthnot]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Seawolf (1918)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Seawolf'']]'''<br>13 Dec, 1927<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref> &ndash; Dec, 1928<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Donal Scott McGrath|Donal S. McGrath]]'''}}
+
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Thomas Charles Carpenter Bolster|Thomas C. C. Bolster]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Seawolf (1918)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Seawolf'']]'''<br>13 Dec, 1927<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref> &ndash; Dec, 1928<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Donal Scott McGrath|Donal S. McGrath]]'''}}
−
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Henry Percy Boxer|Henry P. Boxer]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Windsor (1918)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Windsor'']]'''<br>Dec, 1928<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref> &ndash; 11 Nov, 1929<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Austen Gerald Lilley|Austen G. Lilley]]'''}}
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{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Victor Hilary Danckwerts|Victor H. Danckwerts]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Windsor (1918)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Windsor'']]'''<br>Dec, 1928<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref> &ndash; 11 Nov, 1929<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[John Gerald Yerburgh Loveband|John G. Y. Loveband]]'''}}
 
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Edward Chicheley Thornton|Edward C. Thornton]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Thruster (1917)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Thruster'']]'''<br>14 Apr, 1930<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref> &ndash; 30 Jun, 1931<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Hilary Dorsett Owen|Hilary D. Owen]]'''}}
 
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Edward Chicheley Thornton|Edward C. Thornton]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Thruster (1917)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Thruster'']]'''<br>14 Apr, 1930<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref> &ndash; 30 Jun, 1931<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Hilary Dorsett Owen|Hilary D. Owen]]'''}}
−
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''New Command'''|'''[[H.M.S. Decoy (1932)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Decoy'']]'''<br>2 Sep, 1932{{NLJan33|p. 229}}<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref> &ndash; 14 Jan, 1935<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''?'''}}
+
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Evelyn Twysden Wickham|Evelyn T. Wickham]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Osprey (Anti-Submarine School)|Commanding Officer, H.M.S. ''Osprey'']]'''<br>30 Jun, 1931{{NLJul31|p. 257}}|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Edward Stephen Fogarty Fegen|Edward S. F. Fegen]]'''}}
−
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Henry Daniel Pridham-Wippell|Henry D. Pridham-Wippell]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Campbell (1918)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Campbell'']]'''<br>6 Sep, 1935<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref> &ndash; 13 May, 1936<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''?'''}}
+
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''New Command'''|'''[[H.M.S. Decoy (1932)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Decoy'']]'''<br>2 Sep, 1932{{NLJan33|p. 229}}<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref> &ndash; 14 Jan, 1935<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Bernard Armitage Warburton Warburton-Lee|Bernard A. W. Warburton-Lee]]'''}}
−
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Harold Ernest Sulivan|H. E. Sulivan]]'''|'''[[Twenty-first Destroyer Flotilla (Royal Navy)|Captain (D), Twenty-first Destroyer Flotilla]]'''<br>6 Sep, 1935<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref> &ndash; 13 May, 1936<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''?'''}}
+
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Arthur Grey Skipwith|Arthur G. Skipwith]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Campbell (1918)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Campbell'']]'''<br>6 Sep, 1935<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref> &ndash; 13 May, 1936<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Rhoderick Robert McGrigor|Rhoderick R. McGrigor]]'''}}
 +
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Harold Ernest Sulivan|H. E. Sulivan]]'''|'''[[Twenty-first Destroyer Flotilla (Royal Navy)|Captain (D), Twenty-first Destroyer Flotilla]]'''<br>6 Sep, 1935<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref> &ndash; 13 May, 1936<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Harold Hickling|Harold Hickling]]'''}}
 
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Guy Langton Warren|Guy L. Warren]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Caledon (1916)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Caledon'']]'''<br>20 Jul, 1936<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref> &ndash; 4 Nov, 1936<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[John Domvile Auchmuty Musters|John D. A. Musters]]'''}}
 
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Guy Langton Warren|Guy L. Warren]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Caledon (1916)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Caledon'']]'''<br>20 Jul, 1936<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref> &ndash; 4 Nov, 1936<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[John Domvile Auchmuty Musters|John D. A. Musters]]'''}}
 
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[William Scott Bardwell|William S. Bardwell]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Colombo (1918)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Colombo'']]'''<br>4 Nov, 1936<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref> &ndash; 20 Apr, 1937<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Denham Maurice Turner Bedford|Denham M. T. Bedford]]'''}}
 
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[William Scott Bardwell|William S. Bardwell]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Colombo (1918)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Colombo'']]'''<br>4 Nov, 1936<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref> &ndash; 20 Apr, 1937<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Denham Maurice Turner Bedford|Denham M. T. Bedford]]'''}}
−
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Denis William Boyd|Denis W. Boyd]]'''|'''[[Second Destroyer Flotilla (Royal Navy)|Captain (D), Second Destroyer Flotilla]]'''<br>25 Feb, 1938<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Bernard Armitage Warburton Warburton-Lee|Bernard A. W. Warburton-Lee]]'''}}
+
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Denis William Boyd|Denis W. Boyd]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Hardy (1936)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Hardy'']]'''<br>25 Feb, 1938{{NavAppts|24 Jan. 1938, p. 18}}|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Bernard Armitage Warburton Warburton-Lee|Bernard A. W. Warburton-Lee]]'''}}
−
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[John Maurice Mansfield|John M. Mansfield]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Broke (1920)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Broke'']]'''<br>31 Jul, 1939<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref> &ndash; 18 Jan, 1941<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''?'''}}
+
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Denis William Boyd|Denis W. Boyd]]'''|'''[[Second Destroyer Flotilla (Royal Navy)|Captain (D), Second Destroyer Flotilla]]'''<br>25 Feb, 1938<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref> &ndash; 28 Jul, 1939{{ToL|2nd Flotilla Command|Friday, July 28, 1939, Issue 48369, p.25}}|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Bernard Armitage Warburton Warburton-Lee|Bernard A. W. Warburton-Lee]]'''}}
 +
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Leonard Francis Durnford-Slater|Leonard F. Durnford-Slater]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Broke (1920)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Broke'']]'''<br>31 Jul, 1939<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref> &ndash; 27 Sep, 1939{{UBAllyWarship|4279}}|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Bryan Gouthwaite Scurfield|Bryan G. Scurfield]]'''}}
 
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Rafe Grenville Rowley-Conwy|Rafe G. Rowley-Conwy]]'''|'''[[Fifteenth Destroyer Flotilla (Royal Navy)|Captain (D), Fifteenth Destroyer Flotilla]]'''<br>31 Jul, 1939<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref> &ndash; 18 Jan, 1941<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''?'''}}
 
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Rafe Grenville Rowley-Conwy|Rafe G. Rowley-Conwy]]'''|'''[[Fifteenth Destroyer Flotilla (Royal Navy)|Captain (D), Fifteenth Destroyer Flotilla]]'''<br>31 Jul, 1939<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref> &ndash; 18 Jan, 1941<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''?'''}}
 
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Irvine Gordon Glennie|Irvine G. Glennie]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Hood (1918)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Hood'']]'''<br>15 Feb, 1941<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>{{TaylorHood|p. 230}} &ndash; 24 May, 1941<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''Vessel Lost'''}}
 
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Irvine Gordon Glennie|Irvine G. Glennie]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Hood (1918)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Hood'']]'''<br>15 Feb, 1941<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>{{TaylorHood|p. 230}} &ndash; 24 May, 1941<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/137.|D7605548}} f. 136.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''Vessel Lost'''}}
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{{CatKilledOnActiveService|UK}}
 
{{CatKilledOnActiveService|UK}}
 
{{CatTrainEst|May, 1904}}
 
{{CatTrainEst|May, 1904}}
 +
{{CatRN}}

Latest revision as of 21:12, 7 February 2024

Captain Ralph Kerr, C.B.E., D.S.C. (16 August, 1891 – 24 May, 1941) was an officer in the Royal Navy who fought in both World Wars, dying in command of the battlecruiser Hood in 1941.

Life & Career

Kerr was born in Ross on Wye in Herefordshire, the son of Major Russell J. Kerr, J.P., Third Gloucester Regiment. Kerr gained one and a half months' time on passing out of the Training Establishment in mid January, 1909.

Kerr first served in H.M.S. Agamemnon, Invincible and the destroyer Mohawk before joining Bacchante in January, 1911. In mid 1912, he commenced service in T.B.Ds., being borne on the books of Hecla and then Tyne.

Kerr was appointed to the battlecruiser Inflexible on 13 January and promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on 28 February, 1914. His application to join a navigation course was cancelled owing to his defective vision despite his having consulted a specialist. In September, he was sent to Devonport for a short course in gunnery, but then was appointed to the Benbow, in which he would fight most of the war, including at the Battle of Jutland. His visual problems were seemingly more than offset by the favourable impression he conveyed.[1]

In late 1917, Kerr applied to work in torpedo or minesweeping craft. In February, 1918, this resulted in his being appointed in command of the new patrol boat P48.

Kerr was appointed from the patrol boat for command of the destroyer Cossack on 30 April, 1918.[2]

Post-War

On 14 February, 1920, Kerr married Margaret Augusta Currey at St. Mary's Ross on Wye, Herefordshire. He was appointed in command of the destroyer Sable on 1 September, 1920.[3]

Kerr was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Commander on 28 February, 1922.[4]

Kerr was promoted to the rank of Commander on 30 June, 1927.[5]

Kerr was appointed in command of Decoy on 2 September, 1932. He left her on 14 January, 1935 when he was appointed to Victory, additional, for a Technical Course and a Tactical Course.[6]

Kerr was promoted to the rank of Captain on 30 June, 1935.[7]

Kerr was appointed in command of Hardy on 25 February, 1938 and as Captain (D), Second Destroyer Flotilla vice Boyd.[8]

Kerr was appointed in command of the flotilla leader Broke on 31 July, 1939 and as Captain (D), Fifteenth Destroyer Flotilla.[9]

World War II

Kerr was appointed in command of the battlecruiser Hood on 15 February, 1941[10] and died aboard her when she was destroyed on 24 May. Kerr was posthumously awarded the D.S.C. for "mastery, determination and skill in action against the German Battleship Bismarck."[11]

See Also

Naval Appointments
Preceded by
New Command 		Captain of H.M.S. P48
Feb, 1918[12] – 30 Apr, 1918[13] 		Succeeded by
Colin J. L. Bittleston
Preceded by
Aubrey E. D. Moore 		Captain of H.M.S. Cossack
30 Apr, 1918[14][15] – 3 Feb, 1919[16] 		Succeeded by
Thomas W. Young
Preceded by
Torkel Lundholm 		Captain of H.M.S. Lydiard
29 Mar, 1919[17] – 14 Jul, 1919[18] 		Succeeded by
?
Preceded by
Terence A. F. Longford 		Captain of H.M.S. Starfish
14 Jul, 1919[19][20] – 1 Oct, 1919[21] 		Succeeded by
George A. Scott
Preceded by
Cosmo M. Graham 		Captain of H.M.S. Springbok
1 Oct, 1919[22] – 17 Mar, 1920[23] 		Succeeded by
William G. Halliley
Preceded by
Edward B. Hoyle 		Captain of H.M.S. Sable
1 Sep, 1920[24] – 20 Jan, 1922[25] 		Succeeded by
Donal S. McGrath
Preceded by
John D. Harvey 		Captain of H.M.S. Valkyrie
20 Jan, 1922[26][27] – 1 Oct, 1923[28] 		Succeeded by
Hamilton C. Allen
Preceded by
Henry A. Simpson 		Captain of H.M.S. Vanity
9 Oct, 1923[29][30] – 29 Jul, 1925[31] 		Succeeded by
Valentine Searles-Wood
Preceded by
Charles R. Peploe 		Captain of H.M.S. Witch
13 Jul, 1925[32] – 22 Apr, 1926[33] 		Succeeded by
Augustine W. S. Agar
Preceded by
Ambrose T. N. Abbay 		Captain of H.M.S. Worcester
22 Apr, 1926[34] – Aug, 1927[35] 		Succeeded by
Patrick E. Fell
Preceded by
Thomas C. C. Bolster 		Captain of H.M.S. Seawolf
13 Dec, 1927[36] – Dec, 1928[37] 		Succeeded by
Donal S. McGrath
Preceded by
Victor H. Danckwerts 		Captain of H.M.S. Windsor
Dec, 1928[38] – 11 Nov, 1929[39] 		Succeeded by
John G. Y. Loveband
Preceded by
Edward C. Thornton 		Captain of H.M.S. Thruster
14 Apr, 1930[40] – 30 Jun, 1931[41] 		Succeeded by
Hilary D. Owen
Preceded by
Evelyn T. Wickham 		Commanding Officer, H.M.S. Osprey
30 Jun, 1931[42] 		Succeeded by
Edward S. F. Fegen
Preceded by
New Command 		Captain of H.M.S. Decoy
2 Sep, 1932[43][44] – 14 Jan, 1935[45] 		Succeeded by
Bernard A. W. Warburton-Lee
Preceded by
Arthur G. Skipwith 		Captain of H.M.S. Campbell
6 Sep, 1935[46] – 13 May, 1936[47] 		Succeeded by
Rhoderick R. McGrigor
Preceded by
H. E. Sulivan 		Captain (D), Twenty-first Destroyer Flotilla
6 Sep, 1935[48] – 13 May, 1936[49] 		Succeeded by
Harold Hickling
Preceded by
Guy L. Warren 		Captain of H.M.S. Caledon
20 Jul, 1936[50] – 4 Nov, 1936[51] 		Succeeded by
John D. A. Musters
Preceded by
William S. Bardwell 		Captain of H.M.S. Colombo
4 Nov, 1936[52] – 20 Apr, 1937[53] 		Succeeded by
Denham M. T. Bedford
Preceded by
Denis W. Boyd 		Captain of H.M.S. Hardy
25 Feb, 1938[54] 		Succeeded by
Bernard A. W. Warburton-Lee
Preceded by
Denis W. Boyd 		Captain (D), Second Destroyer Flotilla
25 Feb, 1938[55] – 28 Jul, 1939[56] 		Succeeded by
Bernard A. W. Warburton-Lee
Preceded by
Leonard F. Durnford-Slater 		Captain of H.M.S. Broke
31 Jul, 1939[57] – 27 Sep, 1939[58] 		Succeeded by
Bryan G. Scurfield
Preceded by
Rafe G. Rowley-Conwy 		Captain (D), Fifteenth Destroyer Flotilla
31 Jul, 1939[59] – 18 Jan, 1941[60] 		Succeeded by
?
Preceded by
Irvine G. Glennie 		Captain of H.M.S. Hood
15 Feb, 1941[61][62] – 24 May, 1941[63] 		Succeeded by
Vessel Lost

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  2. ↑ The Navy List. (February, 1919). p. 766.
  3. ↑ The Navy List. (December, 1920). p. 859.
  4. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  5. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  6. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  7. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  8. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  9. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  10. ↑ Taylor. The Battlecruiser Hood. p. 230.
  11. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  12. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  13. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  14. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  15. ↑ The Navy List. (February, 1919). p. 766.
  16. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  17. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  18. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  19. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  20. ↑ The Navy List. (October, 1919). p. 910.
  21. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  22. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  23. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  24. ↑ The Navy List. (December, 1920). p. 859.
  25. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  26. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  27. ↑ The Navy List. (January, 1923). p. 825.
  28. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  29. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  30. ↑ The Navy List. (July, 1924). p. 279.
  31. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  32. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  33. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  34. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  35. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  36. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  37. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  38. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  39. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  40. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  41. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  42. ↑ The Navy List. (July, 1931). p. 257.
  43. ↑ The Navy List. (January, 1933). p. 229.
  44. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  45. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  46. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  47. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  48. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  49. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  50. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  51. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  52. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  53. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  54. ↑ "Naval Appointments." The Times (London, England), 24 Jan. 1938, p. 18.
  55. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  56. ↑ "2nd Flotilla Command." The Times (London, England), Friday, July 28, 1939, Issue 48369, p.25.
  57. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  58. ↑ Uboat.net page on the ship.
  59. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  60. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  61. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.
  62. ↑ Taylor. The Battlecruiser Hood. p. 230.
  63. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/137. f. 136.

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